Complete Guide on What to Wear Kayaking

Kayaking Equipment and Necessities

• Personal Flotation Device (PFD): Always wear a PFD. It's essential for safety, no matter what conditions you're paddling in. A PFD is necessary in kayaking for beginners or experienced pros.

• Wetsuit or dry suit: Dress for the water temperature, not just the air. If the water is cold, a wetsuit or dry suit is important to protect you from hypothermia and keep you comfortable.

• Layered clothing: Wear moisture-wicking, quick-drying layers, especially on top. Layering helps you stay warm or cool as needed.

• Sun protection: When choosing what to wear while kayaking, try to use clothing with UV protection, plus sunscreen. Water reflects the sun's rays and increases your exposure.

• Water shoes: You'll want shoes to provide grip and protect your feet from sharp objects. They'll also keep your feet warm. 

• Waterproof phone case or pouch: Keep your phone safe but accessible for photos and emergency calls.

• Hat and sunglasses: A wide-brimmed hat and polarized sunglasses will help to protect you from the sun and reduce glare.

• First aid kit: A compact, waterproof kit is handy for any minor injuries or emergencies while paddling.

Kayaking Outfit Tips

• Avoid cotton: Cotton absorbs water and stays wet, making you cold. When choosing clothes for kayaking, rather opt for synthetic or wool fabrics that dry quickly.

• Freedom of movement: Your clothes should allow you to move easily and be comfortable while sitting for a long period.

• Durability: Choose abrasion-resistant fabrics that can handle sand, water, and wear from your kayak.

What to Wear When Kayaking in Summer

• Swimsuit or quick-dry base layer: A swimsuit is an excellent choice for summer kayaking, as it's made for water and dries fast. If you're uncomfortable in a swimsuit, pair it with a lightweight, quick-dry top like a rash guard.

• Water shirt or rashguard: These provide sun protection (look for UPF ratings) and keep you comfortable during paddling. A loose water shirt is great for airflow, while a fitted rashguard offers protection from UV rays and prevents chafing.

• Board shorts or quick-dry bottoms: Choose shorts or pants made from synthetic materials like nylon or polyester. These fabrics dry quickly and won't weigh you down when wet. 

• Footwear: Wear water shoes or sandals with straps. These provide protection while walking on rocky shores and won't come off easily in the water. Avoid flip-flops, which can slip off your feet and are a hassle when wet.

• Hat and sunglasses: A hat with a wide brim will protect your face and neck from the sun, while polarized sunglasses reduce glare from the water. Make sure your hat and glasses are secured with a strap so they don't fall off.

What to Wear When Kayaking in Cold Weather

• Wetsuit or dry suit: A wetsuit is essential if the water is cold (below 70°F/21°C). It traps a thin layer of water against your body, which your body heat warms. For even colder temperatures, like kayaking glacial fjords in Iceland, we'd recommend a dry suit as it keeps all water out and allows you to wear insulating layers underneath.

• Thermal base layers: Underneath a dry suit, wear thermal long underwear or fleece layers made from moisture-wicking materials like polyester or merino wool. This helps to trap warmth and keep moisture away from your skin.

• Waterproof outer layer: If you're not wearing a dry suit, ensure you have a waterproof jacket and pants to shield against wind and water splashes. A paddling jacket with sealed cuffs is an excellent choice to prevent water from getting in.

• Neoprene gloves and socks: Keeping your fingers and toes warm is crucial in cold weather. Neoprene gloves or pogies (mittens that attach to your paddle) will protect your hands from cold water and wind. Neoprene socks, worn inside your water shoes or boots, will keep your feet warm.

• Beanie or neoprene cap: Heat escapes through your head, so wearing a snug beanie or a neoprene cap will help keep you warm, even if it gets wet.

• Footwear: Opt for neoprene paddling boots or waterproof shoes to keep your feet dry and warm. If you wear a dry suit with built-in socks, thick wool or synthetic socks can provide extra warmth.

Kayaking Dress With a Wetsuit

Kayaking Dress With a Drysuit

What to Wear for Sea Kayaking

• Paddling jacket: A waterproof, windproof jacket will protect you from splashes and wind. Look for one with a hood to shield your head from cold winds that come off the sea.

• Quick-dry tops and bottoms: Wear quick-dry clothes underneath your outer layers. For warm weather, lightweight UV-protective tops and shorts are ideal. In cooler weather, opt for thermal layers under a waterproof jacket and pants.

• Waterproof pants or dry trousers: Keep your legs dry and warm with waterproof pants. If it's colder, dry trousers with built-in socks are a great option.

• Water shoes or boots: Sea kayaking often involves launching from rocky or uneven shores. Neoprene booties or water shoes with good grip will protect your feet.

What to Wear for Kayak Fishing

• Dry suit or waterproof layers: A dry suit or waterproof trousers and jacket will keep you warm and dry if you're sitting for long stretches. Cold, wet clothes can make your trip uncomfortable.

• Warm layers: Dress in warm layers since you're not moving much. Start with a thermal base layer, add fleece for warmth, and finish with a waterproof jacket.

• Fishing-specific PFD: Wearing a PFD designed for fishing is a good idea. These PFDs have pockets for gear like scissors, tackle boxes, and phones.

• Waterproof boots: Sturdy, waterproof boots keep your feet dry when entering and exiting the water. Neoprene socks inside will add warmth.

What to Wear for White Water Kayaking

• Wetsuit or dry suit: Since you'll likely be in the water at some point, wear a wetsuit for moderate weather. Opt for a dry suit to stay completely dry in icy water. You might not need a dry suit or wetsuit in warm conditions, but then wear quick-dry clothing that you don't mind getting thoroughly wet.

• Paddling gloves or pogies: These protect your hands from cold water and give you a better grip on the paddle. Pogies attach to the paddle shaft, allowing bare hands to stay warm inside.

• Helmet: A helmet is essential for white water kayaking. It protects your head from hitting rocks or other obstacles.

• Spraydeck (or spray skirt): Wearing a spraydeck to seal the cockpit of your kayak can make you a lot more comfortable. This keeps water from entering the boat as you navigate the rapids.

• Paddle shoes: Wear paddle shoes with an excellent grip to navigate slippery rocks when entering or exiting the water. Neoprene boots work well to keep your feet warm and protected.