Stab Recommends: Northern Hemi Winter Edition

Writing about winter gear in the midst of summer’s cruel clutches prompts nostalgia.

On the north-east coast of Australia we’ve just enjoyed quite possibly the last swell before the onslaught of northerlies, bluebottles, brown snakes and backpackers. Meanwhile, our brethren t’up North are gearing up for solo missions, offshores and crisp groundswells. For those north of the equator we’ve compiled a list of useful items to last you through the winter months (although Fleetwood’s forever and the Vans stompers could easily double as snake-repellant boots), dive in.

Bombproof Stompers

If you’ve ever been on a surf trip that involves rain, mud and cold water then you know that value of a good pair of boots. Whilst your dainty mates in their regular daps endure the torture of wet feet, you splash through puddles and fields in the Vans Ultras, with all their ill weather smarts poured into one rugged boot.

Own the cold water surf jaunt.

The Greatest Album of All Time (Big Call)

Greatest, winter album of all time? Nothing goes together like log fires, claret and the sound of the heartbroken Mac falling apart. Let’s pray the Dreams intro on vinyl is the soundtrack to all our deaths.

A hole in the collection that must be plugged.

Hideously Practical Fleece

If you saw this fuzzy Bong zip-up four years ago you’d have thought it was hideous, but now we’re doing the 90s II it’s bang on trend. Maybe it is hideous, we’re not sure, but pack it for a cold water surf trip and you’ll love it ’til your dying day.

Embrace the return of the humble fleece.

Subtly Statement Pants

The kids are wearing loud as hell pants rn, but for the more conservative among us a subtle print’s a great way to interrupt the monotony of denim and chinos. These checkered Banks numbers are the perfect antidote to combat wardrobe tedium.

Banks have always got you covered.

Game-Changing Poncho

Now before you reach for the ridicule, bear with us. It’s a glacial morning in the carpark, the feet-hurtin’ type. Your mates are hopping from foot to foot, awkwardly wrapping themselves in skimpy towels trying to slip into their rubber. You chuck this over your morning attire, fiddle around a little, whip it off fully-suited and you’re off. Don’t knock the poncho.

Try don’t knock.