Veteran paddleboarder Duncan Slater recommends some essential paddleboard clothing to suit various weathers and SUP situations…What\u2019s best to wear when stand-up paddleboarding? It might sound like a silly question \u2013 but the answer isn\u2019t necessarily as straightforward as you might expect. From those with no watersports experience, right up to people with long histories in marine and aquatic environments, it\u2019s easy to assume wrongly.\u00a0
\nIf you\u2019ve recently bought your first paddleboard of inflatable paddleboard and bought all the SUP accessories that you might need, the choices can be a little confusing should you go for a wetsuit or would it be better to start with some less technical clothing?
\nThing is, unless you\u2019re intending or expecting to fall in a lot \u2013 in surf, for example \u2013 paddleboarding on flat water isn\u2019t usually that immersive an experience. Although of course, no matter how good you get there\u2019s always an outside chance that you might end up in the water. Therefore in many situations, much like running or cycling, it\u2019s about layering up or down to suit the weather and conditions.\u00a0
\nIf the water\u2019s cold though, then you really must dress appropriately \u2013 and that means neoprene. You will need enough neoprene that you\u2019re safe in case you fall in, which is always a possibility, yet not so much that you\u2019ll overheat when paddling.
\nThe \u2018problem\u2019 with neoprene is that it\u2019s not breathable, and wetsuits are really designed to be used wet. Hence most flat water stand-up paddlers tend to minimise the amount of neoprene they\u2019re wearing.\u00a0
\nSo in most SUP situations a full wetsuit maybe isn\u2019t the way forward. But what is? Here we look at a range of suitable SUP clothing \u2013 the essentials to cover you for various weathers and situations.
\nWhat to wear when paddleboarding\u2026<\/p>\n
Ion Plasma Boots\u00a0
\nTruth be told, when possible most experienced paddleboarders tend to prefer paddling barefoot. But when the water\u2019s cold, a priority for comfort is keeping your feet \u2013 and specifically toes \u2013 warm.
\nEspecially on flat water you\u2019ll find that as you\u2019re not moving your feet around so much they can get very cold very quickly. So over winter and into spring, a good thick pair of neoprene boots is a must-have.
\nThese Ion Plasmas are primarily designed for kitesurfing, but they cross-over perfectly into paddleboarding when you also want to \u2018feel\u2019 your board underfoot.
\nAt 6mm thick they\u2019re as warm as you\u2019re going to need for most cold-water conditions. Yet a segmented sole with strategic cuts in just the right places enhance flexibility for that bare-foot feeling.
\nBuy it now from Sup Co
\nNote: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site, at no extra cost to you. This doesn\u2019t affect our editorial independence.<\/p>\n
O\u2019Neill Hyperfreak 4\/3mm Wetsuit
\nCertainly in the surf, and in some other situations when you\u2019re expecting to fall in regularly, if the water\u2019s cold a full wetsuit is definitely appropriate.
\nOf the various different styles of wetsuit \u2013 specifically designed for disciplines from swimming to windsurfing to diving etc \u2013 a surfing suit is undoubtedly best for paddleboarding.
\nAnd what better brand to represent the genre than O\u2019Neill \u2013 eponymous to Jack O\u2019Neill who\u2019s widely cited as inventor of the world\u2019s first wetsuit in 1952.
\nToday, O\u2019Neill\u2019s Hyperfreak wetsuits are constructed in super-light, super-stretchy \u2018TechnoButter\u2019 neoprene.
\nThis makes them lightweight, well sealed, easy to get into and out of, but above all warm and comfortable. Hence a 4\/3mm wetsuit as featured here is ample for most paddling situations.\u00a0
\nBuy the men\u2019s wetsuit now from Amazon
\nBuy the women\u2019s wetsuit now from Amazon<\/p>\n
Palm Quantum Longjohns\u00a0
\nUnless you\u2019re out in waves, or expecting to be in the water a lot for some other reason, even in winter a full wetsuit is often too much for paddleboarding.
\nSleeveless long-johns such as these Quantums from Palm are ideal though, as with your arms and shoulders free you won\u2019t overheat when paddling.
\nYet 3mm of neoprene will keep your legs and core more than warm enough, even if you do take the occasional dip.
\nThe Quantum are Palm\u2019s \u2018budget\u2019 long-john range, but should be ample for most SUP purposes. Featuring reinforced knees, flatlocked seams and a stretchy lumbar back panel, they\u2019re available in both men\u2019s and women\u2019s cuts.
\nThese Palms are ideal for spring and autumn \u2013 and suitably layered, they could see a proficient flat-water paddler right through winter too\u2026
\nBuy the men\u2019s longjohn from Amazon
\nBuy the women\u2019s longjohn from Amazon<\/p>\n
ItiWit Paddleboarding Trousers\u00a0
\nSome flat-water paddlers find even long-john\u2019s are too much \u2013 particularly in autumn, springtime or on a fine winter\u2019s day.
\nWhen you\u2019re really not expecting to fall in but there\u2019s still a chill to the water, neoprene leggings are a good call.
\nEnough to protect your legs if wading into the water, these leave your upper body free from neoprene so less likely to over-heat.
\nThese ItiWit neoprene leggings from Decathlon are specifically designed for paddlesports. In cold weather, 2mm of stitched neoprene provides warmth and you can layer up with breathable fabrics on your torso.
\nWith an anatomic design in both men\u2019s and women\u2019s styles, a drawstring waist, plus knee reinforcements to provide abrasion resistance, these ItiWit trousers are very good value.
\nBuy the men\u2019s trousers from Decathlon
\nBuy the women\u2019s trousers from Decathlon<\/p>\n
Quiksilver Waterman Paddler Boardshorts\u00a0
\nEvery self-respecting stand-up paddlesurfer should have a decent pair of boardshorts.
\nIn summer \u2013 and surprisingly deep into autumn \u2013 they\u2019re often all you need to wear on your bottom half. When the water and air temperatures are warm enough, there\u2019s no need for more.
\nSo if you\u2019re going to spend much time on a SUP, it\u2019s worth getting a quality pair of boardshorts. These mid-length Quiksilver Waterman Paddlers are a fine example.
\nMade from a traceable recycled 4-way stretch fabric they\u2019re ethically sound. They\u2019re technical too, quick-drying with a water-repellent hydrophobic coating.
\nEqually at home on the water or chilling out afterwards they offer a blend of durability, flexibility, strength and comfort.
\nBuy it now from West Marine<\/p>\n
Roxy Love Boardshorts\u00a0
\nFor women, you might imagine a bikini or swimsuit is the best option in hot weather. And for some it is \u2013 although most paddlers appreciate something a little less revealing.
\nAfter all, stand-up paddling can and does include a fair degree of squatting and bending, so boardshorts are a more popular option.
\nThese Roxy Love Boardshorts are also made from a traceable, 4-way stretch fabric produced from recycled plastic bottles. With a fully elasticated waist and relaxed cut they\u2019re comfortable as well as stylish.
\nA minimal short-length design means they won\u2019t mess with your tan-lines too much. Plus a back pocket on the right leg even provides an element of practicality.
\nBuy it now from Amazon<\/p>\n
Red Paddle Performance Top
\nSo, we\u2019ve established that layering\u2019s key for most recreational paddleboarding. But the question is what to wear when the water\u2019s not too cold yet there\u2019s a chill in the air?
\nRed Paddle\u2019s Performance Top is a great technical mid-layer \u2013 ideal for regulating body temperature in colder weather. The super-soft fabric is breathable, moisture-wicking, quick-drying and even odour resistant.
\nRed Original have fast gained a reputation for super-high quality clothing and accessories, not least thanks to this great garment.
\nYou\u2019ll really appreciate the attention to detail too: the zipped pockets are big enough for your phone, wallet and keys. The long neck zip makes donning and doffing super-easy.
\nPlus thumb-holes in the sleeves are great for keeping your hands warm. Available in men\u2019s or women\u2019s cuts.
\nBuy the men\u2019s top from Red Paddle Co
\nBuy the women\u2019s top from Red Paddle Co<\/p>\n
HH LIFA Base Layer\u00a0
\nA high quality base layer is an extremely versatile garment that should be in every paddleboarder\u2019s wardrobe.
\nWeighing in at just 90g, this Helly Hansen is super-lightweight, but constructed in hydrophobic LIFA fabric it provides light insulation and wicks moisture away from the skin.
\nHence in summer it can be worn alone to help regulate your temperature. It\u2019ll keep you warm enough if the sun\u2019s not out, or can protect from UV if it is.
\nIn spring and autumn it\u2019s a great base layer beneath a breathable mid and\/or top-layer.
\nAnd even in winter if you\u2019ve opted for a full wetsuit but aren\u2019t expecting to fall in, it\u2019s good to have something to save your suit from getting too sweaty. Available in men\u2019s or women\u2019s cuts.
\nBuy the men\u2019s base layer from Helly Hansen
\nBuy the women\u2019s base layer from Helly Hansen\u00a0<\/p>\n
Dakine Loose Fit Short Sleeve Surf Shirt
\nIn summertime when the air and water are warm enough, a t-shirt\u2019s often as much as you need to wear up top.
\nThese Dakine Loose Fit Surf Shirts are technical tees that look just like \u2019normal\u2019 casual shirts.
\nAlthough the material looks just like cotton, Dakine\u2019s synthetic blend fabric amazingly keeps its shape when wet rather than clinging to your skin.
\nSoft, quick-drying and offering full UPF 50+ sun protection, flatlock seams make paddling really comfortable with minimal rubbing.
\nGreat looking tops that can transition seamlessly from the beach to the bar! Similar styles are available in different cuts for each gender: Dakine call their men\u2019s surf shirt \u2018Heavy Duty\u2019 and the women\u2019s \u2018Dauntless\u2019\u2026
\nBuy the men\u2019s t-shirt from Amazon
\nBuy the women\u2019s t-short from Amazon<\/p>\n
Vaikobi VDRY Lightweight Vest\u00a0
\nTo fully encapsulate your layering, a breathable waterproof outer shell is a useful bit of kit for poor weather.
\nThe danger with too heavy a top layer is that you can soon overheat when paddling. After all, you are exercising your arms, shoulders and core which will soon warm up!
\nAntipodean paddle outfitter Vaikobi offer this fully waterproof, breathable Lightweight Vest with water repellent function.
\nThe high collar is fleece lined to protect your neck from chilly winds while a soft mesh lining allows the vest to move with your body as you paddle.
\nA scooped back provides extra protection from the elements, vented for added breathability and body temperature regulation.
\nAn adjustable waist cord keeps it in place while a half front zip allows scope for extra aeration. Constructed in reflective silver for optimum winter visibility.\u00a0
\nBuy it now from Vaikobi<\/p>\n
Musto Evolution FD Technical Cap\u00a0
\nTopping everything off, a good cap is another multi-functional garment that\u2019s indispensable for many paddleboarders.
\nOf course you can wear shades if it\u2019s sunny, but you do risk losing them if you fall in. Whereas a cap \u2013 particularly this Musto with its elasticated back strap and retaining clip \u2013 will shield your eyes from the sun without any worries about losing it to the deep.
\nEqually, in inclement weather, keeping the rain off your head and face can make an enormous psychological difference. Quick-drying fabric on the peak and across the top of the hat will keep you comfy, while open mesh side panels provide ventilation.
\nIn winter even a lightweight cap like this can retain enough heat to stay that bit warmer. Reflective detail on the peak helps keep you visible in low light too.\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0
\nBuy it now from Amazon
\nDidn\u2019t find what you\u2019re looking for? Head to Amazon\u2019s dedicated sailing page for more marine products.
\nThe post What to wear when paddleboarding appeared first on Yachting World.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Veteran paddleboarder Duncan Slater recommends some essential paddleboard clothing to suit various weathers and SUP situations…What\u2019s best to wear when stand-up paddleboarding? It might sound like a silly question \u2013 but the answer isn\u2019t necessarily as straightforward as you might … <\/p>\n