Kayaking is an extremely popular sport, across all seasons throughout the year!
No matter what, you WILL get wet, regardless of what type of kayaking you are doing. This means that what you choose to wear is a major decisiom. Unlike some other paddle sport, kayaking clothing is dependant on the water temperature, as apposed to the air temperature.
Some may find it confusing or difficult about what to wear, but no need to worry because we have a list of appropriate clothing for different seasons; as well as some do’s and don’ts – see below for more!
Here’s a list of the types of clothing you’ll need for kayaking:
- Rashguards – long sleeve and short sleeve, great for sun protection
- Boardshorts/swimsuits – for those warmer days
- Waterproof trousers – for those colder days
- Waterproof spray top/smock – even better with neoprene cuffs
- Hat or helmet – depending on the type of kayaking
- Gloves – better grip + protection
- Buoyancy aids
- Wetsuits
- Drysuits
- Neoprene shoes
What To Wear Throughout The Seasons:
When the seasons change, so will your kayak clothing needs, its always good to be prepared, no matter the conditions!
Spring:
Spring can be strange, and the weather can vary quite a lot.
Even though the air temperature can be nicer and more pleasant, the water doesn’t follow suit. its still a good idea to dress with warmth in mind!
See the list below:
Thick wetsuit (4/5mm+ thickness) – See examples below:
- Typhoon Storm5 wetsuit – A fantastic 5/4mm wetsuit, with smooth skin mesh front & back panels, glued & blind stitch seam construction, highly durable and reinforced powertex knees and a back-zip entry system, perfect for keeping you warm.
- O’Neill Epic Wetsuit (5/4mm) – O’Neill is predominantly a surf brand, although this is the case, there wetsuits are very flexible and the epic range has all the features to ensure maximum warmth – especially the thicker neoprene versions!
Neoprene shoes/boots – See examples below:
- Gill Aquatech Shoe – A great lightweight solution to foot protection on and around the water. Easy to slip on, with an adjustable strap for ankle support, they are constructed with 3mm double lined Neoprene and waterproof seams to keep you comfortable all day.
- Crewsaver Granite Shoe – With a 3mm neoprene construction, it is a warm slip-on style suited to all types of surface watersports. Plus, a handy ankle adjustment with protective anti-snag cover allows for a secure and comfortable fit.
Buoyancy aid – See examples below:
- Yak Kallista Buoyancy Aid – The humble recreational PFD is often overlooked. However, it is at the recreational level that most people experience paddlesports for the first time. So why not make the experience a better one, ensure comfort and security without breaking the bank.
- Helly Hansen Rider Vest – Specially designed for sports on the water. The Helly Hansen Rider Vest is a low-bulk, front zip entry, comfortable buoyancy aid that has become a proven favourite.
Hat/cap – See examples below:
- Musto Fast Dry Cap – This cap provides protection from the sun and dries quickly. Great all round cap in fast dry nylon fabric. A retainer clip ensures you never need lose it overboard! Machine washable. Ultraviolet Protection Factor 40
- Helly Hansen Crew Sun Hat – This is ideal for any outdoor activity where you want to be protected from the sun. It offers enhanced sunlight protection (UPF 40), and its plastic trim helps avoid corrosion from saltwater. The chin strap is adjustable to make a secure fit and prevent the hat from flying off during high winds.
Spray top/Smock/Cag – See examples below:
- Yak Zeus Cag – A high spec cag. If you want your kit to work as hard as you do, while leaving you cool, calm and collected, you’ll want the waterproof, windproof and breathable properties of our DX10K (10K hydrostatic head) fabric combined with wear resistance and a truly sympathetic cut.
- Crewsaver Spray Cag – So, you want to be out on the water and you want kit that works without the fripperies. Waterproof fabric with adjustable collar and cuffs, the Crewsaver Spray Cag is breath-taking simplicity at its best.
Summer:
Summer is by far the most popular time to kayak, sunny days, warmer waters, it is much nicer for everyone and not restricting for those who aren’t committed kayakers year round. Even if the water isn’t quite as warm as the outside temperature, it is quite nice to have the option to cool down!
See the list below:
Rash vest – See examples below:
- O’Neill Basic Skins Rash Vest – World-renowned O’Neill quality at value-driven prices. The Basic Skins offers U.P.F. 50+ Ultraviolet Protection with cleanly designed graphics and minimal seam placement for rash prevention.
- Musto Championship Short Sleeve Rash Guard – Stay comfortable and protected in the Musto Championship short sleeve rash guard, made from UPF 50 fabric with flatlock seams for reduced chafing.
Water shoes – See examples below:
- Typhoon Swarm Aqua Shoe – A budget friendly range. This range is great if you are new to the sport, want to look the part and have all the kit at a pocket friendly price – or if you’re looking for a bit of foot protection in the summer months.
- Jobe Aqua Shoe – With 2 mm neoprene and a thin profiled outsole offering control, warmth, protection and grip in & on the water, these water shoes are true must haves for every water sports lover. Complete your gear with our soft and comfy shoes and keep your feet happy, warm and protected.
Waterproof/neoprene trousers – See examples below:
- Yak Chinook Trouser – Sculpted around the leg for flexibility and comfort – combined with weatherproof but wear-resistant fabrics used throughout, you’re well prepared for anything the water can throw at you.
- Musto Deck Shield Pant – Protection on the seat through its 3mm neoprene construction, while 1.5mm abrasion-resistant nylon overlays ensure durable wear. Moulded rubber DeckShield knee protection absorbs the impact of the hard deck against your knees, while UPF 50 protects from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Enjoy unrestricted movement, comfort and protection from this engineered garment.
Hat/cap – See examples below:
- Musto Fast Dry Cap – This cap provides protection from the sun and dries quickly. Great all round cap in fast dry nylon fabric. A retainer clip ensures you never need lose it overboard! Machine washable. Ultraviolet Protection Factor 40
- Helly Hansen Crew Sun Hat – This is ideal for any outdoor activity where you want to be protected from the sun. It offers enhanced sunlight protection (UPF 40), and its plastic trim helps avoid corrosion from saltwater. The chin strap is adjustable to make a secure fit and prevent the hat from flying off during high winds.
Buoyancy aid – See examples below:
- Yak Kallista Buoyancy Aid – The humble recreational PFD is often overlooked. However, it is at the recreational level that most people experience paddlesports for the first time. So why not make the experience a better one, ensure comfort and security without breaking the bank.
- Helly Hansen Rider Vest – Specially designed for sports on the water. The Helly Hansen Rider Vest is a low-bulk, front zip entry, comfortable buoyancy aid that has become a proven favourite.
Winter:
Winter of course brings the coldest conditions to kayak in. With extremely cold water comes a seriously dangerous hazard.
To be able to kayak in these conditions, you will need to wear water-resistant clothes and plenty of layers to keep you warm while kayaking.
See the list below:
Drysuit – See examples below:
- Typhoon Ezeedon Drysuit – Men’s & Women’s – The Ezeedon is a great entry-level suit where mobility and comfort are key. One of the lightest suits to wear, articulated throughout and the easiest to put on. Perfect for all your water sport needs.
- Yak Strata Drysuit – Waterproof, windproof and breathable. The Strata drysuit draws on Yak’s vast experience in the design & manufacture of paddling specific drysuits. Fitted with a storm collar and stowable hi-vis hood, you stay protected on the water in all weathers. The 3-layer waterproof, breathable material makes sure you keep warm and dry but also stops you overheating.
Gloves – See examples below:
- Yak Open Palm Mitt – Winter paddling can be exhilarating but only when you are warm and comfortable. With the Open Palm Mitt your hands remain warm and unexposed to the wind chill while you retain the feel and grip of the paddle in your hand.
- Typhoon Storm3 Glove – The Storm3 Glove is a great entry level product, just like it’s predecessor the Neo Glove, it features a 3mm neoprene with PU palm reinforcement, ensuring warmth & durability.
Neoprene boots – See examples below:
- Gill Edge Boots – Easy to slip on, with a lace closure system and wide adjustable ankle strap for additional support, they are constructed with 4mm Neoprene and blind stitched seams for maximum comfort and warmth.
- Typhoon Sea Salter Boot – It offers a 6.5mm neoprene, with a glued and blind stitch construction. This is an excellent quality boot at an affordable price to see you through the season and beyond.
Fleece/Base Layer – See examples below:
- Typhoon Drysuit Underfleece– This lightweight undersuit makes a great base layer and is compatible with all Typhoon drysuits. Perfect for surface use or warm water diving alike, this suit gives you all the warmth and comfort you’ll need to discover new depths.
- Helly Hansen Light Base Layer Set – The classic Helly Hansen comfort light baselayer. Lightweight and with the unique Lifa Stay Dry technology.
Buoyancy aid – See examples below:
- Yak Kallista Buoyancy Aid – The humble recreational PFD is often overlooked. However, it is at the recreational level that most people experience paddlesports for the first time. So why not make the experience a better one, ensure comfort and security without breaking the bank.
- Helly Hansen Rider Vest – Specially designed for sports on the water. The Helly Hansen Rider Vest is a low-bulk, front zip entry, comfortable buoyancy aid that has become a proven favourite.
What to Wear – Wetsuit or Drysuit?
Wetsuits and drysuits can be used when kayaking. The water temperature will determine which one you’ll need for your paddling.
Wetsuits are made out of neoprene and are available in different thickness’. They keep the body warm and retain the heat by allowing a layer of water to sit between the skin and the neoprene, making the water temperature match your body temperature. Wetsuits are typically worn during activities that are active which maintains the warmth in the wetsuit suit.
Drysuits keep the wearer dry. They are fully waterproof suits, that require layers underneath them – fleece, base layers etc. to give the body warmth in cold weather conditions.
Both are a essential bits of kit for a kayaker’s wardrobe in winter/cold conditions to help prolong your kayaking session.
| When to use | Pros | Cons | |
| Wetsuit | When the water is so cold that the bodies core temperature is dangerously low, but the air temperature is warm enough. Example: kayaking a large body of water.. | – Flexible
-Available in different thicknesses and types – Can be used if there’s a small hole, torn etc. |
– Can be awkward to get in to, particularly when wet
– Not generally suitable for waters below 7ºC |
| Drysuit | Generally used in cold regions where water temperatures drop below 7ºC. Often seen worn by kayakers in winter months. | – Keeps you warm in extreme cold (with the right layers underneath)
– Highly adaptable to wear kayaking – Very clean, you’re all dry underneath |
– Can be restrictive
– If damaged, they will not do their job – Not easy to get in and out of quickly. |
Layering With Wetsuits & Drysuits
Layering is essential for kayaking in extremely cold conditions.
Wetsuits can be more difficult and limited when it comes to layering, rash guards are a great way to add an extra layer under the neoprene, they are close fitting and flexible so do not interfere with the wetsuits technology and features. If for whatever reason the wetsuit is not feeling warm enough, it may be worth upgrading to a thicker level of neoprene, or even a drysuit.
Drysuits require some sort of layering, a lot of drysuits can be purchased with an undersuit fleece as a way to keep you warm underneath. The best layers to consider are:
For both wetsuits and drysuits, spraytops/smocks can be worn over the top to act as wind barriers and added warmth if they come with a fleece lining.
Buoyancy Aids When Kayaking
Buoyancy aids make sure you’re safe when out on the water, there are some qualities to look out for when selecting your own PDF (personal flotation device):
- Ergonomic design – allows full range of motion, great for paddling to your best ability
- Lightweight – so it doesn’t effect your performance by being too ‘bulky’
- Easy to get on – you don’t want to mess around getting something to fiddly on and off
- Any additional features – pockets, extra adjustments, zip/buckle placement.
- See product below, Spinlock Alto Belt Pack, for something slightly different to the conventional buoyancy aid.
What NOT To Wear
- Cotton – Cotton is slow to dry due to it absorbing water.
- Flip flops – Always wear shoes with backstraps, or shoes that will always stay secure to your feet.
- Anything that is prone to rusting – buckles, zippers or any other hardware on clothing, if exposed to salt water and not made from corrosion resistant materials will rust.