What To Wear When Kayaking [Answered]

Kayaking is a great way to get out on the water and enjoy the scenery. But before you hit the waves, it’s important to make sure you’re wearing the right clothes.

The type of clothing you wear will depend on the weather conditions, but there are a few key pieces that every kayaker should have.

A waterproof jacket A waterproof jacket will keep you dry if you capsize or get caught in a sudden downpour.
A pair of water-resistant pants Water-resistant pants will help keep you warm and dry if you get splashed.
A hat A hat will help protect you from the sun and rain.
Sunglasses Sunglasses will protect your eyes from the sun’s glare.
A pair of water shoes A pair of water shoes will help protect your feet from rocks and other debris.

By wearing the right clothes, you can make your kayaking experience more enjoyable and safe.

So, What To Wear When Kayaking?

What to Wear When Kayaking

When kayaking, it is important to wear clothing that is comfortable, breathable, and waterproof. The best clothing for kayaking will also be lightweight and quick-drying.

For the top, a long-sleeved shirt or rash guard is a good option, as it will protect you from the sun and from getting scratched by the kayak. You can also wear a short-sleeved shirt or a t-shirt, but be sure to bring a waterproof jacket in case of rain.

For the bottom, you can wear shorts or pants. If you are wearing shorts, be sure to wear a pair of water shoes or sandals to protect your feet from the rocks and debris in the water. If you are wearing pants, make sure they are made of a quick-drying material.

For your head, a hat or visor is a good idea to protect you from the sun. You can also wear a life jacket, which is essential for safety.

Here is a list of some additional items you may want to consider wearing when kayaking:

Gloves
Sunglasses
Water bottle
Snacks
First aid kit
Map
Compass

What to Wear When Kayaking

The Basics

When it comes to kayaking, the most important thing to wear is something that will keep you warm and dry. The best way to do this is to layer your clothing. Start with a base layer made of wool or synthetic material, which will wick away sweat and keep you warm even when wet. Next, add a fleece or insulated layer for warmth. Finally, top it off with a waterproof shell to protect you from the elements.

Footwear

When choosing footwear for kayaking, it’s important to find something that will provide good traction and support. Water shoes or sandals are a good option, as they will keep your feet dry and protected from rocks and debris. If you’re going to be kayaking in cold water, you may want to consider wearing neoprene booties to keep your feet warm.

Headwear

A hat is essential for kayaking, as it will protect your head from the sun, wind, and rain. A wide-brimmed hat will provide the most coverage, but a baseball cap or beanie will also work. If you’re going to be kayaking in cold weather, you may want to consider wearing a balaclava or ski mask to keep your head and face warm.

Other Accessories

In addition to the basics, there are a few other accessories that you may want to consider wearing when kayaking. These include:

A life jacket: A life jacket is the most important piece of safety equipment you can wear when kayaking. It will keep you afloat in the event of a capsize.
A PFD: A personal flotation device (PFD) is a type of life jacket that is designed to be worn under your clothing. It is not as bulky as a traditional life jacket, but it still provides the same level of flotation.
A spray skirt: A spray skirt is a waterproof skirt that fits around the cockpit of your kayak and helps to keep water out. This is a valuable piece of equipment for keeping you dry and comfortable, especially in rough water.
Sunscreen: The sun’s rays can be very strong on the water, so it’s important to protect your skin with sunscreen.
Sunglasses: Sunglasses will help to protect your eyes from the sun, wind, and water.
A water bottle: A water bottle will help you stay hydrated while you’re kayaking.

Conclusion

By following these tips, you can ensure that you’re wearing the right clothes and accessories for a safe and enjoyable kayaking experience.

Also Read This: What Size Kayak Paddle Do I Need

FAQs: What to Wear When Kayaking

What should I wear when kayaking?

The best clothing for kayaking depends on the weather conditions, but a few general tips include:

Wear layers: This will allow you to adjust your clothing as needed if the temperature changes.

Wear a waterproof outer layer: This will protect you from wind and rain.

Wear a hat and sunglasses: These will protect you from the sun and glare.

Wear closed-toe shoes or boots: This will protect your feet from rocks and debris.

Wear a life jacket: This is essential for safety.

What should I avoid wearing when kayaking?

You should avoid wearing anything that could get caught in the boat or in the water, such as:

Loose clothing
Jewelry
Long hair
Sandals

How do I stay warm when kayaking in cold weather?

To stay warm when kayaking in cold weather, you can:

Wear a waterproof outer layer that is windproof and breathable.
Wear a fleece or wool sweater underneath your outer layer.
Wear a hat and gloves.
Drink warm liquids to stay hydrated.
Take breaks to warm up in the sun or by a fire.

How do I stay cool when kayaking in hot weather?

To stay cool when kayaking in hot weather, you can:

Wear light, loose clothing that will wick away sweat.
Wear a hat and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun.
Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Take breaks in the shade or in a cool area.

What are the best kayaking shoes?

The best kayaking shoes for you will depend on your personal preferences and the type of kayaking you do. Some factors to consider when choosing kayaking shoes include:

Waterproofness: Your shoes should be waterproof to protect your feet from water and debris.

Traction: Your shoes should have good traction to prevent you from slipping on wet surfaces.

Comfort: Your shoes should be comfortable to wear for long periods of time.

Some popular kayaking shoes include:

Crocs

Merrell

Teva

KEEN

Salomon