How to dress for paddling through the seasons?

1. Tips for staying safe and warm:

First of all, winter is a season when there are few people on the water and therefore potentially problematic if you have a hypothermia or equipment problem. So the choice of equipment is fundamental. In cold winter water, it’s impossible to stay in the water for long without a wetsuit.

If possible, don’t go alone. Sharing these moments in nature with others on a paddle is always better. But above all, in the event of a problem, you’ll have someone on hand to help you. So for maximum safety, it’s best to practice with more than one person. If you don’t, please let at least one of your family and friends know what route you’re going to take, and what time you’ll be leaving and arriving.

Use a buoyancy aid: wear a lifejacket or flotation device for safety in winter. On the one hand, it’ll keep you warm, but it’ll also help you float better in case of trouble. Take a look at our pro impact vest, which can also be used for paddling.

Use a leash board. This is essential. Attach your board to your foot with a leash to avoid losing it in the event of a fall.

2. Choosing the right outfit for winter paddling.

Even more so for this season, the choice of outfit is fundamental. It doesn’t take long to get cold.

There are several options for neoprene or other wetsuits, such as dry suits.

To begin with, you can use a neoprene wetsuit of varying thickness. The thicker the suit, the warmer you’ll feel. However, you’ll have trouble moving properly. So you’ll be using a lot of energy.

The purpose of this suit is to limit energy and heat loss and keep your body at the right temperature. To do this, when you fall, the wetsuit will trap a thin layer of water that will help warm your body. Note that these suits are less effective out of the water than in it.

The second option is the hybrid solution: neoprene or long john pants with a breathable top or windbreaker.

This solution is a good alternative, because neoprene pants or long johns are generally quite thin, so they don’t get in the way of movement. The long john is a sleeveless wetsuit that offers great mobility and flexibility for the upper body, and good thermal protection for the lower body.

Combine this with a windproof top and, if necessary, under-layers to keep out the wind, and you’ll never feel cold. Choose a breathable top that lets perspiration escape. You can opt for fleece tops, for example. However, don’t forget to bring a change of clothes in case you fall (a small waterproof bag can be used for a change of clothes).

This design offers paddlers and water sports enthusiasts, such as paddlers, greater freedom of movement in the upper body. It promotes more natural gestures and facilitates the execution of various actions, such as paddling, turning or adjusting the position on the board. The long john is better suited to milder weather conditions.

The last option is to choose a dry suit. This solution is very interesting because it combines total warmth (since no air can get in) with freedom of movement thanks to its thinness. They keep you dry even if you fall into the water. Thanks to their impermeability, these suits prevent water from getting in, keeping you comfortably protected from damp and cold. Wetsuits are usually hooded, so you won’t lose any warmth in the rain or wind.

Remember, 30% of our heat comes from our extremities: head, feet and hands.

This remains the best option for paddling in winter, allowing you to maintain a good level of mobility for maximum performance while preserving your body heat.

But that’s not all. As we mentioned earlier: feet, hands and head are where we lose the most energy and heat. So don’t forget to equip yourself with neoprene booties and gloves and/or hat.

1. Tips for staying safe and warm:

You can use a dry suit as described above, but do away with the isothermal layers underneath. This will keep you dry even if you fall in the water, but will also make the dry suit more mobile. So the investment in a winter drysuit can be used for mid-season or rainy weather.

The second option is to opt for a full wetsuit (less thick) or a long John to keep the upper body as mobile as possible and not expend too much energy. The gust of wind will provide shelter from the wine on the upper part.

Finally, for the more courageous (or if you’re in a warmer region), opt for the shorty. Ideal for summer or mid-season if the water is relatively warm. They provide good thermal insulation on the body and maximum freedom of movement on the arms.

At this time of year, if you want to get a better feel for the board, you can do away with the booties. As your paddle has a net for attaching accessories, you can take them with you if you need them.

2. Advice

Don’t forget to stay hydrated – it’s very important when you’re making a long effort. Put some water and food in a waterproof bag attached to the net, and take a break in the middle of the ocean, away from it all, contemplating the beauty of nature.

For some of you, it’s the start of a new season, so take it easy and gradually increase your distances. This will allow your body to adapt to a more consistent effort over the course of the sessions.

Spring is a great time of year, when nature wakes up and you can take advantage of the opportunity to discover new itineraries.

Don’t forget to stay hydrated – it’s very important when you’re making a long effort. Put some water and food in a waterproof bag attached to the net, and take a break in the middle of the ocean, away from it all, contemplating the beauty of nature.

For some of you, it’s the start of a new season, so take it easy and gradually increase your distances. This will allow your body to adapt to a more consistent effort over the course of the sessions.

Spring is a great time of year, when nature wakes up and you can take advantage of the opportunity to discover new itineraries.

Depending on where you’re vacationing. Maybe you’ll need a shorty-type wetsuit. Otherwise, it’s very simple: a buoyancy vest if you need one, an anti-UV top and boardshorts.

Of course, if you’re on the tip of Brittany with a cool breeze, even in summer, the shorty or windbreaker, or even a light integral, will come in handy. In the event that you fall in the water, the wetsuit will come in handy.

In summer, the sun is higher in the sky, so reverberation is greater. A pair of sunglasses and sun cream will protect you from UV rays.

If it’s really hot, opt for a hat or cap to keep your head in the shade and avoid sunstroke.