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what to wear paddleboarding in the winter

The ultimate guide on what to wear on your SUP in cold weather!

Not sure what to wear on your paddleboard through the winter months? We have compiled this guide to help you get the most out of your SUP all year round, whatever the weather! Staying warm while on your paddle board is not only more enjoyable, it also makes the sport safer as you are less likely to make mistakes. Getting the right paddle board clothing that will keep you comfortable on the board, and safe if you fall in the water, is extremely important. There are many options from multiple brands, all of the products we stock are made by reputable, mostly british, companies that have been supplying us with watersports equipment for over 30 years. Many of the items that have been honed to perfection to work for kayaking and canoeing are just the right thing to use while paddleboarding in the winter.

There are a few different paths you can go down depending on how much time you are planning to spend in the water and your budget. This guide will run through the options and give you some products to look into. If you have any queries or questions, please do not hesitate to give us a call on 01392 219600 and our experienced staff will guide you through your purchase. Alternatively, come and see our watersports shop, try on and feel the products for yourself in our fully stocked waterside showroom!

Please note this article has been written for the autumn/winter 2020 season. Product specifications, colours and availability are subject to change, please refer to the linked product listing for up to date information.

What type of paddle boarding are you doing?

This guide focuses on ‘touring’ with your SUP, we have found this covers the majority of paddlers getting out in the cold. To keep it simple, we will regard ‘touring’ as anything that isn’t going to the beach and surfing.

Paddleboard surfing through the winter requires a very similar set up to normal surfing; a good winter wetsuit, gloves, boots and a neoprene hood will keep you toasty when you are spending more time in the water than out of it! A full wetsuit is not particularly comfortable when you are not in the water, they still allow cold water to reach your body and they will cool you down rapidly when they are wet and if the wind picks up.

If you are not planning on falling in, we recommend wearing clothing that will keep you dry, while allowing you to wear thermal layers underneath to stay warm if you do go in the water. The key idea is to stay safe if you do fall off your paddleboard, and stay comfortable for long periods of paddling after you have had a dip.

Drysuit Vs Wetsuit for SUP

A lot of people we speak to assume that a winter wetsuit is the best answer to SUP in cold weather. There are a few schools of thought, and they definitely have their place, but a 5mm winter wetsuit is not always the answer. A wetsuit works buy letting a small amount of water in between the material and you skin, which then gets warm and stays warm from the thermal properties of the neoprene and your body heat. As you stay submerged, the warmer water is trapped by the suit and stays with you, keeping you at a comfortable temperature. While this is great for surfing and swimming, when paddling, you (hopefully) spend more time out of the water than in it. When you climb back onto your board, the nice warm water will gradually leak out, and you will need to warm it up all over again next time you go in.

Another downside is the cooling effect as water evaporates from the surface of the wetsuit. Once you go for a dip, you will find all your heat is lost when the wind picks up – not great if you still have a distance to go!

A drysuit works by sealing your body off from the water, using stretchy material on the neck and wrists with built in socks. This stops any cold water from reaching your skin, and allows thermal layers underneath to act as if they are not under water. Once you find the combination that works  for you, it can be a quick and simple procedure to get kitted up and out paddleboarding. When you have finished your trip, whip the dry suit off and you are still dry, ready for the drive home.

Drysuits come in a variety of materials, entry methods and different types of seal. As a general rule, the more you pay the more breathable the suit will be which will regulate the heat and moisture inside when you are paddling hard. Latex seals will be the dryest, while neoprene or glideskin will be softer on the skin. A hood is always a nice feature to have when the rain starts, you can tuck yourself away from the elements and concentrate on paddling.
Palm Bora Mens Drysuit

Palm Bora Mens Drysuit
£721.65
£850.00
The ultimate cold weather drysuit for ocean and coastal exploration, now with YKK AquaSeal zips. Named after a katabatic north wind, this is the suit to ride out changeable and challenging conditions, with its adjustable storm hood, intelligently reinforced wear points and non-chafing UltraStretch neck seal.
Materials
  • XP 4-layer fabric
  • 4 layer 320D reinforced panels
Pockets
  • YKK AquaGuard zipped front pockets
  • Front pockets backed with fleece liner
Weight
1987 g (L)
Neck Seal

UltraStretch neck with fleece lined 1/4 zip outer collar

Wrist Seal

Latex gaskets with velcro adjustable cuffs

Waist

Velcro adjustable neoprene waistband

Hood

Volume adjustable‚ helmet compatible‚ rollaway storm hood

Feet

XP 4-layer socks with Nylon 320D soles

Entry and relief

Flexible YKK AquaSeal rear entry and relief zip

Other Features
  • Retaining inner neoprene waistband
  • Reinforced elbows‚ seat and knees
  • Asymmetric cuffs
  • Outer collar has laser-cut breather holes and offset zipper with tie-back stud
  • Reflective details
Kokatat Meridian Men's Drysuit - Hydrus 3.0

Kokatat Meridian Men's Drysuit - Hydrus 3.0
£899.99
For paddlers looking for a great dry suit on a budget, look no further than the Kokatat Hydrus 3.0 Meridian. Made in Arcata, CA and backed by a limited lifetime warranty.

For paddlers looking for a great dry suit on a budget, look no further than the Kokatat Hydrus 3.0 Meridian dry suit. The Hydrus 3.0 Meridian is made in Arcata, CA and incorporates all the features of the GORE-TEX® version including Kokatat's superior construction techniques, integrated socks, watersports entry and relief zippers, but at a lower price. This proprietary three-layer fabric is exceptionally waterproof and breathable, and carries Kokatat's limited lifetime warranty.

STAY DRY AND COMFORTABLE ON A BUDGET

Kokatat Hydrus 3.0 is Kokatat's proprietary three-layer fabric, which is exceptionally waterproof and breathable, and carries Kokatat's limited lifetime warranty.

  • Hydrus 3.0 (3 layer) fabric
  • Nylon waterproof front entry zipper
  • Nylon waterproof front relief zipper for men, rear dropseat for women
  • Latex gasket with neoprene punch through collar and cuffs
  • Hydrus 3.0 (3 layer) socks
  • Dual adjustable overskirt with "hook & loop" compatible neoprene
  • Self-draining, zippered chest pocket with key lanyard
  • Adjustable bungee drawcord at waist
  • Reinforced seat and knee patches; self-draining
  • Every suit 100% fill tested; guaranteed to be dry
Palm Cascade Suit

Palm Cascade Suit
£552.50
£650.00
An excellent multipurpose drysuit with no skimping on features‚ diagonal TiZip front-entry allows easy closure‚ relief zipper‚ double taped socks and reinforced areas as standard‚ this suit will keep you comfortable and dry for all sorts of watersports activities.

An excellent multipurpose drysuit with no skimping on features‚ diagonal TiZip front-entry allows easy closure‚ relief zipper‚ double taped socks and reinforced areas as standard‚ this suit will keep you comfortable and dry for all sorts of watersports activities.

Materials:
XP 3-layer fabric
Nylon 320D reinforcement

Weight:
1650 g (L)

Neck Seal:
Latex gasket with velcro adjustable outer collar

Wrist Seal:
Latex gaskets with velcro adjustable cuffs

Waist:
Velcro adjustable neoprene waistband

Feet:
XP 4-layer socks with Nylon 320D soles

Entry and relief:
YKK Aquaseal front entry and relief zip

Other Features:
Elasticated drawcord at waist
Reinforced elbows‚ seat and knees
Alder Stealth 5/4/3mm Mens Wetsuit

Alder Stealth 5/4/3mm Mens Wetsuit
£132.00
£164.99
The Alder Stealth is our entry level glued & blindstitched suit. The 5/4/3mm stretchy neoprene will keep you warm in the colder water. The no-nonsense construction of the stealth includes “X” on the arms and shoulders and standard hard-wearing nylon for the body. Featuring top quality zips and tried and tested knee pads that won’t let you down. Please note that colours may vary from the images shown. If you require a specific colour please contact us.

BACK ZIP
GLUED & BLINDSTITCHED SEAMS
40% STRETCH
AREOCORE LINING
PK ZIP
DURATEC KNEE PADS

But what if it’s not that cold?

There are alternatives to drysuits that will still keep the cold water at bay. Creating a split system with a dry top and waterproof trousers is sometimes the best option, giving you a selection of different outfits to suit the conditions. Will you be launching off the beach, but the sun is out and there is no wind? Wear the dry trousers and take a jacket with you.  Are you halfway through a warm autumn paddle and it’s starting to get a bit miserable? Keep your shorts on, but pop a jacket over your top. Planning a winter SUP epic where the conditions could get very chilly? A twin waisted cag matched up to twin waisted trousers will keep you safe.

Waterproof Paddling Tops

We stock a wide range of jackets and cags designed for all types of watersports, many of which are great for paddleboarding in the winter. Everything we stock is made with enough room to SUP comfortably without restricting movement, so choosing the right top for you comes down to a few key features. The material of the jacket has a big effect on how comfortable you will feel, we always recommend coming into the shop to feel and try on the different options if you can.

The warmth of the jacket primarily comes from protecting you from the wind, we always suggest to layer up properly underneath so you can stay warm if you end up in the water.

A few key things to look out for:

  • Seals – the main difference between most jackets. There are lots of different options for neck, wrist and waist seals, each having pro’s and con’s. For paddleboarding through winter, the better the seal, the safer you will be if you fall in.
    • Neck seals – A latex neck is the driest option, but the least comfortable. An adjustable, opening neck will let you release any heat built up, but can be closed up tight if the conditions require it. A zipped neck will allow the most air in with no material to rub against your skin, but will let water in if your head goes under.
    • Wrist seals – Latex wrists are the most common on upper end jackets, stopping all drips from running down your arm. Adjustable cuffs allow you to pull them in tight to seal from the elements.
    • Waist seal – Typically available in a single or double waist configuration. A double waist will allow you to create a really good barrier when partnered with a pair of dry trousers. A single waist with good adjustment can keep most of the water from making its way through.
  • Material – A good waterproof material will stop water getting in, and allow moisture to breath out, stopping you from feeling hot and sweaty. Each manufacturer names their materials differently, but as a rule of thumb, the more layers it has, the warmer and more breathable it will be.
Palm Chinook Women's Jacket

Palm Chinook Women's Jacket
£204.00
£240.00
Paddle on lake, river or sea, through wind, rain and spray. The Palm Chinook is light enough to pack away small, but with the waterproof protection you need when the weather rolls in. A volume adjustable hood keeps the wind and rain out, and the internal velcro neck closure and latex wrist gaskets keep out waves. Fleece lined double collar with offset zip ExoSkin inner neck seal Spraydeck compatible twin waist
Materials

XP 2.5-layer fabric

Weight
710 g (WM)
Other Features

fleece lined 1/2 zip collar • velcro adjustable ExoSkin neck seal • laser-cut breather holes • latex wrist gaskets • velcro adjustable cuffs • drawcord adjustable waist • twin waist • YKK AquaGuard zip front pockets • volume adjustable hood (helmet compatible) • zip-off hood • reflective details
Palm Terek Jacket

Palm Terek Jacket
£199.75
£235.00
Tread lightly in the Terek jacket, made from 100% recycled nylon from post-industrial waste. Supple, soft and quiet the three-layer breathable waterproof fabric of the Terek jacket makes no compromises on paddling performance, while bringing the chance to paddle in a garment that has done its bit reducing waste through recycling.
Materials

XP 3-layer recycled fabric

Weight
483 g (L)
Other Features

ExoSkin lined 1/2 zip collar • ExoSkin wrist gaskets • velcro adjustable cuffs • velcro adjustable waistband • YKK AquaGuard zip kangaroo pocket • tunnel pocket • roll-away hood • volume adjustable hood (helmet compatible) • reflective details
Yak Apollo Cag

Yak Apollo Cag
£153.90
£171.00
The Yak Apollo is a cag for touring addicts. If you’re not comfortable unless you have a paddle in your hand, the Apollo is just the calibre to fit snugly into your clothing armoury. We’ve tailored it with our DX10K (10K hydrostatic head) fabric for waterproof breathability and made sure it’s packed with handy and supremely accessible feature
  • DX10k 2.5 layer fabric for waterproof breathability
  • Seamless underarm technology with 3 way performance cut sleeves
  • Deployable fully adjustable hi-vis hood
  • High storm collar with adjustable inner PU neck seal
  • Chin friendly fleece lined moisture control vents
  • Fully adjustable neoprene waistband and lightweight inner skirt
  • Latex inner wrist seals protected by adjustable PU over cuff
  • Water resistant laser cut zips
  • Reflective detailing for visibility
Palm Bora Jacket

Palm Bora Jacket
£272.00
£320.00
This jacket is dependable when the weather is fickle. For rough ocean conditions and cold weather touring‚ the Bora will keep you comfortable and paddling strong. Lightweight XP 3-layer ripstop fabric keeps you warm and lets vapour out‚ whilst the fully featured hood‚ latex wrist seals and velcro waist will keep you snug. Three-layer warmth and waterproofness Adjustable ExoSkin inner seal with fleece lined vented outer collar Asymmetric cuffs shield the back of your hands Volume adjustable hood, easily repositioned for field of view Spraydeck compatible twin waist
Materials

XP 3-layer fabric

Weight
869 g (L)
Other Features

fleece lined 1/2 zip collar • zipped adjustable ExoSkin neck seal • laser-cut breather holes • latex wrist gaskets • asymmetric velcro adjustable cuffs • velcro adjustable Mesh Skin neoprene waistband • twin waist • YKK AquaGuard zip front pockets • volume adjustable hood (helmet compatible) • roll-away hood • reflective details
Palm Vector Jacket

Palm Vector Jacket
£99.00
£110.00
Canoeing‚ sailing‚ kayaking. However you take to the water‚ the Vector will keep wind and spray from dampening your day. Made from durable ripstop XP 2-layer fabric‚ with velcro closures on the neck‚ waist and wrists. You can also store snacks and keys securely in the zipped front pocket.
Materials

XP 2-layer fabric

Pockets

YKK AquaGuard zipped kangaroo pocket

Weight
420 g (L)
Neck Seal

Velcro adjustable neoprene collar

Wrist Seal

Velcro adjustable neoprene cuffs

Waist

Velcro adjustable neoprene waistband

What does a twin waist mean, and how does it work?

Traditionally, kayaking cags will have a twin waist – an inner tube and an outer cover. The inner tube goes up against your body, the spraydeck goes over that, with the outer cover on top of them both. This is designed so that when you are in the kayak with the cockpit covered by the spraydeck, it will stop the water getting into the boat when the weather gets rough, or even when rolling.

Obviously, there is no need for a spraydeck on a paddleboard, but a twin waist still has its use when teamed with a pair of dry trousers. Have a look at the diagram below, the double waist creates a “maze” that the water has to go through to get to your body. This does create a few layers over your midriff, which is why a one-piece drysuit becomes a less bulky alternative.

Paddleboarding Trousers

Just like the waterproof jackets, we stock a wide range of paddling legwear too. A good pair will protect against splashes of cold water from your paddle, keep you dry when wading to launch and keep you comfortable if you fall in. Choosing the right winter paddleboarding trousers comes down to selecting the features that will suit you best.

As with the top half, the warmth of the trousers comes from protecting you from the wind, layering up properly underneath to protect you from the water temperature is essential.

A few key things to look out for:

  • Material – As with the drysuit vs wetsuit, neoprene pants are great if you are going in the water. A good pair of dry trousers will be more comfortable; the more layers, the more breathable they will be.
  • Waist Seal – As described above, a twin waist can layer up with a jacket to create a good barrier. Single waist trousers reduce the amount of material around the middle of your body, and can still create a good system with a twin waisted cag. Look for something with a nice big adjuster, this will spread the pressure and help you get a tight fit without digging in.
  • Feet – This is the main choice, mostly down to personal preference and budget;
    • Built in socks – usually a fabric sock made out of a similar material to the rest of the trouser. The ultimate in comfort, these will stop any water from touching your feet or going up inside the leg. An adjustable over-cuff will stop excess flapping around and stop water running into your boots.
    • Latex Ankle seal – The second best option for stopping the water. Your feet will still be open to the elements, but the latex will stop water travelling up the leg. These can feel tight and need to be cared for.
    • Neoprene Calf Seal – Designed to be more comfortable than a latex seal by being a softer material over a longer length. This option will stop the majority of water getting in.
    • Neoprene Cuff – A basic adjuster that will stop splashes, but water will easily make its way up your leg if submerged.
Yak Chinook Trousers

Yak Chinook Trousers
£112.50
£125.00
Whether you wear these Yak Chinook waterproof trousers alone or along with a twin-waist jacket, you’ll find them perfect for the job. Sculpted around the leg for flexibility and comfort - combined with weatherproof but wear-resistant fabrics used throughout, you’re well prepared for anything the water can throw at you.
  • DX10k 2.5 layer fabric for waterproof breathability
  • Pre-shaped performance cut legs for freedom of movement and comfort
  • Stay dry and warm with the latex inner ankle seal and adjustable over cuff
  • Double layered, fully adjustable waistband with added grip
  • Can be easily combined with any Yak twin waist jacket to make a two-piece suit
  • 500D durable seamless seat and knee panels
Palm Atom Pants

Palm Atom Pants
£178.50
£210.00

Palm Atom Dry pants are our go to for tough conditions‚ made from durable‚ highly waterproof XP 3-layer fabric with heavy duty reinforcement at the seat and knees. Cut for comfort and durability on or off the water‚ with fewer seams‚ positioned to minimise wear. The twin waist design seals with your paddle jacket to make a versatile two-piece suit‚ with double taped 4-layer socks keep you comfortable in the water.

The Palm Atom pants have become a popular solution for paddleboarding through the winter and early spring. The built in socks allow you to wade in without any water touching your feet! 

Materials:
XP 3-layer fabric, 4 layer 320D reinforced panels

Weight:
659 g (L)

Waist:
Velcro adjustable neoprene waistband
Twin waist

Feet:
XP 4-layer socks with Nylon 320D soles

Other Features:
Reinforced seat and knees
Palm Blaze Mens Pants

Palm Blaze Mens Pants
£107.10
£119.00
Premium neoprene trousers. Extremely stretchy 3 mm Neospan neoprene with a super soft feel (it's also non-petroleum based) and a plush Thermofibre lining. They are cut higher at the back to suit a paddling posture, along with Supratex reinforced in high wear areas. Glued and blind stitched with GlideSkin neoprene ankles to keep out the water so you stay comfortable.
Technology
NeoPrene
This high quality 100% chloroprene rubber is durable and provides great insulation from the cold. We use a range of face fabrics and finishes for comfort and abrasion resistance, tailored to each Neoprene garment.
Read more
Thermofibre lined neoprene
A high pile fleece lining makes this neoprene exceptionally warm and comfortable, while keeping the thickness and weight of the fabric to a minimum.
Read more
Supratex neoprene
Nylon reinforced neoprene that’s supple and stretchy, yet holds its shape, maintaining an excellent fit for your spraydeck.
Palm Vector Pants

Palm Vector Pants
£71.10
£79.00
Keep wind‚ rain and splashes out in these lightweight waterproof over trousers‚ for use on or off the water. Made in our breathable XP 2-layer fabric‚ with adjustable waist and ankle cuffs‚ the Vector pants can pack down small to carry as an emergency layer. The Palm Vectoe pants feature a drawcord adjustable waist and neoprene adjusable ankle cuffs.

Keep wind‚ rain and splashes out in these lightweight waterproof over trousers‚ for use on or off the water. Made in our breathable XP 2-layer fabric‚ with adjustable waist and ankle cuffs‚ the Vector pants can pack down small to carry as an emergency layer.

The Palm Vectoe pants feature a drawcord adjustable waist and neoprene adjusable ankle cuffs.
Kokatat Tempest Pants - Hydrus 3.0

Kokatat Tempest Pants - Hydrus 3.0
£249.99
Popular among touring paddlers and kayak anglers, stay completely dry with these dry pants.

For the value conscious paddler, Kokatat's Hydrus 3.0 (3-layer) Tempest dry pants are very popular among kayak anglers worldwide. Features include a tall neoprene waist band and integrated Hydrus 3L socks.

  • Hydrus 3.0 fabric
  • Hydrus 3.0 socks with gravel guard
  • Neoprene waistband with adjustable "hook & loop" tabs
  • Factory sealed seams

STAY DRY AND COMFORTABLE ON A BUDGET

Kokatat Hydrus 3.0 is Kokatat's proprietary three-layer fabric, which is exceptionally waterproof and breathable, and carries Kokatat's limited lifetime warranty.

Our Top Combinations

We help guide a lot of people to the right combination of products in the shop, whilst all of the products will work alongside each other, here are a few of our most common winter SUP clothing set-ups.

The Ultimate Combo

££££

The bib style trousers will keep you dry when wading in, with a built in convenience zip. A top end jacket creates you own cozy environment, perfect for ploughing through when the going gets tough.

The Autumn Paddler

£££
A super comfy lightweight top matched up to trousers with a built in sock is always a winner. Mix and match depending on the condition, but together they will keep you cozy in even the wettest weather. High breathability will to keep you from overheating if the sun comes out for longer than expected!

Stay Dry on a Budget

££

A good quality jacket with all the features of a higher end model, but a more modest price tag, partnered up to twin waisted trousers to keep you dry if you go in. Latex ankle seals mean a thick pair of neoprene boots is essential.

Testing the Water

£

A good combo for the warmer days of the season and good gear to have on a colder summer day, so still useful if it turns out cold weather paddle boarding isn’t for you.

Make the most out of your paddleboard during the colder season

This information will help narrow down your choices, if you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact us for personalised advice from our experienced staff. Our aim is to get you out and enjoying the sport, and having the right equipment not only makes it more enjoyable, but also safer.

Buying online can be a minefield of descriptions and mixed reviews. We only stock tried and tested products that we would use ourselves, but we always recommend coming into our shop to feel and try the garment on before you purchase.

Happy paddling!
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