Paddle boarding is an exhilarating sport enjoyed by people all year round. While many associate paddle boarding with warm, sunny days, winter paddle boarding offers its own set of unique challenges and rewards. However, to safely and comfortably enjoy the water during the colder months, it’s essential to wear the right gear. Cold temperatures, wind, and wet conditions require thoughtful clothing choices that protect you from hypothermia, ensure your mobility, and enhance your performance on the water. At Supzoom, we provide a wide range of premium paddle boarding gear designed to withstand the cold and make your winter adventures more enjoyable.
In this blog, we’ll guide you through the essential clothing and accessories to wear while paddle boarding in winter, ensuring that you stay warm, safe, and comfortable on the water.
Why Winter Paddle Boarding Requires Special Gear
Winter paddle boarding presents distinct challenges compared to summer conditions. In addition to cold air temperatures, the water temperature is often frigid, which increases the risk of hypothermia if you fall in. Also, paddling in winter often means facing strong winds, rain, or snow, all of which can make staying warm more difficult. Having the right gear is crucial not only for comfort but also for safety.
1. Waterproof Wetsuit or Dry Suit
When paddle boarding in winter, the first and most important piece of equipment you’ll need is a wetsuit or dry suit. These two options are designed to keep you warm and protected from the cold water, but they differ in how they manage insulation and moisture.
Wetsuits:
Wetsuits are a common choice for cold-water paddling. They are made from neoprene, a stretchy, insulating material that traps a thin layer of water between the suit and your skin. This water is then heated by your body temperature, providing warmth and preventing heat loss.
Benefits of Wetsuits:
- Flexible and Lightweight: Wetsuits provide a snug fit and allow for full range of motion, which is important for paddling.
- Good for Moderate Cold: Ideal for waters ranging from 50°F (10°C) to 60°F (15°C).
- Variety of Thicknesses: Wetsuits come in various thicknesses, typically from 3mm to 7mm. For winter paddle boarding, a 5mm or 6mm wetsuit is recommended, depending on the temperature of the water and air.
Dry Suits:
Dry suits are an excellent option for those who are braving colder waters (below 50°F or 10°C). Unlike wetsuits, dry suits are designed to keep water out completely. These suits are usually made of waterproof, breathable materials and feature a seal around the neck, wrists, and ankles to ensure that no water can get inside.
Benefits of Dry Suits:
- Maximum Protection Against Water: Dry suits keep you completely dry, ensuring you don’t lose body heat.
- Ideal for Very Cold Water: Dry suits are perfect for extremely cold water conditions.
- Layering Options: You can layer clothing underneath a dry suit for added insulation, which gives you more control over how warm or cool you are.
Both wetsuits and dry suits provide crucial protection in cold water conditions, but your choice will depend on how cold the water is and your personal preference for flexibility or insulation.
2. Insulating Layers and Base Layers
Even when wearing a wetsuit or dry suit, you still need to wear the right base layers to help regulate your body temperature and provide additional warmth.
Thermal Base Layers:
Thermal base layers made from materials like merino wool, synthetic fabrics, or neoprene are great options for winter paddle boarding. These layers provide warmth without restricting movement and wick away moisture from your skin, which is essential in preventing you from getting cold and damp.
Benefits of Thermal Base Layers:
- Moisture-Wicking: Fabrics like merino wool and polyester wick moisture away from your body to keep you dry and warm.
- Lightweight: Base layers are thin and lightweight but still provide insulation.
- Breathable: These materials are breathable, which prevents overheating during more intense paddling sessions.
It’s essential to wear a snug-fitting base layer, as loose clothing can trap water and allow it to cool your body down, negating the benefits of the wetsuit or dry suit.
3. Cold-Weather Footwear
When paddling in winter, your feet are vulnerable to cold water exposure, especially when you’re entering and exiting the water. Cold feet can make your entire experience uncomfortable and even dangerous if you’re not properly protected.
Neoprene Boots:
Wearing neoprene boots or waterproof booties is crucial to keeping your feet warm and protected. Neoprene insulates your feet, even when wet, making it a great choice for winter water sports.
Benefits of Neoprene Boots:
- Warmth: Neoprene provides excellent insulation even in cold water.
- Grip and Protection: These boots offer grip on your paddle board and protect your feet from sharp objects in the water or on the shoreline.
- Variety of Styles: Neoprene boots come in different thicknesses, and for winter paddle boarding, you’ll want boots that are at least 5mm thick to keep your feet warm.
Waterproof Socks:
For added warmth and protection, consider wearing waterproof socks made of materials like neoprene or wool. Waterproof socks can provide extra warmth and prevent your feet from getting cold if your boots don’t offer full coverage.
4. Gloves and Hat
Just like your feet, your hands and head are vulnerable to the cold during winter paddle boarding. Wearing the proper accessories will help you maintain body warmth and comfort.
Neoprene Gloves:
For your hands, neoprene gloves are an excellent option. They provide warmth and insulation while maintaining the dexterity you need for paddling. A good pair of gloves will also protect your hands from the cold water and wind.
Benefits of Neoprene Gloves:
- Warmth and Flexibility: These gloves provide warmth without restricting your ability to grip the paddle.
- Durability: Neoprene is durable and resistant to abrasions, making it ideal for water sports.
Paddleboarding Hat:
A thermal hat or beanie made from wool or neoprene can keep your head warm and dry. If you’re paddling in snowy conditions, a waterproof hat can protect you from getting drenched by rain or snow.
Benefits of a Hat:
- Insulation: A warm hat helps maintain body temperature by insulating your head.
- Protection from Sun or Snow: A hat can protect your face and neck from the harsh rays of the winter sun or from snow.
5. Paddleboarding Accessories
In addition to the clothing mentioned above, certain accessories can help enhance your winter paddle boarding experience:
- Neoprene Vest: Adding a vest over your wetsuit or dry suit can provide extra insulation, especially around your torso.
- PFD (Personal Flotation Device): Always wear a PFD when paddle boarding. Not only is it essential for safety, but modern designs are comfortable and don’t interfere with paddling.
- Waterproof Bag: Keep your phone, snacks, and extra layers safe and dry with a waterproof bag.
6. Sun Protection in Winter
Though the temperatures are cooler in the winter, the sun can still be strong, especially if you’re paddling in clear skies or on snow-covered terrain. Always apply water-resistant sunscreen to your exposed skin to protect against harmful UV rays.
Conclusion: Gear Up for Winter Paddle Boarding
Winter paddle boarding offers a unique opportunity to explore the water in a serene and quiet environment. However, staying safe, comfortable, and warm in cold temperatures requires proper clothing and gear. By wearing a wetsuit or dry suit, layering with thermal base layers, protecting your feet with neoprene boots, and accessorizing with gloves and a hat, you can enjoy your winter paddling experience to the fullest.
At Supzoom, we offer high-quality gear for all seasons, ensuring that you have the right equipment to enjoy paddle boarding no matter the weather. Visit Supzoom today to explore our full range of winter-ready paddleboarding gear and accessories!