What Should I Wear to go Paddle Boarding?

If you’re new to paddle boarding, you’ve probably asked yourself “what should I wear to go paddleboarding?”. I certainly did when I first decided to take up paddleboarding. Do I need a wetsuit? What sort of floatation device do I need? If this sounds like you, then this guide is designed to help you.

In a hurry? Here are the basics. You should definitely invest in a floatation device. No matter how experienced you are in the water, cold water shock can be dangerous and make it difficult to remain afloat if the worst was to happen. In colder weather, you should wear a full-length wetsuit, gloves and waterproof boots. In warmer weather, stripping down to lighter layers is fine and you can probably go barefoot.

Want to learn more? Read on…

Recommended Gear

For those who are looking to invest in some items that they can use for most of the year, you should look to get the following items as part of your SUP kit. These can be mixed with other items you have that you have should you need to keep warmer.

Paddle Boarding Flotation Device

The most important item you will need to wear all year round when paddleboarding is a flotation device. Remaining safe when on your SUP will make the experience much more enjoyable than if you take the risk without one.

Even if you think you are a confident swimmer, cold water shock can make it difficult for you to remain calm if you fall in the water. Having a flotation device will help you to remain relaxed (knowing that you are not about to drown) and therefore help your body to get over the initial shock as quickly as possible.

Recommended Floatation Devices

What to Wear When Paddle Boarding in the Summer

If you are hitting the water with your paddleboard in the summer, there are two main factors that you will need to consider, remaining cool and protecting yourself from getting sunburn.

The following clothing should help to protect you in the summer sun when paddleboarding.

Waterproof Cap

Using a waterproof, breathable cap will help to keep the direct sunlight off your head, reducing your risk of getting a sunburn on your head. Getting a breathable cap will also stop your head from getting too hot and sweaty.

Quick-Drying Short Sleeved T-Shirt

If you’re like me, you might be happy with your body, but not willing to show it to the world when you don’t have to. Wearing a quick-drying short-sleeved t-shirt will help you preserve your modesty whilst also ensuring that if you do get wet, you won’t be stuck in a t-shirt that clings to your body for the next hour and cools you down too much.

Choosing a t-shirt that is also breathable is advised as this will stop you from getting too hot whilst on your SUP. Remember, whilst paddleboarding looks nice and relaxing, it can be a bit of a workout too!

Neoprene (Wetsuit) Shorts

With the weather being warmer in the summer, you will be better off wearing shorts compared to a longer wetsuit or wetsuit trousers.

Neoprene shorts, also known as wetsuit shorts are a great choice for paddling in the summer months. Whist you could wear standard board shorts, these will take longer to dry, whereas neoprene shorts are much more water repellent, making them fast drying. They are also comfortable and cool.

Recommended Summer Paddleboard Wear

What to Wear When Paddle Boarding in the Spring/Autumn

When the weather is cooler, either during the spring or autumn, you will want to ensure you can add and remove layers.

The following items will help you hit the right balance between getting too hot and being too cold.

Paddle Vest

Layering up in the cooler months is important so that you don’t get too cold. A paddle vest is the perfect item to take with you to ensure that you’re protected from the wind without being restricted from paddling.

Just like a Gillet, a paddle vest covers your body, helping to keep your core warm whilst out paddling. As there are no sleeves, you will find it much easier to paddle your SUP than if you were wearing a long sleeve jacket.

Choosing a neoprene vest will also be beneficial here as it is quick-drying, meaning that if you do get wet, you won’t get too cold whilst your jacket dries out.

Neoprene (Wetsuit) Trousers

Neoprene trousers, also known as wetsuit trousers are a great choice when the weather is a little bit cooler.

These trousers will cover your full leg, meaning that you won’t feel the cold if the wind suddenly picks up when you’re out paddling. Most trousers will also come with padding or a less wearing material around the knee to help protect not just your knees but also the trousers from excessive wearing.

Neoprene Shoes

Whilst paddleboards can be used barefoot, when the temperature drops below the summer levels, you might want to cover your feet. Neoprene shoes are a great way to do this and much better than normal training shoes.

Made from wetsuit material, they are quick-drying, meaning that they won’t stay wet if they do go in the water. They also have a thinner sole than training shoes and therefore you can feel your way along the board much better. Finally, they are designed with non-slip rubber soles, meaning that you get an enhanced grip on board, even when wet.

A great investment for beginners and more experienced paddlers.

Recommended Spring/Autumn Paddleboard Wear

What to Wear When Paddle Boarding in the Winter

Once you hit the winter months, you can still paddleboard (assuming your favourite spot hasn’t frozen over of course). However, you will need to make sure you wrap up warm to ensure you don’t get too cold.

The following are must-haves when it comes to paddling in the winter months.

Full Body Wetsuit

Wearing a full-body wetsuit is ideal in the winter months. Made from neoprene, a wetsuit will reduce how wet you get when out paddling by repelling a large amount of water. It isn’t perfect however and you will still get a little bit wet, but you will be much drier than if you were wearing normal clothing.

An all in one wetsuit also has one major benefit compared to a separate neoprene top and trousers combination, you can guarantee that the water won’t get to your midriff as there will be no gap!

Neoprene Gloves

It goes without saying that in the winter months you are likely to need some gloves to keep your hands warm. Whilst you could get away with any pair of gloves with a decent grip when paddling in the winter, wet woollen gloves are almost worse than no gloves at all. Investing in a pair of neoprene gloves, which will keep your hands warm and fairly dry would be a wise choice for winter paddleboarding.

Neoprene Boots

Having something that will keep your feet dry and warm is very important when paddling in the winter. Investing in some neoprene boots would be a good choice to ensure your toes don’t get too cold.

Compared to neoprene shoes, neoprene boots will make sure more of your foot is covered, including your ankles and a bit of your calf. This will mean more protection from a cooling wind and potentially fewer bits of water splashing on bare skin.

Hat

Wearing something to keep your head warm is a good idea when paddling in the winter. Whilst you could try and get some waterproof headwear, as long as your not intending on falling in the water too much, you could get away with a normal woolly hat.

Summary

Thanks for checking out this guide. Hopefully, you now have a good idea as to what you need to wear when paddleboarding, whatever the weather. If you don’t want to invest in lots of different gear, think about what the most likely time of year is that you will be paddling and invest in all the gear for that time of year.

Happy paddling!