Spring Sessions Are ON! Get Ready for Cold Water Stoke
Winter’s finally loosening its grip, the wind is picking up, and Lake Michigan is calling. It’s time to shake off the cabin fever, pump up those kites, and dive into spring sessions. But there’s just one thing—while the air might feel warmer, the water? Yeah, it’s still ice-cold.
No worries. Cold water isn’t a deal-breaker—it’s just something to prepare for. With the right wetsuit, a few smart habits, and a little pre-session planning, you can send it in spring without freezing your stoke off.
Riding in cold water isn’t just about survival; it’s a badge of honor. If you can handle early-season Midwest conditions, you’ll be stronger, more confident, and ready to charge into peak summer riding while everyone else is still shaking off the rust.
And when it comes to gearing up, Stoke Riders has you covered. From 4/3mm and 5/4/3mm wetsuits to neoprene boots, gloves, and floatation vests, we’ve got everything you need to stay warm, ride longer, and keep the stoke high.
Spring is here, and while the wind is back, so is the chill. If you’re itching to ride but the water’s still icy, this is your go-to guide for what to wear kiteboarding in cold water, how to stay warm while kiting in spring, and exactly which gear will get you through those first crisp sessions across Chicago and the Southwest Michigan coast.
Whether you're launching off Montrose Beach, chasing wind in Hammond, or heading up the coast to New Buffalo, St. Joseph, South Haven, or Holland, we’ve got you dialed. Looking for the best cold water wetsuits for spring kiteboarding, or need a quick Kiteboarding Lake Michigan coast spring wetsuit guide? You’re in the right spot.
We’ll walk through spring kiteboarding tips for cold mornings, share our picks for Michigan cold water kiteboarding essentials 2025, and break down the best wetsuits for early season kitesurf in Chicago. This is your hit list for spring cold water gear for cold water sessions—because the stoke doesn’t wait for summer.
👉 Ready to ride? Let’s break down exactly what you need for a safe and epic start to the season.
Why a Wetsuit Is Your Best Friend in Cold Water
Spring riding on Lake Michigan is all about embracing the cold—without letting it shut you down. And your #1 defense? A solid wetsuit.
A good wetsuit isn’t just about comfort—it’s what lets you ride longer, stay stronger, and actually enjoy those early-season sessions. Without one, cold water can sap your energy, slow your reflexes, and even put you at risk if you’re not prepared.
What Happens Without a Wetsuit?
😱 Cold Water Shock – That First Hit Hits Different
Ever jumped into a freezing lake and felt like your lungs locked up? That’s cold water shock—an automatic gasp reflex triggered by sudden temperature drops. If you’re not prepared, it can throw off your breathing, make you tense up, and even lead to panic.
💡 Pro Tip: Avoid the shock by splashing your face and hands with water before launching. It helps your body adjust before the full plunge.
❄️ Core Heat Loss – The Silent Session Killer
Cold water steals body heat 25x faster than air. Without insulation, your muscles lose warmth, fatigue faster, and don’t respond as well—making it harder to edge, jump, and react.
💡 Pro Tip: Even if the air feels warm, water temperatures lag behind by weeks. In April, Lake Michigan is still hovering around 40-50°F (4-10°C)—which means full coverage is a must.
💪 Energy Drain – Warm Riders Ride Harder
Cold muscles work twice as hard just to keep moving. The result? Shorter, sluggish sessions that leave you exhausted way faster than usual.
💡 Pro Tip: A good wetsuit locks in heat, protects your muscles, and keeps your energy high, so you can focus on riding—not just surviving.
Choosing the Right Wetsuit for Lake Michigan
Not all wetsuits are built for Midwest cold-water riding. Here’s what you need to look for:
🔥 Best Thickness for Spring: 4/3mm vs. 5/4/3mm
✔ 4/3mm Wetsuits – Great for mild spring days (50-60°F water temps). Offers flexibility without too much bulk.
✔ 5/4/3mm Wetsuits – A must for colder sessions (40-50°F water temps). Extra warmth, but still flexible enough to move freely.
💡 Need help choosing? Check out our [Wetsuit Guide] for Lake Michigan riders.
🛑 Sealed vs. Unsealed Wetsuits – Why It Matters
✔ Sealed & Taped Seams – Blocks water from flushing in, keeping you warmer for longer.
✔ Unsealed Wetsuits – Fine for warmer waters, but in cold conditions, they let too much water in—meaning you’ll get chilled fast.
🧤 Why Boots, Gloves & Hoods Are a Game-Changer
Your hands and feet feel the cold first—and if they go numb, your session is done.
✔ Boots (5mm) – Keeps your feet warm & grippy on the board.
✔ Gloves (3-5mm) – Protects fingers from losing dexterity.
✔ Hood – Cuts wind chill and traps heat where it matters most.
💡 Pro Tip: A hooded wetsuit is the best one-and-done solution—keeps your core and head warm without needing a separate hood.
👉 🔗 Shop Wetsuits & Cold Water Gear Here
Smart Cold-Water Riding Tips (Because Stoke > Struggle)
Riding in cold water isn’t just about having the right gear—it’s about riding smart. Whether you’re a seasoned shredder or testing the early-season waters for the first time, these tips will help you stay warm, stay safe, and stay stoked.
⏳ 1. Wait for Warmer Temps if You’re New
Cold water riding isn’t a race—if you’re still getting comfortable with your skills, waiting for late spring or early summer is a smart move.
✔ April & May – Water is still brutally cold (40-50°F). New riders should wait.
✔ June & July – Temps hit 50-65°F, making for a much better learning environment.
💡 Pro Tip: "Riding cold water is fun—but only if you're comfortable. If you’re still dialing in your skills, wait for June.”
🛟 2. Ride with Friends – Never Solo in Cold Water
Cold water sessions = more risk, less room for error. Having a crew isn’t just fun—it’s smart.
✔ Go out with a buddy – Keep an eye on each other.
✔ Set time limits – 45-minute sessions are golden.
✔ Use the “Check-In” Rule – Every 15-20 minutes, do a quick thumbs-up check with your crew.
💡 “Nothing beats a solid crew hyping each other up and keeping things safe.”
🔥 3. Keep Warm Water on Hand for a Quick Heat Boost
A simple jug of warm water in your car = game changer.
✔ Pour it in your wetsuit before launching—instant warmth boost.
✔ Keep a Thermos of hot tea or coffee for post-session recovery.
✔ Pro hack: Fill a hot water bottle and tuck it in your wetsuit between sessions.
💡 "It sounds simple, but this trick can turn a brutal session into an awesome one.”
❄️ 4. Know Your Limits & Call It Before You’re Toast
Shivering, sluggishness, or slow reaction time? That’s your cue to stop.
✔ Watch for early signs of cold stress – Shivering, stiff hands, slower reactions.
✔ Quit before you’re exhausted – Cold water drains energy faster than you think.
✔ Always finish strong – Ending on a high note keeps the stoke high for next time.
💡 "The best riders know when to send it and when to pack it in.”
Must-Have Cold Water Gear – Ride Longer, Stay Warmer
If you want to maximize your session time and actually enjoy early-season riding, dialing in your cold water gear setup is essential. The right gear keeps you warm, flexible, and protected, so you can focus on shredding—not shivering.
🦾 Full Wetsuits – The Ultimate Spring Essential
Your wetsuit is your first line of defense against cold water. Pick the right thickness, and you’ll ride longer, stay warmer, and have way more fun.
✔ 4/3mm Wetsuits – Ideal for mid-spring sessions (50-60°F water temps).
✔ 5/4/3mm Wetsuits – A must-have for early spring (40-50°F water temps).
✔ Sealed & Taped Seams – Locks in heat and prevents cold water flush.
💡 Pro Tip: A hooded wetsuit is a game-changer—it keeps your core & head warm without needing a separate hood.
🦶 Boots, Gloves & Hoods – Keep the Numbness Away
Your feet and hands feel the cold first—and once they go numb, your session is over.
✔ Boots (5mm Neoprene) – Keep feet warm & grippy on the board.
✔ Gloves (3-5mm) – Essential for finger dexterity & grip strength.
✔ Hood – Cuts wind chill and keeps heat where you need it most.
💡 Pro Tip: Want max warmth? Layer up with thermal liners under your gloves and boots.
👉 🔗 Shop Waterwear Accessories
🧼 Wetsuit Accessories – Stay Dry & Comfortable
Small gear upgrades = major comfort improvements.
✔ Changing Ponchos – Warm & cozy post-session lifesaver.
✔ Rash Guards – Adds extra insulation under your wetsuit.
✔ Wetsuit Cleaners – Keep your suit fresh & flexible for longer.
💡 Pro Tip: Rinse your wetsuit with fresh water after every session to prevent stiffness & funky smells.
Whats the best wetsuit gloves for lake Michigan in the spring? It depends! Our top pick changes year to year but idealy something with a pre curve and built for kiteboarding specifically. check out our current options here.
🛟 Floatation Vests – Extra Warmth & Extra Safety
A flotation vest isn’t just for safety—it also adds extra insulation and impact protection.
✔ Boosts warmth by trapping an extra layer of heat.
✔ Adds flotation for better confidence in cold, choppy water.
✔ Reduces impact when boosting big airs in rough conditions.
💡 Pro Tip: Some kite-specific vests are designed to work with your harness for unrestricted movement.
FAQs – Cold Water Riding in Lake Michigan
Still got questions? We’ve got answers. Here are the most common questions riders ask about tackling cold water sessions on Lake Michigan.
❓What wetsuit thickness is best for spring riding?
✔ 50-60°F water temps → 4/3mm wetsuit (best for mid-to-late spring)
✔ 40-50°F water temps → 5/4/3mm wetsuit (a must for early spring)
✔ Below 40°F → 6/5/4mm wetsuit (rare but necessary for deep winter)
💡 Pro Tip: If you’re in doubt, go thicker—you can always cool off, but once you’re cold, it’s game over.
❓How long can I ride in cold water before getting too cold?
✔ With the right wetsuit (4/3mm or 5/4/3mm) → 60-90 minutes per session
✔ Without gloves, boots, or hood → 30-45 minutes before cold sets in
✔ If you start shivering → End the session immediately
💡 Pro Tip: Set a timer on your watch to check in every 45 minutes—staying warm is all about prevention, not reaction.
❓Can I ride without boots & gloves in April?
🚫 Nope. April water temps are still in the 40s, which means instant numb hands & feet.
✔ Boots (5mm) → Keep your feet warm & improve grip.
✔ Gloves (3-5mm) → Protect hands from freezing & losing dexterity.
✔ Hood → Blocks wind chill & keeps body heat in.
💡 Pro Tip: Cold hands = no bar control. Gloves are essential if you want to ride longer.
❓What’s the best way to warm up after a cold-water session?
✔ Get dry immediately → Change out of your wetsuit ASAP.
✔ Layer up → Put on warm, dry clothes (hoodies, beanies, and thick socks).
✔ Hot drinks → A Thermos of tea, coffee, or hot chocolate = next-level warmth.
✔ Warm water jug hack → Pour warm water on your hands & feet before changing.
💡 Pro Tip: Keep a dry wetsuit towel or poncho in your car—it makes changing faster & way more comfortable.
Stoke Up & Gear Up – Get Ready for Spring Sessions!
Spring is here, and cold water isn’t stopping the stoke. With the right wetsuit, smart riding habits, and a few pro-level hacks, you’ll be ripping sessions while others are still waiting for summer.
🔥 Final Checklist for Cold Water Riding Success:
✅ Dial in your wetsuit – 4/3mm or 5/4/3mm is your springtime MVP.
✅ Boots, gloves & hood? Non-negotiable. Keep your extremities warm.
✅ Ride with a crew. Cold water sessions = better & safer with friends.
✅ Know your limits. Stay warm, take breaks, and call it before you’re toast.
✅ Hot water jug trick. Keep a Thermos ready for instant post-session warmth.
🎯 Now’s the time to gear up & send it! Stoke Riders has everything you need to ride longer and stay warm this season.
👉 📌 Shop Stoke Riders’ cold water collection & ride longer this spring!
🚀 See you on the water—cold, but never out!
Written by Ryan "Rygo" Goloversic:
Rygo is a globally recognized kiteboarder, digital marketing expert and an advocate for wakestyle kiteboarding. An avid waterman, he's passionate and knowledgeable about all things watersports from wing foil to wake. When he's not writing articles, you can catch him competing on the KPLxGKA world tour or grinding it out in the gym.