What to Wear Kayaking: Essential Guide to Paddling Attire in 2024
Did you know that hypothermia can occur in water as warm as 70°F (21°C)? That’s why choosing the right kayaking attire isn’t just about comfort – it’s about safety! Whether you’re planning your first paddle or you’re a seasoned kayaker, dressing appropriately can make the difference between an incredible day on the water and a miserable (or even dangerous) experience. I’ve spent countless hours testing different kayaking gear combinations, and I’m here to share everything you need to know about staying comfortable and protected on your next paddling adventure.
Essential Base Layers for Kayaking
Let me tell you about one of the most important lessons I learned during my early days of kayaking – and boy, was it a chilly one! I still remember heading out on Lake Michigan in early spring wearing a cotton t-shirt under my gear. Big mistake. HUGE mistake, actually.
You know what happens when cotton gets wet? It stays wet. And when you’re out on the water for hours, that’s basically like wearing an ice pack. I spent that entire trip shivering and miserable, while my more experienced paddling buddy stayed toasty warm in her proper base layers. That day taught me more about kayaking comfort than any guidebook could.
Here’s what I’ve learned about base layers after years of paddling in everything from scorching summer days to those crisp autumn mornings when the mist is still rising off the water.
First up, let’s talk about synthetic materials because they’re absolute game-changers. Polypropylene and polyester are your best friends on the water. These materials wick moisture away from your skin faster than you can say “paddle stroke.” I’ve found that brands like Under Armour and Patagonia make fantastic synthetic base layers that hold up even after countless washings and adventures.
For those shoulder season paddles – you know, those tricky spring and fall days when the temperature can’t make up its mind – merino wool is worth every penny. It’s pricier than synthetics, but here’s why I swear by it: merino keeps you warm even when it’s damp, and somehow (I’m still amazed by this) it doesn’t get stinky like synthetic materials can. SmartWool and Icebreaker make some fantastic merino pieces that I’ve tested extensively.
Speaking of seasons, let me break down what’s worked best for me:
Summer kayaking calls for lightweight, UPF-rated synthetic shirts. I learned this the hard way after getting sunburned right through a regular t-shirt. These days, I go for something like the Columbia Omni-Wick series – they’re thin enough to keep you cool but protective enough to matter.
For spring and fall, I’ve found that a medium-weight merino base layer under a lightweight fleece is the sweet spot. The key is making sure everything fits snugly without restricting movement. Nothing worse than trying to do a wet exit with bunched-up clothing!
Winter paddling (yes, some of us are that crazy!) requires serious layering strategy. I start with a heavy-weight synthetic or merino base layer, add an insulating middle layer, and top it off with a waterproof shell. The base layer needs to be absolutely snug – any gaps will create cold spots that’ll have you heading back to shore early.
One thing that took me forever to figure out was the importance of having dedicated paddling base layers. Sure, you could use your regular workout gear, but purpose-built paddling base layers have features like higher necks, longer torsos (to stay tucked in), and reinforced seams that really make a difference during long days on the water.
The most crucial tip I can share? Always, always pack a spare base layer in a dry bag. Trust me on this one – whether you flip your kayak or just work up a sweat, having a dry layer to change into can turn a potentially miserable experience into just another great day on the water.
And here’s something they don’t tell you in the kayaking guides: get your base layers a tiny bit tighter than you think you need. They’ll loosen up with use, and tight is better than baggy when you’re trying to stay warm and dry on the water.
Seasonal Kayaking Attire
Alright, let me share what I’ve discovered about dressing for kayaking throughout the seasons, and trust me – I’ve made pretty much every mistake you can imagine while figuring this out!
Let’s start with summer, since that’s when most folks get started with paddling. One gorgeous July morning, I headed out wearing just swim shorts and sunscreen, thinking I was totally prepared. By noon, my shoulders were lobster-red despite the sunscreen, and I had weird sunburn patches where the water had reflected onto my legs. Now I know better!
For summer kayaking, the key is lightweight coverage. I’ve found that a long-sleeve rashguard (UPF 50+) is absolutely essential – it’s like wearing sunscreen that never wears off. Look for ones with thumb holes to protect the backs of your hands while paddling. I pair this with quick-dry paddling shorts that have a slightly longer inseam to protect my thighs from both sun and seat chafing (learned that one the hard way!).
Water shoes are non-negotiable in summer, and here’s why: I once tried wearing regular water sandals, and halfway through the trip, I had to paddle to shore because of all the tiny pebbles that had worked their way in. Now I use closed-toe water shoes with good drainage. The NRS Kinetic water shoes have been my go-to for three seasons straight.
Spring and fall are the trickiest seasons to dress for, and they’re when most paddlers get into trouble with their clothing choices. The air might feel warm, but that water is still holding onto its winter chill. During these seasons, I always follow the 120-degree rule – if the combined air and water temperature is less than 120°F, I wear insulating layers.
I typically start with a moisture-wicking base layer, add a fleece mid-layer, and top it with a splash jacket. The real game-changer for transitional seasons? A pair of paddling pants with gaskets at the ankles. They keep you dry even when the waves are splashing, and they’re much more comfortable than a full dry suit when it’s not quite cold enough for one.
Now, winter kayaking – this is where things get serious, and it’s absolutely crucial to get it right. After experiencing mild hypothermia during an early winter paddle (despite thinking I was properly dressed), I developed a foolproof system. It starts with heavy-weight thermal base layers – top and bottom. Add a thick fleece mid-layer, then a full dry suit. Not a semi-dry suit, not paddling separates – a proper dry suit with latex gaskets and reinforced seats and knees.
The thing about winter paddling that most beginners don’t realize is that you need to dress for immersion. The air might be 45°F, but if that water is 33°F, you need to be prepared to survive in it for at least 30 minutes. I always pack a warm hat that fits under my helmet, and I keep spare gloves in a dry bag because cold hands can make self-rescue nearly impossible.
Here’s a pro tip about water temperature versus air temperature that took me years to fully appreciate: always check both, but dress for the water temperature. On my local lakes, we can have 75°F air temperatures in early spring, but the water might still be in the low 50s. That’s when it’s tempting to dress too lightly, but the water temperature should always be your primary concern.
I’ve started keeping a small thermometer in my PFD pocket to check water temperatures throughout the day. This helps me anticipate when I might need to add or remove layers, especially on longer trips where conditions can change significantly. And speaking of changes – I always pack at least one complete change of clothes in a dry bag, even in summer. Because sometimes Mother Nature has other plans for your paddling adventure!
Remember, the best kayaking outfit is the one that keeps you safe and comfortable enough to focus on enjoying your time on the water. Don’t get too caught up in brand names or fancy gear – focus on the fundamentals of layering and appropriate protection for the conditions you’re paddling in.
Required Safety Gear and Protective Clothing
Let me tell you about the day I learned just how important proper safety gear really is. I was out on a seemingly calm lake when a speedboat zoomed by, creating a wake that flipped my kayak. Thank goodness I was wearing my properly fitted PFD – though I hadn’t always been so careful about that!
The thing about PFDs that most people don’t get right away (and I sure didn’t) is that fit is everything. When I first started kayaking, I borrowed an old life jacket from a friend. Sure, it technically “fit” – if by fit you mean I could get it zipped up! But during that flip, I learned that a properly fitted PFD shouldn’t ride up past your ears when you’re in the water. These days, I make sure my PFD passes the “pull up” test: if someone can pull it up past your nose while it’s properly tightened, it’s too loose.
Let’s talk specifics about PFDs because this stuff really matters. You want a Type III PFD specifically designed for paddling – they have larger arm holes for better mobility and shorter torsos so they don’t bunch up when you’re sitting. After trying several brands, I’ve found that the ones with adjustable shoulder straps and side panels make a huge difference in getting that perfect fit. The Astral YTV and NRS Ninja are fantastic options that I’ve personally tested in various conditions.
Now, about sun protection – and boy, do I have some stories about learning this the hard way! You haven’t lived until you’ve experienced sunburn on your scalp through your hair (ouch!). A good wide-brimmed hat is essential, but here’s the trick: it needs a chin strap. I lost three hats to the wind before figuring that out. These days, I use a hat with UPF 50+ protection and a break-away chin strap – safety first, but you don’t want it becoming a hazard if you flip.
Sunglasses aren’t just about looking cool on the water (though that’s a nice bonus). They need to be polarized to cut glare, and – this is super important – they need to float! I learned this expensive lesson when my designer sunglasses sank to the bottom of the lake. Now I use floating sunglasses with a croakie strap, and I haven’t lost a pair since.
Footwear is something that changes depending on where you’re paddling, and I’ve tried pretty much everything. For rocky areas, I swear by closed-toe water shoes with thick soles. After slicing my foot on a sharp rock while wearing thin water shoes, I learned that the extra protection is worth every penny. For sandy beaches and warm weather, neoprene water boots work great. They protect your feet from hot sand and provide enough grip for launching and landing.
Let’s chat about splash gear because this is where things get interesting. A decent splash jacket isn’t just about keeping you dry – it’s about maintaining your core temperature. I remember one spring day when the air was warm but the water was still cold. My splash jacket saved the day when waves started breaking over the bow. The key features to look for are adjustable neck and wrist closures, and a waist that can be tightened to prevent water from sneaking up under the jacket.
Spray skirts are like insurance policies – you might not need them every time, but when you do, you’re really glad you have one! They come in different sizes and materials, and choosing the right one depends on your kayaking style and conditions. For recreational paddling on calm waters, a nylon spray skirt is fine. But if you’re dealing with choppy conditions or doing coastal kayaking, a neoprene skirt with a tight tunnel is worth the investment.
One thing I’ve learned about spray skirts – practice putting them on and, more importantly, taking them off before you get on the water. There’s a grab loop at the front for a reason, and you should be able to find it and pull it without looking. I practice this at the start of every season, because muscle memory could literally save your life if you need to wet exit.
The most valuable lesson I’ve learned about safety gear? It’s only good if you’re actually wearing it properly. The best PFD in the world won’t help if it’s stuffed in your hatch, and the fanciest spray skirt won’t keep you dry if it’s not attached correctly. Take the time to learn your gear on flat water in safe conditions – you’ll be glad you did when things get choppy!
Weather-Specific Kayaking Accessories
Let me tell you about the day I learned the true value of proper weather gear – and it’s probably not the lesson you’re expecting! It was a perfectly sunny morning when I launched my kayak, but I had finally invested in proper dry storage. Just three hours later, when an unexpected storm rolled in, I discovered that having the right accessories isn’t just about comfort – it’s about safety.
The first thing any kayaker needs to master is waterproof storage. After watching my phone die a watery death on my second kayaking trip (despite being in a regular Ziploc bag), I’ve become something of a dry bag evangelist. Here’s what I’ve learned: you need at least three different sizes of dry bags. I use a large 20-liter bag for spare clothing and emergency gear, a medium 10-liter for snacks and first aid supplies, and a small 5-liter for electronics and car keys.
Pro tip about dry bags that took me way too long to figure out: the roll-top ones need at least three full rolls to be properly waterproof. And here’s something they don’t tell you in the marketing materials – get bright colored ones! Makes it so much easier to find what you need when you’re digging through your hatches.
Let’s talk about emergency layers because Mother Nature loves to throw curveballs. I always pack what I call my “weather kit” in a separate dry bag: a lightweight rain jacket, synthetic puffy vest, and water-resistant gloves. The key is choosing items that pack down small but provide serious protection. After getting caught in a sudden temperature drop that turned a pleasant paddle into a teeth-chattering adventure, I learned to never skip this step.
Speaking of gloves – this is where a lot of paddlers get it wrong (myself included, initially). You actually need different types for different conditions. In summer, I use fingerless paddling gloves with UPF protection and padded palms. They prevent blisters and sunburn without sacrificing dexterity. For colder conditions, I’ve found that neoprene gloves with pre-curved fingers are worth every penny. They keep your hands warm even when wet, and the pre-curved design reduces hand fatigue during long paddles.
Here’s a glove trick I wish someone had told me earlier: bring two pairs on cold-weather trips. Even waterproof gloves can get waterlogged eventually, and cold, wet hands can turn a great paddling day into a miserable (and potentially dangerous) situation real quick.
Head protection is another area where I’ve learned to be prepared for anything. My basic setup includes a wide-brimmed sun hat with a chin strap for sunny days, but I always pack a neoprene beanie in my dry bag. The beanie is crucial because you lose a lot of heat through your head when the weather turns. After experiencing the chills on a windy afternoon, I started keeping a Buff neck gaiter in my PFD pocket too – it’s amazing how much warmth such a small piece of gear can provide.
Let’s talk about visibility gear because this stuff literally saved my bacon once when fog rolled in unexpectedly. I now keep an LED light firmly attached to my PFD (not just packed away somewhere), and I have reflective tape on my paddle blades and kayak hull. The light isn’t just for night paddling – it’s essential for any low-visibility situation. I learned this lesson when a fishing boat came too close for comfort on a foggy morning.
One of my most valuable discoveries has been the importance of redundancy in certain gear. For instance, I keep a small emergency kit in a waterproof container that’s always with me – not packed away in the hatches. It includes a compact emergency blanket, a waterproof flashlight, and a whistle. Yeah, there’s already a whistle on my PFD, but backups of crucial safety gear are always smart.
Temperature management becomes way easier when you think in terms of systems rather than individual pieces of gear. Every piece should work together – your gloves should be able to grip your paddle while wearing your rain jacket, your hat should work with your spray skirt’s tunnel, and everything should be secured so it can’t float away if you capsize.
Here’s my final piece of advice about weather-specific accessories: do a gear check at the start of each season. Test the waterproofing on your dry bags (I fill them with newspaper and submerge them in the bathtub), check all your clips and fasteners, and replace anything that’s showing wear. Because when the weather turns – and it will turn – you want to know with absolute certainty that your gear won’t let you down.
What NOT to Wear Kayaking
Let me share some hard-learned lessons about what to avoid wearing while kayaking – trust me, I’ve made most of these mistakes myself!
The biggest no-no? Cotton. Just don’t. I learned this lesson on a spring paddle when my cotton sweatshirt got soaked. Instead of keeping me warm, it turned into a cold, heavy mess that actually made me shiver more. Cotton becomes incredibly heavy when wet and loses all insulating properties, making it potentially dangerous in any water situation.
Another rookie mistake I see all the time is wearing flip-flops kayaking. Picture this: you’re trying to launch your kayak from a rocky shore, your flip-flops slip on wet stones, and suddenly you’re doing an unplanned splits move! Flip-flops and loose sandals can easily come off in the water and leave your feet unprotected.
Loose-fitting clothes might seem comfortable, but they can be surprisingly hazardous. I once wore a baggy raincoat that caught wind like a sail and nearly threw me off balance. Stick to fitted clothing that won’t catch wind or tangle with your gear.
Jewelry is another potential hazard I’ve learned to avoid. Rings can catch on equipment, and dangling earrings or necklaces can snag on your PFD straps. I now remove all jewelry before hitting the water – except my wedding band which fits snugly.
Don’t forget about pockets! Anything in regular pant or shirt pockets will get soaked. I lost a perfectly good wallet learning this lesson. If you need to carry items, use waterproof containers secured in your kayak or PFD pockets.
The final thing to avoid? Heavy or water-absorbing materials like denim or wool sweaters. They’ll weigh you down when wet and take forever to dry.
Kayaking Dress Code for Different Activities
- Recreational kayaking attire
- Whitewater kayaking specific gear
- Sea kayaking clothing requirements
- Fishing kayak outfit considerations
Storage and Care of Kayaking Clothes
- How to maintain waterproof gear
- Proper drying and storage techniques
- When to replace worn items
- Tips for extending gear lifespan
Conclusion: Choosing the right kayaking attire is your ticket to countless comfortable adventures on the water. Remember, it’s better to have options and layers you can remove than to find yourself under prepared! Start with the essentials we’ve covered, and gradually build your kayaking wardrobe as you gain experience. Now get out there and explore – adventure awaits!