When you’re paddleboarding, wind whipping your hair and the thrill of the sport zapping through your well-worked muscles, the last thing you want to think about is how cold you may feel or how relentlessly hot your clothes are in the warm weather. This is why getting the ideal outfit to match the whims of the weather is the best way to keep you safe, comfortable, present and enjoying the moment while you paddleboard.
Knowing what stand up paddle boarding clothes to wear is crucial before you go out on the water. Having the wrong clothes when out on the open water can make things unsafe and physically uncomfortable.
Keeping yourself properly dressed allows you to withstand extreme temperatures. Paddleboarding clothing for the warmer weather offers a wider range of options and are less restrictive than those of the colder weather. Yet, you need to be prepared for all types of weather conditions when standup paddleboarding in the UK.
Choosing The Appropriate Attire For Standup Paddleboarding
Safety gear must always be worn when paddleboarding, regardless of the season or weather. It is very important to have a leash and a USCG-approved life jacket with you at all times.
- Warm Weather
During the warmer months, it is actually the air temperature that matters rather than the water temperature when paddling. For this reason, having the appropriate attire for this type of warm weather conditions is imperative.
The best thing to wear are Lycra and quick-drying layers, clothing like a pair of shorts and a t-shirt with UV protection would be most appropriate. You may have to add these layers if it’s a typical summer day in the UK (cold and rainy). Any heavy or thick clothing can become a safety issue in the water, so wear light clothing. It is acceptable to go barefoot in warm weather. In cases where barefoot paddling is not permitted, wear wetsuit boots to avoid cuts.
- Cold Weather
It’s important to build layers during the winter months. However, it is not advisable to wear heavy or bulky clothing, such as a jacket or thick top, as these items won’t dry quickly and will pose a risk in the water.
Lycra-wear leggings and long sleeve tees are excellent foundational layers that can be built up and then removed if you become too warm. Paddling generates a lot of heat, therefore it is crucial to be able to remove layers during the paddle to help you cool down and extend your time on the water. The best thing you can do is wear a windproof top or jacket to keep the chill breeze at bay. It is advisable to wear a wetsuit as it protects you from the low temperature in case you fall into the water.
The only drawback to this is that a wetsuit works by trapping a layer of water between your skin and the suit which is heated by the body whilst in the water.
Tips to consider
When choosing paddleboarding clothing, make sure that comfort is a priority and that it allows you to move freely. The benefit of layering in the colder months is that it gives you a variety of options throughout your day, so you can adjust as you paddle. A second layer is important when there are changing weather conditions, open water, and strong winds. Although you may not use it, you will still need it if the weather changes and it becomes cold.
Alternatively wearing breezy clothing during warm weather is ideal and will keep you from getting too hot and uncomfortable. It is important to make sure safety is always a priority as you enjoy your standup paddleboarding session in the beautiful waters of the UK.
