What To Wear Paddle Boarding In Winter
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Knowing what to wear paddleboarding throughout the different seasons can be surprisingly difficult. Depending on whether you're surfing, touring or racing, experienced paddleboarders may rarely fall in and as such want to wear the most comfortable and breathable clothing possible. However, should you unexpectedly go for a swim, your clothing must be suitable to keep you warm and safe.
Here, professional paddleboarder and SUP coach Sam Ross offers advice on the most suitable SUP wear for staying comfortable and safe on the water. Scroll Down for the low down.
SUMMER
Average air temperature: 20°C | Average Sea Temperature: June-July - 12-14°C, August-September -14-15°C
SURF
3/2 Full length wetsuit, or in the warmest months a shorty wetsuit or 2mm neoprene top and board shorts. Bare feet. Straight surf leash
RECREATIONAL / TOURING
Quick dry shorts, base layer top or t-shirt. Possibly an extra layer depending on weather. Top layer or light weight waterproof. Bare feet, or neoprene shoes if getting in and out of rivers. Coiled leash and Personal Flotation Device or gas inflatable aid.
RACING
Quick dry shorts, quick dry t-shirt, bare feet. A rash vest or thin neoprene rash vest in more extreme surf environments, or where weather is reducing the temperature a little. Coiled leash. Hydration pack for any races over 40 minutes.
Top tips for summer paddling:
When touring or racing throughout summer, lightweight clothing that will keep you cool when generating heat, but also dry quickly if you do fall in is perfect. In the surf you're likely to be spending more time in the water, so something that will keep you warm but will also offer maximum flexibility for freedom of movement and not get heavy when wet is ideal.
Browse our wide range of Summer SUP Wear
SPRING
Average air temperature: Spring - 12°C, Autumn - 13°C | Average Sea Temperature: Spring - 10°C, Autumn -16°C
SURF
3/2 Full length wetsuit, or into 5/4 full length wetsuit. 3mm neoprene boots or 6mm neoprene boots in Spring. Straight surf leash.
RECREATIONAL / TOURING
Quick dry shorts, base layer top or t-shirt, top layer with possible light weight waterproof. Thermal shorts or dry trousers if a little cooler. Neoprene Shoes boots. Coiled leash and Personal Floatation Device or gas inflatable aid.
RACING
Thermal shorts, short or long sleeved neoprene top. In surf environments, baselayer top in flat water environments. 6 or 3mm neoprene boots. If surf is bigger or temperature is a little cooler then a long john with neoprene top is ideal. Coiled leash. Hydration pack for any races over 40 minutes.
Top tips for autumn paddling:
Overall I like to go for lightweight clothing that will keep you cool when generating heat, but also dry quickly if you do fall in. There is increased need in Spring and Autumn to keep the wind off but also make sure that if you get wet you’ll stay warm. When touring carrying a dry bag with an extra layer or two in is useful should the conditions change whilst you're out. A SUP jacket is perfect for this time of year.
Browse our wide range of Spring SUP Wear
