What to wear on a Sea Kayaking trip in the winter? By Richard Janes

What to wear on a Sea Kayaking trip in the winter?

An introductory guide for paddlers new to Sea Kayaking

What brought us out this winters day,
From a place so warm and safe?
What brought us out this winters day,
To wind blasted eyes and face.
What takes us from a working life
Banal, we earn our pay,
To soaking clothes and salten lips,
Hands, seal-cold with spray?

Put you off yet? Moving on...

The challenge

You are an important member of a group and as such, it is essential to remain as dry as possible and at a comfortable working temperature. 'Winter' may be a variable term. Bright sunny days in the spring quickly change to freezing, windy days with a cool wind and low sea temperature. 'Dress for the swim not the air' is an old adage which makes sense but needs some thought or you may overheat.

The problem;

1. The sea will be cold, air temperature is usually cold and there will most likely be a breeze. 

You may be some distance and therefore time from land or somewhere dry and warm.

2. You could be tired, hungry, poorly or injured.

3. You may have been working hard and sweating. Seems strange but think digging a garden wearing a plastic suit and thick jacket?

4. We are all between swims! A capsize is always possible

5. Sea Kayaking kit is expensive, some ridiculously so.

Should you become soaking wet you will certainly feel uncomfortable. The nature of the day will now change for you and the group as every effort will be made to ensure you are dry and warm. The environmental effects listed above can quickly lead to a deteriorating pathway and hypothermia. 

Clothing strategies 

Body outer layer

A. An outer water and wind proof layer is essential. A 'drysuit' is the best solution having seals around the neck, ankles or feet and no join in the middle for water to come in. Many makes and prices. Whilst generally expensive, they give you great flexibility for your activities and training making wet practice at any time of year considerably more comfortable. 

B. 'Separates'. Possibly from a river background, 'dry top' and 'dry trousers' or salopettes may be available and considered. These will have seals at neck and wrist and either seals at ankle or feet but some water will come in around your middle. 'Touring' type jackets have wrist seals and a neck seal which opens. This is an advantage for ventilation but the neck seals are not so good. Can be useful over a wetsuit.

C. 'Wetsuit'. Cheaper and generally more available. Not suitable on its own for winter sea kayaking. However, a thinner wetsuit worn under 'separates' offers significant protection. A 'steamer' type suit worn with a dry top is another solution. 

(Tip: outer layer garments may/may not come with a 'pee' zip. Your choice!)

What to wear under drysuit or separates

Cotton is cold when wet and will stay wet! There are synthetic undergarments available which wick moisture very well.  (Tip: I use old swimming costume)

Thin, multiple layers of synthetic, fleece type material are good. All in one suits are good without joins in the middle. (Tip: running or cycling ' tights' can work very well )

Under my drysuit I wear 'power stretch' fleece type material. Comfortable and dries quickly.

(Tip: Multiple layers allow insulation to be added or removed at lunch time or at a suitable landing)

On the land

Lunchtime is a time to warm up (hot drink), stretch, hydrate, feed and generally make yourself comfortable. Carry spare layers in the boat to add or change into if you are too damp. Gloves are very welcome! (Tip: go for oversize mitts. It can be difficult forcing cold, wet hands into tight gloves) 

(Tip: Dig out an old, large wind proof or coat. At lunchtime, put it on over everything. It is possible to buy a 'storm cag'. These go over everything on the land and you can also paddle in them) 

What brought us out this winters day,
Wind whipping from the North.
The sea a violent turmoil,
White chargers to the Bay.
What tempts us out on such a day,
To the cold brought from the deep?
In these waters life is found,
And memories long to keep

Feet

My feet get cold! I wear thick, fleece type socks under my drysuit

There are many makes and models of water sport shoes/boots to choose from. (Tip: for those with larger feet and longer legs say size 10, space between hull and deck may be limited. I can only wear certain types of boot) 

Neoprene water sport shoes/boots are most common. If these are to go over bare feet, I suggest wearing thin, neoprene socks. 

Some people wear old trainers. If so, you MUST ensure laces are tied in such a way they cannot become tangled with the foot pedals.

Hands

Wind on wet hands can be debilitating. Some paddlers wear neoprene gloves. Personally, I prefer neoprene mitts with open palm. These keep the wind off the back of my hand but leave enough 'feel' for paddle control. 'Pogies' are insulated glove type tubes which attach to the paddle shaft. Some people love them! Best to try first.

Head

Hat(s) are essential.  A second dry hat can be saved for the beach. Neoprene hats and balaclava type hats are good if you fancy jumping in. Some drysuits have hoods, which are useful in heavy rain. Personally, I use 'aquatherm' balaclava which doubles as a neck scarf when not on my head and not too expensive.

Why go out this winters day,
Sea the colour of slate?
To play with friends in waves and tide,
At Natures Loom to be
Soaking wet and freezing cold,
At home with the living sea.

Please ask!! 

Many of us have parted with huge amounts of cash over the years and worn different types of kit made by different companies. Some better than others. We know what works for us!

  (RAJ V.1 Feb2019)