What to Wear Paddle Boarding

The sun’s out, your board and paddle are ready, and you’ve already booked an amazing weekend trip to go paddle boarding! That sounds great! But have you prepared what to wear on the board yet?

No, shorts and a t-shirt won’t cut it this time. Back then, the answer to the question: “what can I wear when paddle boarding?” is just anything you’re comfortable with but as the sport gets more popular, enthusiasts have cracked the code on what should be the best outfit to weather even the harshest of climates and keep you comfortable no matter what. 

Here’s a guide on paddle boarding essentials and what to wear while paddle boarding for every season!

Essentials

No matter what season you’re paddling, there is one thing that is the most important essential you should never ever forget to bring. You will always need to wear a leash and a personal floating device. A USCG-approved life jacket is recommended to be worn throughout the whole paddle boarding trip.

Luckily enough, there are many life jackets to choose from now and you’re not stuck with the usual bulky inflatable you see on airplanes. There are smaller compact life jackets that simply buckle around your waist like a belt or vests that could fit you like a glove. Whatever you choose, this is the most essential item you should bring anytime you’re paddling.

Summer

The most common time to go paddle boarding is when the climate is hot. Everywhere around the world, there are beautiful warm summers with calmer waters and an amazing picturesque view of everything around you. Some say that it’s the perfect season for paddle boarding. Who can complain? Calm waters, fresh air, and endless sunshine. 

However, where sunshine is, heat follows. So, you need to be very mindful on how to best manage the heat and how to cool off throughout your adventure.

Usually, people opt to occasionally dive from their board and enjoy the water to cool down. So, you’ll need waterproof clothing like a bathing suit, a thin rash guard, or waterproof activewear. An easy rule of thumb here is that whatever you would wear to go swimming could work. However, do not ever forget to wear and bring sunscreen since you would be exposed to the sun for long periods of time.

For footwear, you can absolutely opt for paddle sports footwear especially when you’re venturing off to islands or rocky paths. But if you’re staying on the board, going barefoot should be fine!

Spring or Autumn

Spring and autumn could bring you very turbulent weather. Depending on the time, it could be calmer and warmer but could also bring harsher climates to your paddle boarding trip. The key here is to bring lightweight layers so that you’re prepared for anything that nature brings at you. The best word of advice is not to wear anything too thick because your body heats up quite a bit while paddling.

For recreational paddle boarding, you can always wear quick dry shorts or thermal shorts if you need to be warmer. A jacket and a pair of leggings could also work for this season. Also, don’t forget to wear neoprene paddle boarding footwear to protect your feet if it gets too cold. 

If you opt to wear more lightweight clothing that could keep you cool, it is still best to bring a dry bag with an extra layer or two in case weather conditions change while you’re already out into the water. A SUP jacket or a zip-up rash guard would be perfect for this! 

Winter

Winter brings out a whole new challenge for paddle board enthusiasts but it could also bring a whole new beautiful adventure. Imagine paddling in subzero temperatures but being greeted with the sites of alpine mountains or even glaciers.

However, you need to exercise a lot of caution when paddling in Winter. You need to strike a balance between warm, thick clothing and movement capabilities. Anything thicker than 3mm could impair your mobility, so paddling would be a real struggle. 

Enthusiasts recommend wearing a very thick pair of leggings as your feet usually stay in the same position throughout. A waterproof neoprene top and waterproof jacket plus a vest could be the best option for this. It keeps you warm while still maintaining fluidity of your arms and shoulders. Check out our guide on some good wetsuits.

In any harsh climate like winter, the first thing to do is to protect your extremities since they get the coldest quickly. So wear very thick waterproof gloves that still allow you to grasp a paddle. A beanie and ear muffs could also help. But one of the most important items to include in your outfit are thick wetsuit boots. It is virtually impossible for you not to wet your feet and you don’t want ice-cold water freezing your toes!

The best option here is also to bring more layers! It is recommended to bring a dry bag with dry clothes so that in case you do get wet, you can easily dry off, warm up, and change. This would be the perfect way to reduce the risk of hypothermia. 

The Bottom Line

Now, which season do you want to paddle? The warm summers of endless sunshine, the turbulent climate of spring or autumn, or the extreme cold but beautiful landscapes of winter? Whatever you choose, you’re now prepared and equipped for your next adventure!