I always know when a Cape Town winter has arrived; the usually crowded lines empty as the first swell of the season separates the fair-weather surfers from the madly devoted. The additional neoprene gear is unpacked - hoodie, gloves, booties and your warmest suit - all in a feeble attempt to avoid claw hands and the onset of mild hypothermia.They're the reason for the walrus look in the line-up, which is far from the sexy surf imagery of six-pack abs and Brazilian bums.I would consider myself committed, having surfed for nearly two decades, but after two dozen winters in the water I still haven't entirely embraced surfing in the cold.As much as winter brings consistent groundswell, somehow getting a couple on the head is an easier pill to swallow when the water is warmer.I have to admit that, come winter, I tend to join the Cape Town surf migration to the warmer waters of Bali.I have been searching for swell, so where my desire falls short in the cold it has been made up in commitment to find surf.This past month we have chased swell to Bali and Durban, and it has certainly paid off. Durban delivered with 2m to 2.5m bombs.Cape Town friend Matt Bromley made surfing headlines this week with potentially "the biggest wave ever paddled in Indonesia".I have, however, learnt a few good lessons this winter. Invest in a couple of thick leashes. In bigger surf the swim to shore becomes a lot further and a spare leash in the car gets you back into the line-up quickly.Surf early before the wind picks up. It may or it may not, but why take the chance? Bank one solid session in decent surf rather than spend the morning searching for the perfect waveAnd find a surf buddy. It's awesome to share the stoke with a mate, since no one ever wants to surf a solo dawnie session...