Here’s how you can stay warm, dry, and comfortable when paddleboarding through the colder months by layering clothing, using neoprene, cags, and drysuits.
1. Start with a Base Layer: Stay Warm and Dry
The base layer is your first line of defence against cold weather. It’s designed to wick sweat away from your skin while providing insulation. For paddleboarding in cooler conditions, a thermal base layer made from synthetic materials, bamboo or merino wool is ideal. These fabrics dry quickly, breathe well, and trap warmth.- Why is this important? Staying dry and warm is essential because cold water and wind can rapidly drain your body heat.
- Tip: Avoid cotton as a base layer, as it absorbs moisture and can leave you feeling cold and clammy.
2. Add some Neoprene: The First Step in Preparing for Cooler Conditions
For many of us a Wetsuit was part of our summer paddling kit. Those taking their first trips will have looked to a wetsuit to keep them warm while they were falling.
With practise and confidence many paddlers will have hung the suit in favour of lighter more flexible shorts and fleeces. Your old wetsuit, or a new set of neoprene pants and a paddling top, make an easy way to increase your warmth and protect you from the cooler waters.
Neoprene is a fantastic option for paddling in colder temperatures, especially if you anticipate falling into the water. Wetsuits work by trapping a thin layer of water between your skin and the suit, which your body heats up, creating a thermal barrier.
- What’s great about neoprene? It’s flexible, water-resistant, and provides good thermal protection even when wet. Plus, modern wetsuits are much more comfortable and mobile than older designs, so you can paddle freely.
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Garment design: Which wetsuit should I get? This depends to a degree on how confident you’re feeling about the chances of falling in. For those concerned about a possible early dip, the Longjohn style (Body and Legs, but no arms) which will keep you core snug and warm but leave your arms free for paddling.
For those lucky enough to be confident and skilled enough to expect a ‘dry’ trip, then a combination Pants and Paddling top can provide more flexibility and comfort.
- Tip: If you’re not ready to fully commit to a wetsuit, neoprene accessories like gloves, boots, and hoods can add significant warmth while keeping your range of motion unrestricted.
3. Snuggle up with a Mid-Layer: Fleece for extra warmth
A light, or mid, weight fleece can an essential extra layer warmth and comfort either over your wetsuit or as part of a multi-layered paddleboard clothing system.
Flexible warmth for the dry paddler: A multi-layered approach combing Thermal base layers, Neoprene trousers and fleece on the top provides lots of flexibility. You can easily add or remove layers as you exercise and generate extra warmth from you hard work.
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Temperature Control: The trick is to stay dry. The thermal base layer is an important first layer that helps wick sweat away from your skin. Take layers off the extra layers as you get warmer. Put them back on when you stop – don’t wait to get cold.
- Tip: Pack an extra fleece in your drybag. If the worst happens there’s great comfort in stripping off the wet layers and pulling on a snug thick fleece.
4. Cags for Wind Protection
When paddling in windy, rainy, or cold conditions, layering an efficient shell layer such as a cagoule (or cag) over your wetsuit or base layer provides excellent wind and rain protection. Cags are lightweight waterproof jackets designed specifically for watersports. They’re great at blocking wind chill and keeping you dry.
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Why use a cag? Even with a wetsuit, exposure to wind can rapidly sap warmth from your body. A cag acts as a windbreaker, giving you an extra layer of defence without overheating.
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Breathability is key: Look for a cag with breathable fabric to prevent sweat buildup inside, which can make you cold as it evaporates.
- Tip: Choose a cag with adjustable seals at the wrists and neck to minimize water entry in choppy conditions.
5. Go All-In for Winter: Drysuits for Ultimate Protection
If you plan to paddle in the depths of winter or in freezing water conditions, a drysuit is the ultimate cold-weather gear. Unlike wetsuits, drysuits are designed to keep you completely dry by using waterproof and breathable materials. Underneath, you can wear thermal layers to insulate yourself.
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How do drysuits work? They form a watertight seal around your body with latex gaskets at the wrists and either neoprene or latex at the neck. This makes them a top choice for the most extreme paddling conditions in the UK’s colder months.
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Flexibility and warmth: Since the drysuit itself doesn't provide insulation, you can tailor your thermal layers underneath based on the weather. You can add thicker thermals on really cold days or opt for lighter ones when it’s milder.
- Tip: Make sure your drysuit fits well, especially at the seals. Too tight and they’ll be uncomfortable, too loose and water can seep in, reducing its effectiveness.
6. Don't Forget the Accessories: Gloves, Boots, and Hats
Keeping your extremities warm is just as important as insulating your core. Neoprene gloves, boots, and hoods are essential for protecting your hands, feet, and head from cold water and wind.
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Gloves: Look for neoprene gloves that allow for flexibility and grip on your paddle.
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Boots: Neoprene boots will keep your feet warm and provide traction on your board, especially in colder water. Better quality boots will come with a soft fleece lining that helps trap warm air if you manage to paddle without getting your feet wet. Ensure a snug fit to avoid water entering.
- Hats and hoods: A neoprene hood or woolly hat can prevent significant heat loss, as we lose a lot of body heat through our heads. You can wear them under your helmet, or inside your cag, if you're wearing one.
7. Mix and Match Layers for Versatility
The UK weather can be unpredictable, so it’s best to be prepared for changing conditions. You can mix and match these layers depending on the temperature and water conditions:-
Mild autumn days: A thermal base layer, wetsuit or mid weight fleece and a cag should be enough to keep you warm.
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Chilly winter paddles: Opt for a thicker wetsuit (5mm) or a drysuit with thermal layers underneath, along with neoprene accessories to protect your extremities.
- Freezing conditions: A full drysuit with merino wool thermals and neoprene gloves, boots, and hoods will keep you comfortable even in the coldest weather.
Final Thoughts
Paddleboarding in the UK can be enjoyed all year round with the right gear. By layering your clothing strategically and choosing the right combination of wetsuits, cags, drysuits, and accessories, you can comfortably extend your paddling season well into the colder months. With the added advantage of quieter waterways and the beauty of winter landscapes, paddleboarding in colder weather can be a truly rewarding experience.
So, don’t pack away your board just yet—gear up and embrace the year-round adventure!