What to Wear When Paddling
How to stay comfortable and dry on the water.
3 Min Watch | Paddling

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[00:00:00.00] Text, L.L. Bean. What to wear when paddling.

[00:00:03.18] Kevin, ODP Instructor.

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[00:00:04.97] Today, we're going to be talking about different types of clothing options to wear while paddling.

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[00:00:08.55] He stands and paddles.

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[00:00:09.59] So the first thing I think about is, where am I going paddling? What's the weather, the water temp, wave condition, and also wind? When I go out on a nice summer day in a warm water environment, the outfit I'm wearing may work. I have a swimsuit on and a noncotton synthetic top. The nice thing about the top is that when it gets wet, it's quick drying and will be more comfortable.

[00:00:30.53] When you head out to paddle on those bright sunny hot days in a really warm water environment, it's really good to have a rash guard, which is great for not only keeping that cooling quick dry material but also great for sun protection when you're out there.

[00:00:44.84] Let's say you're headed out and it's a little bit cooler water temps but a really nice sunny day. This is sort of the next layer of protection you can use. It's a HydroSkin Material, which is like a thin wetsuit. And this is a short-sleeved top and also a bottom that has that same HydroSkin Material.

[00:01:00.74] It's always important to bring a jacket when you go out paddling. Make sure it's waterproof and lightweight, and easy to wear and comfortable. It's great not only for wind, sun protection, and also for rain that sometimes can come up when you're out there. Just make sure if there's thunder and lightning, you're off the water.

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[00:01:15.92] Kayakers.

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[00:01:16.85] For colder water environments while kayaking, this is a great piece you could add to your wardrobe. It's a Farmer Jane or Farmer John Wetsuit, which is a sleeveless wetsuit with long legs. So your core is going to be warm. Your legs are going to be protected. But the arms are missing so that you have more mobility. And you could wear like a fleece and a paddling jacket over that.

[00:01:36.62] When you're in a colder water environment or a cooler time of the year, dry suit can be an essential piece of equipment for sea kayakers.

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[00:01:43.42] Yellow suit.

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[00:01:44.15] This is a really nice one here because it has Gore-Tex Socks sewn into it, a relief zipper. And what you do with a dry suit is you put synthetics and fleeces and socks underneath it. So you'd have these warm layers that stay completely dry when you're out there even when you're submersed in the water.

[00:02:00.03] So if you stand up paddling, this is a great option as a full wetsuit. They come in different thicknesses for warmth. So if you're in cooler water or warmer water, it can be really good too if you're in the surf zone doing stand-up surfing because as you do that, you're on and off the board all the time. And this will keep your body more comfortable.

[00:02:18.12] So when you stand up paddle boarding, it depends on where you're going. If I'm doing stand-up surfing right on a sandy beach, I might be barefoot on the board, or I might have a neoprene bootie. And then these water shoes would be great, too, if you know that you're going to an area that maybe the launch is a little rockier or has some gravel and some sharper objects that you want to protect your feet from.

[00:02:36.44] It's always important to have hats when you're out paddling. For sun protection, a wide brim can be really nice or just a ball cap, and then a good pair of shades with an eyeglass retention strap so that you don't lose them when you're out there. So whatever you choose to use, stay safe, have fun. And I hope to see you on the water soon.

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[00:02:54.04] Logo, L.L. Bean. Be an Outsider.

[00:02:57.58] A hiker hops across a high rocky ridge as other hikers follow behind and the sun sets in the background.

Whether you’re kayaking, canoeing or paddleboarding, your outfit under your PFD should be determined by the conditions you’re going to encounter: weather, water temperature, wave conditions and wind.

Warm and Sunny Conditions

If it’s a sunny, pleasant day on warm waters, your outfit can be pretty simple: a swimsuit and a non-cotton synthetic shirt or rash guard are lightweight, comfortable and quick-drying, and provide sun protection along with a hat and sunglasses. Water shoes or neoprene booties will keep your feet dry.

MEN'S SWIMWEAR

MEN'S ACTIVE SHIRTS

WOMEN'S SWIMWEAR

WOMEN'S ACTIVE SHIRTS

Cooler Conditions

On cooler waters, tops and bottoms made of hydroskin material (similar to a thin wetsuit) are still lightweight, but offer better protection against chilly water or weather. You should also bring a lightweight waterproof jacket if conditions are on the cool side – it’s great for protecting against wind, sun and light rain.

PADDLING CLOTHING & FOOTWEAR

MEN'S WATERPROOF JACKETS

WOMEN'S WATERPROOF JACKETS

Cold Conditions

Finally, when conditions are much colder, it’s time to consider a wetsuit or drysuit. A sleeveless “Farmer Jane” or “Farmer John” wetsuit is a good option to keep your core warm without restricting your mobility; a full-body drysuit allows you to wear a totally warm outfit underneath the suit without any worry of it getting wet.