Travel: Not Just For Penguins

Before buying a wet suit, try on a few to find one that fits properly. For winter conditions, look for a suit that's five millimeters thick around the body and four millimeters on the arms and legs, such as the Ignite Hyperstretch 5-4, made for water temperatures of 36 to 46 degrees ($279.95; quiksilver.com ). Or suit up in the Ultra Hot Combo ($359; hotlineonline.com ).

Warm-water summer surfing will always be more popular, but as surfing continues to grow, more aficionados will seek out far-flung destinations in search of novel experiences and virgin waves. "Who's to say there aren't good waves in Antarctica?" says Mel.

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