Clothing for Cold-Water Paddling
 n calm waters, in mild conditions where the chance of capsizing is low, your clothing needs are fairly simple—add a layer of insulation beneath your rain gear and you should be assured of adequate protection. Read more about
choosing clothing layersfor paddling.
In colder weather, or in cold-water environments where there is a chance of taking a swim, the need for immersion protection increases. Wetsuits and drysuits are your choices for cold water protection.
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- Wetsuits are made of neoprene and keep the body warm by trapping a layer of water that is warmed next to the skin. They are comfortable in moderately cold water.
- Drysuits, which feature latex neck and cuff gaskets to seal out water completely, are the best protection for cold-water immersion.
- Special liners for drysuits and wetsuits plus protective hand- and footwear are available for cold-water paddling.
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Wetsuits
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These snug neoprene garments don't keep water out, but rather trap a thin layer of water next to your skin where it is warmed by your body. The neoprene minimizes evaporative cooling, so once you are out of the water you remain comfortable.
Wetsuits come in a variety of styles: full-length suits, short-sleeve "spring suits," sleeveless "Farmer Johns" and separate jackets and pants. Farmer Johns (sleeveless suits with full-length legs) are among the most popular for moderate-weather paddling since they allow some cooling of the torso. "Farmer Jane" suits are available to fit women.
Wet suits are available in different thicknesses of neoprene. The thickest options are usually too bulky and warm for paddling and are more often used by divers. Most paddlers opt for 2mm or 3mm neoprene.
Polyurethane-coated fleece is another available fabric, best worn when immersion in cold water is less likely. Warm, stretchy and windproof, it resembles neoprene, only fuzzy.
Just like wetsuits, garments made of this fabric allow water in and then warm it next to the skin. The fleece interior makes them comfortable to wear for extended paddling in cool weather.
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Drysuits
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If you paddle in cold water, rough rapids or surf, or you're out in bad weather, drysuits offer the best protection. These one-piece suits are made of nylon with a waterproof polyurethane coating or waterproof/breathable Gore-Tex® laminate. They feature latex gaskets at the wrists, ankles, and neck plus a special zipper or roll-up closure to prevent any water from entering. So even if you take an unexpected swim, you remain dry.
Drysuits provide no insulation so they need to be paired with long underwear or specially designed fleece liners for warmth.
Choosing the right clothing is toughest when the weather is hot but the water is very cold, as is common in northern climates in summer. You need to weigh your desire for paddling comfort against the risk of capsizing and cold-water immersion. If capsizing is a possibility (a long, open-water crossing or rough water, for instance) your best bet is a Gore-Tex® suit that will allow body heat to escape as you paddle. Otherwise, you'll end up getting wet from perspiration.
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Dry Tops
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Drytops feature latex neck and wrist gaskets, often supplemented with protective neoprene cuffs. The waist bands, typically made of neoprene, are double layered to seal with your spray skirt, both inside and out. Drytops can be worn over Farmer John-style wetsuits, or with dry bibs for versatile two-piece systems.
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Dry Bibs and Pants
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These are an inexpensive solution for boaters who wear a drytop the majority of the time, but need the added protection for bigger and colder water in case of an unexpected swim.
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Insulation and Liners
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Insulating layers made specifically for water sports are available. Tops and bottoms of Polartec® Power Stretch® fleece fit comfortably underneath wet- and drysuits or can be worn alone comfortably. This quick-drying, breathable fabric features an abrasion-resistant outer surface that blocks wind, plus it offers a soft, velour interior for warmth.
Full-length fleece liners with front zip entries are popular for layering underneath full drysuits.
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Rash Guards
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These quick-drying polyester/Lycra® spandex blend shirts are frequently worn under a wetsuit to provide protection from chafing. Their SPF 25 ratings also make them good choices for wearing by themselves, too—for paddling, surfing or swimming. Their stretch and form-fitting designs allow freedom of movement.
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Accessories
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Hats
If you're expecting cold weather, pack an insulated hat as well. Popular options include fleece or wool caps and face masks, lightweight balaclavas, and even full neoprene hoods for extremely challenging routes in cold conditions.
Gloves
In cooler conditions, you'll need to bring along gloves or mittens. Make sure they're durable and water-resistant. Paddling gloves made of neoprene, nylon or Lycra® spandex provide good grip and good protection without impairing your paddle control.
Hand protectors called "pogies" are also available to paddlers. These neoprene or nylon covers fasten over your hands and around the paddle shaft without interfering with your grip.
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Footwear
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In warm weather and water, wet feet are rarely a serious problem. Sport sandals, water slippers, or even old tennis shoes work just fine. In colder conditions, wet feet mean cold feet. You can keep them completely dry in calf-high rubber boots or with Gore-Tex® socks worn inside boots or shoes. Or opt for thick-soled neoprene booties which will allow your feet to get wet but will keep them warm.
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