Winter shouldn’t stop you getting on the water and you have several options for paddling in the colder months depending on your skill and the likelihood of going in the water. Here are a few things to consider when kitting out for winter.
Footwear
A pair of wetsuit booties is the warmest option. Look for thick neoprene and snug, cozy lining. It won’t matter if you get slightly wet feet – the water will warm up inside and keep your toes lovely and warm. If you can guarantee keeping your feet dry a pair of hiking socks and trainers will also be warm. Get them wet though and you’ll feel it. A nice compromise might be something like SealSkin socks over your hiking socks, and under your shoes.
Wetsuits
Wetsuits are designed to keep you warm when you’re wet. They trap a layer of water between you and the suit that warms up over time. They’re great if your surfing and immersed in the water but less so if you’re stood on a paddleboard in the wind. Sweat is also a problem in wetsuits. If you plan to paddle pretty hard you’re going to sweat. When the sweat chills you’re in danger of getting pretty cold.
That said, if you’re taking it easy, you’re unsure whether you’re going to stay dry, or you just want the reassurance that you won’t freeze if you do fall in, a wetsuit could be the best option for you. We suggest pairing it with a windproof jacket to keep the chill off when you’re standing up. We have a range of good quality wetsuits and jackets to use at no additional charge. If you’re still cold a thin polypro thermal layer under your suit will help.
Dry suits
A dry suit is a waterproof suit with rubber seals at the wrists and neck to keep the water out. You wear thermal layers underneath the same as you would if you were hiking. The advantage is that you’ll stay 100% dry if you fall in the water. The disadvantage is that unless it’s freezing outside, you’ll probably be far too warm as the suits tend not to breathe very well.
Jacket and trousers
If you’re getting into paddleboarding seriously and want to paddle flat water year round, we recommend getting hold of a waterproof jacket, waterproof trousers and a few polypro thermal layers. The key to being active outdoors in the winter is the ability to add and remove layers as you need to – and so avoiding sweating. Palm Equipment design a range of excellent jackets perfect for paddleboarding year round. If you’re on a budget your rain jacket and trousers, combined with some good thermal layers, will work perfectly well. Just remember to wash them out properly afterwards if you take them on salty water. The major disadvantage of this set up is that you’re going to get pretty cold if you do take a swim. Consider a few dry layers in a drybag and a buoyancy aid for added reassurance.
Gloves
We don’t like paddling in gloves as it ruins the feel of the paddle. If you’re keen to wear them though we recommend open palm mitts like the Palm Equipment Talon. That way you still get the feel of the paddle whilst keeping the chill off you fingers.