Dress for the water, not the walk to the launch
Winter paddling can be deceptive. You may feel warm carrying your kayak down to the shore, then spend the next hour sitting still from the waist down while a cold breeze crosses the water.
A drysuit keeps water off your skin, but the suit itself provides little insulation. What you wear underneath determines how warm you stay, particularly if you capsize. Build your clothing system around the water temperature and the conditions you could face during a rescue, as well as the effort of paddling.
Start with a comfortable base layer
Wear a long-sleeved top and leggings made from merino wool or a synthetic fabric. Both are good choices for managing moisture. What matters most is that the fabric feels comfortable against your skin and the fit does not bunch up beneath the drysuit. You can explore our base layers for paddling to find a suitable layer.
Leave cotton at home. It holds onto moisture and can feel unpleasantly cold when you slow down or stop for a break.
Add the insulation you need
Next comes a warm layer: fleece, wool, or an insulating liner designed for a drysuit. There is no single combination that suits every winter trip. Consider the water temperature, wind, time afloat, and how hard you expect to paddle. Colder water demands more insulation.
A one-piece liner can be particularly comfortable in a kayak because it stays in place around your lower back as you rotate. Separate layers work well too, provided they overlap and do not ride up when you sit down.
Try the complete outfit at home with your buoyancy aid on. Sit on the floor with your legs stretched forward, as you would sit in the kayak. Twist your torso and reach forward as you would for a paddle stroke. If the clothing pulls across your shoulders or knees, adjust the layers before heading out.
Give your feet enough room
Wear wool or synthetic socks inside the drysuit’s integrated socks. Your paddling footwear should fit over them without squeezing your feet. Thick socks packed into tight shoes are rarely a good solution to cold toes.
Keep the drysuit socks smooth inside your footwear, too. A fold beneath your foot can become uncomfortable over a long day in the cockpit.
Balance warmth with effort
It is tempting to pile on layers before setting off, especially on a frosty morning. But if you become sweaty during the first few minutes, damp clothing can leave you chilled when you ease off or stop.
Expect to feel a little cool while preparing to launch. Once paddling, check how you feel in your core, legs, and feet. Use what you learn to fine-tune your clothing for the next trip. In very cold conditions, give yourself a generous margin for an unexpected swim.
Paddlespot tip: Consider one fewer insulating layer on your upper body than on your legs. Your upper body works as you paddle, while your legs stay relatively still close to the cold water. Test the combination on a short paddle close to shore and adjust it for the conditions.
Before you push off
- Wear a merino wool or synthetic base layer, top and bottom.
- Add insulation suited to the water temperature and your planned pace.
- Check that you can paddle, rotate, and climb back into your kayak without restriction.
- Make sure your socks and footwear leave room for your feet.
- Check the drysuit zip and seals, and carry dry spare clothing for your hands and head.
Get the layers right, and a quiet winter day on the water becomes something to enjoy rather than endure.