Playing in All Conditions: How Weather Affects Stick Performance
- Ronald Van Gekkehuis
- Nov 17
- 3 min read
Winter is here and British hockey players know that the weather doesn’t wait for anyone — whether it’s a frosty morning match or a rainy evening training session. Have you ever wondered how temperature and moisture affect your hockey stick’s performance?
At Woven Carbon Products, we engineer all our sticks using woven carbon fibre designed to handle real-world conditions. Here’s how different weather types impact your stick — and how to keep it performing perfectly all year round.
Cold Weather: The Frozen Pitch Effect
When the temperature drops, carbon fibre itself stays stable — but the resin layers that bind the fibres can become stiffer.
This means:
Slightly less flex in your shots.
A harder feel on impact.
Potential for micro-stress cracks if the stick is already weakened.
Top tip: Before winter games, warm up your stick (and hands) gradually — avoid taking your first hit with a freezing-cold stick straight from the boot.
Wet Conditions: Water and Stick Surfaces
Rainy matches are part of UK hockey life, but moisture can cause trouble if it seeps into chips or scratches.
When water gets between the layers of resin, it can:
Reduce stiffness.
Create delamination over time.
Add temporary weight from water absorption (especially in wooden or composite sticks).
That’s why our woven carbon layups are fully sealed and tested for moisture resistance — so your stick won’t absorb water, even in heavy rain.
Maintenance tip: After a wet session, wipe your stick dry and let it air indoors. Never leave it in your damp kit bag overnight.
Hot Weather: The Resin Reaction
On those rare sunny UK days (and especially during summer tournaments abroad), heat can soften resin layers slightly.
That can lead to:
A slightly “softer” feel on the ball.
Minor changes in balance or flex over extended heat exposure.
Avoid:
Leaving your stick in a hot car or direct sunlight.
Resting it on tarmac between games.
Store it in a shaded stick bag when not in play — your stick (and your performance) will thank you. The Duo Backpack stores 2 sticks securely, our Matchday Kit Bag, securely stores everything you need with room for up to 4 sticks.
Humidity and Pitch Type
Humidity can also subtly change how your stick feels — especially when combined with different pitch surfaces.
On water-based pitches:
Slightly heavier ball contact from surface moisture.
Stick may feel “grippier” on drag flicks.
On dry pitches:
Less friction = faster ball pace, but less feedback.
Our full range is designed to balance power and feel across all pitch types — maintaining performance consistency, whatever the conditions.
The Science of Stability
At the heart of every woven carbon stick is a multi-directional layup that distributes stress evenly. Unlike unidirectional carbon, which can warp under changing temperatures, woven carbon maintains shape and stiffness in all directions.
That means:
✅ Consistent performance in heat, cold, or rain.
✅ Less risk of delamination.
✅ Long-term durability — season after season.
Whether it’s freezing rain in November or blazing sun in July, your hockey stick faces the same elements you do. By understanding how weather affects performance, you can adapt your play and keep your equipment in top condition.
Every WCP stick is engineered with woven carbon for ultimate resilience — so you can focus on your game, not the weather.
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