What to Wear for Paddling in Warm and Cold Water

Choosing paddling clothes isn't really about the weather.

It's about what happens if you end up in the water, because on a kayak, canoe or paddleboard, that's always a possibility.

A sunny afternoon over a cold lake is one of the most dangerous combinations in paddling, precisely because it doesn't feel dangerous.

Here's how to dress for warm water, cool shoulder seasons and cold water,

which fabrics to trust and which to leave at home,

and what to pack for the moment you step back onto shore.

Dress for the Water, Not the Air

Water draws heat away from your body many times faster than air at the same temperature.

If you capsize in cold water, the first danger is cold-water shock: an involuntary gasp and rapid,

uncontrolled breathing that can cause you to inhale water, even if you're a strong swimmer.

Within minutes, cold also saps strength and dexterity from your hands and arms,

making it hard to climb back into your boat, and hypothermia can follow.

That's why experienced paddlers check the water temperature, not just the forecast.

Cold-water safety experts recommend a wetsuit or drysuit whenever the water is below about 70°F (21°C),

and water that merely feels cool can still trigger a strong gasp reflex. Local paddling shops,

park staff and water temperature reports can tell you what to expect.

A warm spell in spring is the classic trap.

The air may feel like summer while lakes and rivers fed by snowmelt are still bitterly cold,

so dress for the water you'll actually be floating in.

Fabrics That Work, and One That Doesn't

Leave cotton at home. It soaks up water, dries slowly and pulls heat from your skin when wet,

which makes it a poor choice for any paddling outing, even in summer.

• Synthetics such as polyester and nylon dry quickly and stay reasonably comfortable when damp.
• Wool stays warm even when wet and resists odor, making it a good base layer in cool conditions.
• Fleece adds lightweight warmth and sheds water fairly quickly.
• Neoprene, the foam rubber used in wetsuits, insulates even when soaked, and a snug fit limits how much cold water flushes through.
• Waterproof-breathable shells block wind and splashes while letting some sweat escape.

Warm Water and Sunny Days

When both the water and the air are warm, your main concerns are sun, heat and comfort.

A lightweight long-sleeved sun shirt or rash guard protects your arms and shoulders from direct sun and the glare that bounces off the water.

Pair it with quick-drying shorts or pants,

since your thighs and the tops of your feet catch a lot of sun on a sit-on-top or paddleboard.

Add a wide-brimmed hat with a chin strap, sunglasses on a retainer strap and water-resistant sunscreen, reapplied often.

Thin paddling gloves can prevent blisters on long days.

On your feet, wear water shoes, neoprene socks with soles or sandals with heel straps; launch sites hide sharp rocks,

shells and broken glass, and flip-flops tend to wash away.

Heat is a hazard in its own right on long, sunny paddles.

Drink regularly, rest in the shade and cool off by splashing water on your neck and arms.

If someone develops a headache, dizziness or nausea, get them into shade and cool them down,

and seek medical help if they become confused or don't improve quickly.

Cool Water and Shoulder Seasons

Spring and fall often bring comfortable air temperatures over water that's still, or already, cold.

This is when a wetsuit earns its place.

Many paddlers prefer a sleeveless full-length style, often called a farmer john or farmer jane,

because it keeps the core and legs warm while leaving the arms free to paddle.

Over the wetsuit, wear a paddling jacket with snug cuffs at the wrists and neck to block splashes and wind.

Neoprene booties keep your feet warm at the launch, and a warm cap or neoprene beanie helps a lot,

since an uncovered head loses plenty of heat when the rest of you is well insulated.

Rainy or windy days call for the same approach with extra attention to the outer layer.

A waterproof paddling jacket or rain shell over synthetic or wool layers keeps wind chill at bay,

and a brimmed cap under your hood keeps rain off your face.

Avoid bulky layers that restrict your arms, since a stiff, overstuffed paddler tires quickly.

Cold Water

For truly cold water, a drysuit is the gold standard.

It's a waterproof suit with tight seals, called gaskets, at the neck and wrists, plus sealed socks or ankle gaskets,

so water stays out even if you swim.

A drysuit provides little warmth on its own; the insulation comes from the layers you wear underneath,

such as synthetic or wool base layers and fleece,

chosen for the water temperature rather than how warm the car felt on the drive over.

A thick wetsuit is an alternative in some conditions, though it's usually less comfortable for long days in the boat.

Either way, protect your extremities:

• Hands: neoprene gloves, or pogies, mitten-like covers that attach around the paddle shaft
• Head: a neoprene hood or warm cap
• Feet: insulated neoprene boots with room for warm socks

Gear is only part of cold-water safety.

Take rescue and self-rescue training, paddle with others, stay close to shore and practice getting back into your boat while dressed for the conditions.

A supervised test swim near shore shows you how your clothing really performs before you ever need it.

A Quick Guide by Conditions

Adjust from there based on the day.

Wind, rain, distance from shore and a higher chance of capsizing all argue for dressing warmer, while a long,

hot paddle on warm water means staying cool and drinking plenty of water.

Don't Forget Your Life Jacket

Your life jacket is part of your outfit on every trip, so choose one approved by your country's authority, such as the U.S. Coast Guard in the United States, and fit it over the layers you'll actually wear.

A jacket adjusted over a thin summer shirt may be too tight over fleece and a drysuit,

and one fitted over bulky layers can be dangerously loose over a rash guard.

Readjust the straps whenever your clothing changes.

Pack a Dry Change of Clothes

Even if you never capsize, you'll probably finish damp from splashes and sweat.

Keep a full change of warm clothes, a towel and a hat in a dry bag in your boat or car.

Changing out of wet layers as soon as you land helps you warm up quickly and makes the drive home far more pleasant.

Watch yourself and your group for early signs of getting too cold, such as shivering, fumbling hands or unusual quietness.

Head to shore, get into dry clothes and warm up.

If someone becomes confused, very drowsy or stops shivering while still cold, get medical help right away.

Before You Head Out

Check the water temperature, then dress for a swim in it.

Choose quick-drying fabrics, protect yourself from the sun on warm days and move to a wetsuit or drysuit as the water cools.

Pack dry clothes for afterward, and get proper cold-water training before you paddle when the water is cold, whatever the air feels like.