When looking for kayaking shoes, prioritise styles with a chunky rubberised sole as this will protect your feet when entering and exiting your kayaking, and help to stop you from slipping on areas of wet rock. Kayaking in cold waters is a chance to take in a range of unique vistas, from winter coastlines to frozen lakes, but it comes with its own range of unique challenges.
In areas of mildly cold water and cool weather, where the temperature is still cold enough that long term immersion could be problematic, most kayakers wear a combination of waterproof outer layers, such a jacket and pants, over thermal thermal clothing.
Thankfully, there is a range of clothing and equipment that can be used to keep a kayaker safe and warm, no matter how cold the water is. By combining items from the list below, you can keep your core and extremities warm, even if accidentally immersed, and avoid becoming overheated while paddling. Pete is the Owner of Kayak Advisors. Born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, he grew up kayaking, sailing, and partaking in outdoor adventures around the Great Lakes.
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Well, worry no more! Figure out the weather conditions for the area you will be paddling in The first thing to consider when planning your kayaking adventure is what the ambient conditions will be. Type of kayak you will be using? Footwear Specific footwear for kayaking generally falls into two types, neoprene boots and fast drying shoes made from hard wearing materials such as polyurethane or nylon.
Kayaking in cold weather Kayaking in cold waters is a chance to take in a range of unique vistas, from winter coastlines to frozen lakes, but it comes with its own range of unique challenges. Normally made of vulcanised rubber or laminated nylon, the drysuit is sealed at the wrists, feet, and neck.
As the drysuit is totally waterproof and does not require a layer of water to keep the wearer warm, it continues to function in water temperatures below 45 degrees Fahrenheit. The drysuit itself provides no thermal protection and must be combined with thermal clothing to keep the kayaker both warm and dry. There are a few different designs of life jackets that can be ideal to wear kayaking.
A standard Personal Flotation Device PFD can be the most versatile and easy to maintain, as they contain a buoyant foam that will automatically float.
There are two types of inflatables; automatic and manual, with the automatic one inflating on contact with water and the manual one requiring a cord to be pulled to inflate it. These may not always be the best to wear kayaking as they can inflate when you don't need them to. You may be wearing this over dry suits or other clothing, so adjustability can be important. Life jackets that are designed for paddlers will often have larger openings at the arms and will tend to have less flotation at the shoulders.
It can be beneficial to have someone else pull up on the shoulder straps of your life jacket to see if it moves. If it rides up too high and is at the tightest fit, then you may need a smaller size. The back strap and other straps should also prevent movement.
Zippered pockets can be useful for storing smaller items that you want to keep with you at all times, such as your sun protection. Sometimes this will come at an extra cost compared to basic PFDs. The next time you head out on the water you should have a better idea of what to wear kayaking to keep you comfortable.
Try to look for breathable fabrics that are lightweight to allow you to move and paddle comfortably, and keep in mind the conditions! You don't always need special clothing, just good clothing choices and a little research. Now you know the general guidelines for how to stay safer and drier in your canoe or kayak , why not share this with your fellow paddlers so they can learn how to dress for kayaking? And if you have any comments or questions, just let us know.
Get kayak updates, guides, tips, gear reviews and offers sent straight to your inbox! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. I really like how you talk about what to properly wear and how to gear up for a canoeing trip. That is something that I have been preparing to do for a while now.
It would be great if I could find some awesome whitewater rapids or a lake nearby that works well for canoes so that my wife and I can rent a canoe and take it out this summer.
Travelling to the seashore you need to have special shoes for kayaking not to hurt your feet. Use the privileges of living in the 21st century and buy online here and you will save your time and forces! I have had a few brands like Teva and Keen. Not cheap sandals but all give me the same result. I have never has a rash wearing any other shoes.
Any suggestions? Hi Tom. Have you considered water shoes? What Clothes Should I Bring? Before you leave home, ask yourself: - What type of water will you be paddling in? Oceans And Lakes. Whitewater Rapids. Calm Rivers And Shallow Bays. As you prepare for your next paddling session, keep these general guidelines for what to wear kayaking in mind:. Cotton is hands down, the worst choice of clothing material for a kayaker — and should never be worn on the water, period.
Quick-drying, insulating, and moisture-wicking synthetic fabrics — think neoprene , polyester , nylon , and polypropylene — are your safest bet in a wet and cold environment. You feel the sun on your skin, the air is warm, and the warm water is inviting; nothing beats a summer afternoon on the water.
Long-Sleeve Shirt — It might seem counterintuitive, but a loose-fitting, long-sleeved T-shirt made of fast-drying fabrics with polyester webbing can keep you cool and prevent overheating. Another advantage of long-sleeve shirts for paddlers — rash guards being the perfect example — is better coverage and, in turn, a lower risk of sunburn.
If you prefer a longer legged bottoms then a set of yoga pants are a great option. Water Shoes or Sandals — Water shoes, sandals with heel straps, or going barefoot if the conditions allow it — whatever you find comfortable. Avoid flip-flops, though. They might fit the beach vibe, but they slip off easily — and at the most inconvenient times — and offer minimal protection. Always protect your feet!
Wide-brimmed Hat — A wide-brimmed hat is an additional layer of defense against the UV rays for your face, head, and shoulders. Remember to use a chin strap or a cap leash to secure your hat, or it might get blown away with the first gust of wind. Water-resistant sunscreen, with an SPF rating of 30 to 50 , is your best bet. Hypothermia , cold shock, and drowning ; the risks are real and downright fatal. I need you to remember that before you ever consider hitting the waters in the middle of winter.
And in such conditions, your choice of kayaking outfit could — quite literally — save your life. With that in mind, here are some suggestions on what to wear for kayaking in cold winter weather :.
So, invest in a rain jacket with a fleece lining or a drytop. A dry-top will keep the water out but it wont keep you warn — so you will need to wear a thermal base and mid layer underneath it. Layered Long-Sleeve Tops — No one likes feeling cold so a base-layer and thermals made of quick-drying synthetic materials are your first line of defense.
They trap warm air against your skin, wick away sweat, and help regulate body temperature. A form-fitting rash guard, topped with a warm mid fleece layer, is a safe bet.
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