How to Play Disc Golf in the Winter Months

Here we are, approaching the disc golf in the winter months, and you see some jerk writing a sonata in the snow. You mean to twist your face to show putrefaction, but it’s cemented into place by the frost. Nothing save the ice-cold wind at your back moves you from the place you’ve just been frozen to the ground.

Sounds bleak. Maybe all you need is a heads-up about how to prepare for the chilly months ahead. Many disc golfing manufacturers take pride in their products’ adaptability to climate. Looking ahead, you’ll see how you can prepare for a warm and happy disc golfing offseason.

SAFETY FROM THE SNOW AND CLOUDS:  Disc Golf in the Winter Months

Whoever said you can’t enjoy a season just didn’t know where to shop.

Tip #1:

Go out in layers, but dress smartly. You could easily wear either a long-sleeved shirt, a pile jacket and a windbreaker, which will undeniably keep you warm, or you could wear a wool shirt and a parka. But keep in mind that you still need to move. The former gives you the ability to move more comfortably, and the airflow will let you ventilate easier. Better still, layer up with a Dude Tech Arms and feel the benefits of a compression shirt.

Tip #2:

Wear something waterproof on your feet. If you catch yourself wading through knee-high snow, wear some shoes that won’t have water seeping into them. This can turn your pleasant day out into a nightmare. Team them up with some double layered Dude Unstinkable Socks and your feet will stay dry longer!

If you find yourself already slogging through on pruney feet, consider taking a moment to stop at a cage and work on your technique. Of course, standing too long in one place will paste you to the ground, but give your feet a rest for a moment.

Tip #3:

Give yourself a chance to warm up. Make sure you heat up your car before heading out. If you’re automobile-free, take a moment to heat up at your or a friend’s home before walking to the course.

Tip #4:

Give your body a chance to adjust to the weather. Many disc golfers prepare by using a glove on their free hands and leaving the other out, adjusted to the temperature. Your disc is going to get cold after a short amount of time, so keeping your hand acclimated to the temperature will feel a lot less severe on your hand. And when you’re done, use some hand warmers to heat yourself up.

Tip #5:

Research the discs you’ll need for the course. Discs from different companies use different molds, different plastics, and are meant for different scenarios. Discs with rigid plastics will have a harder time adjusting to colder temps. Some discs with elastic plastics will harden and won’t fly like they normally do during the warmer months. RPM Discs offers many discs at reasonable prices that will change the way you feel about disc plastics in your hand. Check them out!

And finally,

PRACTICE ‘TIL YOU’RE BLUE IN THE FACE

All right, don’t take that advice too seriously. You should definitely pick up a scarf on the way out the door, but winter can be a perfect excuse to get out and practice for the tournaments in the upcoming season.

Many golfers choose to travel locally with their discs in tow, keeping their discs in the car overnight to keep the disc at relatively the same elasticity. This could be a perfect experiment in discovering what it is you want in a disc. If you’re a beginner to the sport, find out how each disc feels in your hand. Find a disc that will best fit your climate whether it be hot, cold, windy, or in an insect-infested swamp—and run with it!