Are you wondering what to wear when kayaking? Whether it be for recreation or competition, the right clothes can make or break your experience. You deserve to stay comfortable and safe as you explore the sport of kayaking. Here’s what you need to know about choosing the right apparel.
For those looking to take up kayaking, the right clothing is essential to ensure a comfortable and safe experience. With clothes made from specialized fabric types designed for a range of activities, it can be difficult to decide what to wear when kayaking. In this guide, we’ll provide information on the best clothing materials, styles and options for a successful kayaking adventure. From lightweight fabrics that keep you cool in warm weather, to waterproof jackets and gloves for colder weather on longer trips, we’ll discuss everything you need to understand what works best for different conditions and environments. Let’s get started!
What To Wear To Go Kayaking
Having the right clothes when kayaking can make a great difference in your experience. It can mean the difference between being comfortable and safe, or feeling uncomfortable and insecure. Making sure you wear proper clothing for paddling can help you enjoy your time on the water and even help prevent some potential accidents.
The main benefit of wearing the right clothes when kayaking is that it keeps you warm and dry. Many people fail to realize that just like sitting at home, wearing the appropriate clothing for kayaking will keep them warm when they are out on the water. In addition to being a physical comfort, having dry, warm clothes allows paddlers to stay focused and alert when out on excursions.
When selecting what to wear for kayaking, it’s important to think about layers. Paddlers should dress in multiple thin layers which allows them more warmth than one thick layer would provide but which also still allows freedom of movement while paddling. Kayakers should avoid wearing shorts or other items of clothing with a cold fabric because they could quickly become cold in cold weather – always aim for breathable materials that remain relatively dry even after periods of exposure like nylon and polyester blends as well as breathable synthetic fabrics like fleece or wool blend fabric that wicks away moisture from your skin while keeping heat close to your body.
Being prepared with proper outdoor clothing is also vital when considering things such as danger from the sun’s rays, protection from potential collisions, staying visible when in open waters with boating traffic, avoiding abrasions from contact with rocks or wet surfaces and mobility when making rescues or helping others who may be struggling out on the water – all factors one should consider if wanting a safe and comfortable outing on their kayak!
Types of Clothing
When choosing the best clothing for a kayaking adventure, there are a couple of important considerations. Selecting garments that are lightweight, comfortable and easy to move in is essential for an enjoyable experience. Depending on the environment, water temperature and type of kayak trip you’re taking, you may require additional layers of protection from icy-cold water or stinging rain.
First and foremost, when preparing to go kayaking it is wise to wear a life jacket at all times to ensure your safety on the water. A wetsuit or drysuit should also be kept handy in case conditions become extreme or hypodermic symptoms occur.
For recreational paddling on warmer days (above 70˚F/21˚C) where temperatures are relatively mild, a rash guard that fits snugly is often recommended as it will protect your skin from any potential abrasions due to contact with the kayak’s hull as well as exposure to the sun’s harsh rays. Along with this thin layer of protection, board shorts with built-in UPF protections (for ultraviolet radiation) can be worn for additional coverage. Along with board shorts, it is essential that you include thoughtful accessories such as polarized sunglasses, hats and sunscreen in order to protect yourself from exposure to too much sunlight while on the lake or river.
For cooler weather ventures (below 70˚F/21˚C) multiple layers may be necessary for added warmth and comfort during your trip if air temperatures are particularly low or wet conditions persistently plague your paddling journey. Fleece tops and/or skirts provide extra layers for protection against these elements and help maintain body heat. Layering waterproof solids like rain jackets made out of nylon or ponchos can provide further defense against stubborn rains while maintaining breathability and lightweight flexibility while paddling. Keep these multiple layers secured by adding UV-rated headwear such as beanies or other types of hats and waterproof pants like neoprene rubber leg warmers which will prevent lower limb chills while accessing cooler regions of shallow waters near shorelines.
Choosing the Right Material for Kayaking Clothing
When kayaking, it is important to choose the right clothing. Not only will the right clothing provide comfort and protection, but it can also keep you dry and warm no matter how cold or wet your environment is. A good choice of material for kayaking apparel is one that offers breathability, water resistance, quick drying ability, and durability. Here are some suggestions to consider:
- Nylon: Water-resistant nylon provides lightweight warmth and won’t absorb any water, making it an ideal choice for wet environments. It also dries quickly and retains its shape after repeated wearing and washing.
- Cotton: Cotton is a natural fiber that offers reliable breathability throughout a day of activity on the water. Cotton apparel should be washed frequently following use to prevent mildew growth; however, cotton apparel takes longer to dry than nylon due to its high water-holding capacity.
- Gore-Tex®: Gore-Tex® fabric creates waterproof apparel with excellent breathability for intense activities in moist environments. In addition, this fabric offers total windproof ness so you’ll stay comfortable and dry even on gusty days out on the water. Gore-Tex® garments tend to be expensive but offer excellent performance value for serious paddlers looking for dependable waterproofing in their clothes gear portfolio.
- Fleece: Fleece fabrics are lightweight yet warm against chilly temperatures thanks to their insulative qualities which help keep body heat close at hand instead of letting it escape through damp or wet clothes fabrics as would occur with other options/materials such as cotton or canvas type fabrics (even when sufficiently layered). Fleece tends to remain light even when sodden so they don’t weigh you down while shifting through heavy seas or moving paddles over large distances (in order of long journeys).
What To Wear In Different Weather Conditions
Kayaking is an outdoor activity and so you must be prepared for any kind of weather condition. The type of clothing you choose to wear when kayaking will depend on the temperature and water conditions. Here are some tips for choosing the right kayaking clothes in different conditions:
- Cold Water/Weather: In cold weather, you should wear warm layers of clothing that won’t restrict your movement while paddling. Fleece and wool layers such as a pullover or jacket, base layer, and waterproof outerwear are best suited for cold days on the water. Make sure you also have a hat to keep your head warm when out in cold conditions.
- Hot Weather/Sunny Days: On hot days, it’s important to stay comfortable and protected from sunburns while out on the water so make sure your outerwear blocks harmful UV rays. Choose moisture-wicking materials like synthetic fabrics that can easily wick away sweat such as nylon or polyester shirts or shorts with light-colored long sleeves or pants to keep yourself cool and protected from sunburns. Add a lightweight waterproof jacket to avoid unexpected rain showers.
- Wet Conditions: Kayaking in wet conditions requires special gear that provides extra protection from potential hypothermia due to prolonged exposure to cold water. The best choice is two-piece drysuits designed specifically for wet suits as they provide extra warmth by trapping insulated air between two layers of fabric as well as waterproofness among its other features such as reinforced knees and elbows for paddling strenuously through tough waves and white water rapids plus spray skirts that help prevent splashes of cold water entering into the interior of the suit decreasing chances of getting too cold while paddle boarding in wetter weather seasons when temperatures just don’t seem warm enough!
Accessories for Kayaking
Kayaking can be a fun, exciting and challenging water sport that is enjoyed by both experts and newcomers alike. But before you grab your kayak and hit the open water, it is important to ensure that you have all of the proper safety gear and accessories to protect yourself.
Accessories for kayaking vary based on personal preference, the type of surface that you are paddling upon, weather conditions, length of time in the water, and your other chosen activities. To ensure a safe and enjoyable time on the water we recommend customers consider wearing any or all of the following items:
- Life Jacket/Personal Floatation Device (PFD): A life jacket or PFD should always be worn whenever participating in any type of water activity – not just kayaking! Make sure you choose one with straps long enough to go around your body comfortably.
- Wetsuit/Drysuit: While not necessary for warm weather days on the river in a recreational style kayak, wetsuits or drysuits may be preferred by whitewater enthusiasts during colder months. These provide extra protection against colder temperatures while also keeping you buoyant in case of an emergency. Be sure to choose one with good insulation factor, fitment, style and construction.
- Gloves: Another helpful accessory for cooler days or for more aggressive whitewater paddlers is a good quality pair of gloves that are designed specifically for kayaking use (not fishing gloves). Look for those made from durable materials such as neoprene which provide warmth and protection from blisters when gripping a paddle for extended periods of time. Also look out for puncture resistant palm material if crawling through tight spaces is part of your game plan!
- Helmets: Kayak helmets are essential when tackling turbulent waters or during extreme weather conditions to protect against possible head injuries due to bumping into rocks/debris while paddling or unexpected rollovers while surfing small waves/rapids. Look out models with adjustable straps along with chin relief pads designed specifically to keep pressure off sensitive areas like forehead ridges and behind ear lobes where extra padding is most needed!
With these helpful tips in mind we wish everyone a safe paddling experience while enjoying their favorite water activities with friends and family!
Conclusion
Choosing the right clothing for kayaking is vital. You’ll want to ensure that the clothing you wear is thick enough to keep you dry and warm on the river and lake, yet lightweight and flexible enough to provide complete freedom of movement. Your chosen outfit should also allow you to easily access any additional items such as a life jacket or thermal blanket if needed.
Remember that any clothing worn for kayaking should be appropriate for the conditions, be well-fitting and comfortable, offer protection from UV rays if you’re out in direct sunlight and it’s also worth looking into finding waterproof clothes – including socks – if possible. Don’t forget to bring along some additional layers of warm clothing too. Finally, always apply sunscreen before heading out onto the water – check your local health recommendations for duration and SPF levels when doing so.
