The Best Clothes for Kayaking

I often get asked what should one wear kayaking or on a SUP?

Clothing for kayaking has similar requirements to other outdoor activities like hiking with some watercraft specifics: You’re looking for versatility, durability and comfort while you’re on the on the kayak or on shore. You’re also looking for protection for sunny and wet conditions (really wet conditions).

We’re going to focus on warm weather paddling – if you want more information on cool or cold weather paddling there are lots of sites addressing baselayers to drysuits. Check those articles out if so interested.

So, what are the fashionable summer paddlers wearing.

For certain conditions, a swimsuit may be all you need – in addition, you be wearing PFD of some type and some type of foot wear. Even so, consider the following.

• Avoid cotton in all layers. Cotton absorbs water and stays wet for a long time; quick-drying fabrics are better. For any clothing layer that touches your skin, go with wicking, quick-drying nylon or polyester (or another synthetic fabric or blend). Wool dries less quickly, but insulates when wet, so is a good choice for cooler or cold conditions.
• Dress in layers, especially on top or what exposed to direct or indirect sunlight. Our season is spring, summer, & fall, but there is still the opportunity to get chilled. Always better to be prepared.
• Dress for the water temperature – not the air temperature, but the water temperature; you can then adjust layers for the temperature on the boat.
• Wear clothes that lets you move comfortably and will be comfortable for long periods of sitting, paddling, and moving on shore. Not too tight or too loose. Kayak and paddling-specific clothing places the seams in different places to avoid chaffing. To help avoid tearing up your clothes, wear fabrics that can withstand abrasions, scratches, water, and sand. We also recommend you avoid wearing clothing with hardware that can rust; water, especially brackish or saltwater, can corrode metal.
• Water Shirt/Rashguard/Top – A quick-drying, sleeved surf/kayak/swim shirt are a great choice. Shoulders and upper arms can be particularly vulnerable to sunburn.
• Water Shorts/swim trunks/bathing suit – Well-fitting, quick-drying shorts, trunks, or board shorts that are good for extended sitting will help you stay comfortable and protected. Note leg position in diagram for sit-in-kayaks – avoid tight/too revealing shorts/swim trunks/bottoms.

• Gloves – Kayaking gloves protects your hands from the sun, wear and tear, and blisters – There are many choices to choose from: half-finger style gloves, to full finger gloves, to neoprene paddling gloves, to armored whitewater gloves.
• Hats and/or neck gaiter – Hats and gaiters provide protection and comfort for your face, ears, and neck. Block sun, glare, and rain using hats that protect your head, face, and neck. We have a few varieties to tryout.
• Water Shoes or sandals with heal strap. You want shoes that have a good wet-grip sole, drains well, and won’t come off if you flip the boat, fall off the SUP or SIT, or step in mud or sand (ankle deep or more is not unusual in the Hampton Roads rivers and creeks). Neoprene or Aqua shoes are a good choice. Swim booties or swim socks may be sufficient for paddle boarding, depending on the launch area.
• Include sun protection! Regardless of perceived cloud cover, a day on the water is a day in the sun. Wear clothing made with UPF-rated fabrics (SPF-50) plus sunscreen (SPF-30 to 50) for reflected UV radiation. Don’t forget your face, ears, and neck – a good wide-brim hat and a neck gaiter can prevent a painful sunburn.