What are the best clothes to kayak in? When you spend a day out in your kayak, the clothes you wear can greatly influence your comfort and safety. What, then, would be the best clothing to wear while kayaking?
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How to Dress for Kayaking
The best way to dress for kayaking would be to layer your clothing; it will allow you to adjust to changing conditions during the day. To start, a moisture-wicking base layer will keep you dry; you could add more layers as required.
Durability, versatility and comfort are important when it comes to the outdoors. It’s more important to dress according to the water temperature, not only the air temperature. This means you might need to wear a drysuit or wetsuit if the water is really cold to protect yourself if your kayak capsizes.
Essential Gear for Kayaking
Personal Flotation Device (PFD): Always wear a PFD such as a buoyancy aid when you go out in your kayak. It’s more than just a safety measure; it’s also a legal requirement in many places. You can shop life jackets here.
A kayaking helmet: If you’re going whitewater kayaking, a kayaking helmet will be necessary to protect your head from possible injury.
Warm-Weather Clothes to Kayak In
In warm weather, the base layer of clothes you’ll be kayaking in should focus on breathability and moisture management. Lightweight, moisture-wicking fabrics such as polyester and nylon blends can help keep sweat away from your skin so that you stay dry and comfortable. They also insulate when wet. On the other hand, avoid cotton, as it takes a longer time to dry.
The base layer should fit you comfortably and allow unrestricted movement while paddling.
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Tops: A sleeveless or short-sleeve top can cover you adequately without you overheating. Tops with built-in UV protection can shield your skin from the sun’s harmful rays.
Bottoms: UV-protected board shorts should be quick-drying, lightweight and preferably flexible to allow freedom of movement. This moisture-wicking underwear can provide freedom of movement without pinching.
Cold-Weather Clothes to Wear Kayaking
When kayaking in cold weather, your base layer of clothing must be able to maintain warmth and comfort.
The main function of the base layer is to wick moisture away from your skin. This will help to keep you dry, which is necessary for maintaining body heat. Merino wool and synthetic fabrics such as polyester are excellent at moisture management.
To wick moisture effectively, the base layer should fit snugly against your skin but not so tight that it restricts movement. You’ll need to have full range of motion throughout your paddling.
For the upper layers, long-sleeved tops and full-length pants will provide maximum coverage. They will help retain heat and protect against exposure to cold, especially if you get splashed or become submerged.
Because cold water can quickly deplete your body heat, your base layer should be able to dry quickly if it gets wet. Synthetic fabrics are particularly suitable for this. They dry much faster than cotton, which is absorbent and retains moisture.
While the base layer should keep you warm, it also needs to be breathable to prevent you overheating. A balance between insulation and breathability will help regulate your body temperature during your paddling activity.
By starting with a good base layer, you’ll set a solid foundation for layering other insulating garments, ensuring that you stay warm while kayaking in cold water.
Footwear
Sandals are perfect for kayaking in warm weather. Your sandals or water shoes should be lightweight and quick-drying. They should also have non-slip soles to prevent you sliding on wet areas.
Neoprene socks or booties are popular with kayakers. They can be anything from thin socks that are worn with wetsuits or drysuits to waterproof boots that reach to your knee. Neoprene shoes can protect your feet from cold water, rocks and debris. They keep warmth in, which is ideal for cooler weather.
When you go kayaking, you’ll want to be prepared but also to be comfortable. Dress intelligently by wearing the right footwear and clothes for kayaking, pack in essential kayaking gear and you should be safe out there on the water.
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