While people don’t give much thought on what to wear kayaking but weather conditions, water safety and comfort play a key role in making or breaking your kayaking experience.
Once you have a kayak that suits you, it is recommended that you also prepare well for before a kayaking trip. Through this detailed guide, you will be able to find all the essential clothing that you need to wear. Additionally we have also listed items that you need to pack on your kayaking exploration.
Why right dressing is must for kayaking?
Just like hiking and biking, kayaking is also an outdoor adventure where appropriate dressing plays an important role. Image going hiking in a steep wet terrain with casual slippers.
The weather conditions can change quickly and make you feel miserable. It soon becomes too cold when you get wet in cold water in cold weather. And it’s altogether a different experience in summers when the temperatures run high. The clothing that you choose must be durable, comfortable, quick drying and versatile to suit the types of weather conditions. It’s always better to be prepared when you expect to be on the water for long hours requires.
Important Questions to ask Yourself
Always consider these important factors when deciding on what to wear for your kayaking trip.
Q. Water Temperature Conditions : Will you be paddling in cold or warm water ?
Q. Weather Conditions : Is it Summers ? Winters ? Pleasant Weather ?
Q. Distance & Duration : How long and how far ? Will the water / weather change ?
The water temperature is important while kayaking which you may have to consider before dressing up. This is because even with warmer temperatures outside, you might experience discomfort in the cold water which in extreme cases can lead to hypothermia.
Things to keep in mind
Wear more layers
Layering can be the best way to keep your body insulated against changing weather conditions. They help in retaining your body temperature and allow for free movement.
Have a Life Jacket / PFD
For any water related sport / activity , it’s highly recommended to wear a life jacket as they can be life-saving in times of danger. Sometimes, they can restrict your movement in which case a kayak specific life jacket could be a better option.
Avoid Cotton Fabrics
Cotton fabrics must be avoided while kayaking as they absorb water and do not dry quickly. Instead, use nylon or polyester fabrics which are water resistant and more suitable for kayaking.
Waterproof Your Valuables
It may be best to have waterproof cases to store all the essential items such as watch, phone to prevent any damage to your valuable items.
Wear comfortable clothes
Choose clothes that allow for free movement and makes it easy to sit for longer hours.
Protection from Sun
If you are out in the water even on a cloudy day, you might require sun protection with sunscreen.
What to wear kayaking in Cold Weather
In winter, water and air temperatures could be significantly lower than other seasons. It may be harder to stay in water with hands and feet feeling the chill with exposure to cold air conditions.
If both the water and weather conditions are cold, it’s important to wear clothes that can keep your body warm even while it is wet. In such weather, it’s good to be prepared for events such as capsizing in such weather conditions.
Here’s a list of items on what to wear
Dry suit
These are waterproof covering for the body made using vulcanised rubber which are sealed at the wrists, neck and feet. Dry suits are suitable for temperatures below 45 degrees F. You may need to combine them with thermal clothing to keep your body warm.
Thermal Clothing
Its recommended to wear thermal base and mid layers underneath your dry suit especially made up of high wicking materials.
Pogies
Along with gloves, pogies may be used for protecting the hands during weather to protect your extremities at low temperatures.
Thermal hat
Usually, heat loss occurs through the head and protecting your head and face using a mask is essential in cold weather conditions.
Outer layer
A high quality rain jacket and pants would be good to wear to protect against rain or wind.
Mid layer
Use a wetsuit as you do not require to add any layers beneath but a dry suit would be more preferable for cold water conditions. A long underwear made from non-cotton fabric would be the best with a fleece over the top.
Hat
Wear a beanie and cover it with a hat to get warmth and have sun protection.
Footwear
Paddling boots and waterproof socks are ideal for wet and cold conditions.
Spray skirts
Spray skirts are recommended for sit in top kayaks to allow hot water inside and keep the cold water out.
What to carry and wear kayaking in Summer
It’s necessary to have essential clothing during summer to avoid extreme heat conditions such as heatstroke, dehydration or a sunburn. If you are kayaking under warm weather conditions, it may be essential to wear clothes that can protect you from the excessive heat.
List of essential things required for kayaking in summer
Bathing suit
Bathing suits are ideal for kayaking on a warm and sunny day. A nice pair of easy to dry shirt with shorts would be great to carry as well.
Rashguard
A lycra or spandex rashguard can be most comfortable and dry quickly when you get wet. You could even use any quick drying synthetic shirt as well. Avoid cotton as it does not dry quickly.
Shorts
Board shorts or tights are ideal for females as they can be used on the bathing suit and dry fast as well.
Sandals or water shoes
Avoid going barefoot while you are kayaking as there could be metal tracks or fittings that may hurt your feet. It’s best to use sandals or a water shoe as you may require to move in and out of the kayak.
Sun Hat
Always carry a wide brimmed hat to protect your head against sunlight as the scalp is likely to have a sun burn and avoids exposure to the sun.
Long sleeves with trousers
In hot weather, its best to provide more coverage to the body to prevent sunburn or overheating. Choose clothes that dry quickly and help in keeping your body cool and comfortable.
Sunglasses
Polarized sunglasses can help in protecting your eyes against the sun and having a strap attached can help to keep the sunglasses safe as well.
Sunscreen
Always wear a sunscreen to protect your skin against sun damage. It’s recommended to carry a sunscreen with SPF 30 or above which is water resistant.
Spray Top and spray pants
On a cool summer day, spray top can be worn to prevent spray and the wind. Spray tops are non-insulated shell jackets which fits snugly around your neck, waist and wrists. You can pair the spray top along with waterproof pants to avoid build-up of moisture.
Wetsuit
Wetsuits are made from neoprene material and they are the thinnest layers which can be worn directly on the skin. They provide insulation in the water.
What to wear kayaking in mild climates?
Comfy tops
It’s good to have tops which are made using polyester or nylon material clothing which dries off quickly and seek protection from UV rays.
Bottoms
Choose quick to dry board shorts or pants which are comfortable to wear and cab be worn for longer hours. It’s best to avoid synthetic fabric as they may make you stand up or shift constantly.
Outer Layer
Use waterproof jackets or rain pants to avoid exposure to wind or rain. It’s nice to have paddling jackets that have gaskets at the neck and wrists to prevent water drips.
Mid Layer
Fleece jacket or synthetic material could make an excellent mid layer for mild weather conditions.
Footwear
Wetsuit booties made from neoprene are best suited for paddling as they are lightweight and helps to protect your feet. Flip flops are best avoided as they offer less protection and come off easily.
Hats
Wide brim hats or capes could be ideal for mild weather conditions. But you might require a beanie if the weather turns out to be cold.
Gloves
It’s good to carry gloves for protection against adverse weather conditions to prevent slip offs and have a good grip at the time of kayaking. There are plenty of options available when it comes to gloves especially UV protective gloves which are lightweight and breathable. They come in with full finger and fingerless option while the former is compatible for touchscreens.
Optional items that you can carry
Dry bag
Dry bags are useful as they are lightweight, stretchable and can be compressed to pack and carry your essential items such as clothing, if you are planning to stay overnight or on a day trip as well.
Water bottle
Water is essential for any outdoor activity and the same applies to kayaking. The general rule is to have 1 litre of drinking water per person. Make sure your water bottle is accessible and attached in a secure spot in the boat.
Towel
A quick dry towel can be handy while kayaking and could be stowed in the boat that helps you to dry your body.
Whistle
Do remember to pack whistle for safety to call out during emergencies or for managing water hazards. This may be useful to get some help in times of danger.
Snacks
Always make sure to carry some dry snacks such as nuts, chips or dry fruits to munch when you are out kayaking.
Knife
It may be nice to have a sharp tool such as a knife if you have to cut something or loosen some fitting around the kayak.
A set of dry clothes
Carry some dry clothes to help you feel cozy and comfortable when you get wet in the water and change over before you get home.
Cash
It’s a good idea to carry some spare cash or money to buy something if you find interesting or even grab a quick bite to eat.
Glass retainers are essential accessories that you must carry to prevent your sunglasses from getting to the bottom of the sea.
The Bottom Line
This list serves as a guide and a checklist of items that you need to buy helps you prepare and plan ahead for a successful kayaking trip under different weather and water conditions.
