Why We Paddle in the Winter (and why you should too!)

IT’S BETTER THAN NOT PADDLING AT ALL!

The alternative to winter paddling is not paddling at all for several months of the year, and for us that's a non starter. Paddling is our passion, and we see no reason to set that aside just because it get's a little colder.

NO BOATS

Well, not no boats, but very few boats. Once the summer season ends, we're given new freedom as paddlers to float about with less congestion on the water. Also, with less boat wake, conditions are generally calmer.

AN UNPARALLELED BEAUTY

We don't know if it's the crisp air, clear water, or the novelty of feeling the warm sun soak through your wetsuit or drysuit on a cold winter day, but we find winter on the water to be one of the most beautiful experiences we've ever had!

MAKING STRONGER CONNECTIONS

Paddling in the winter helps you appreciate the finer details. The environment feels a little closer, and the conversations with fellow paddlers feel more real and grounded.

CHANGING THE LANDSCAPE

Our goal with winter paddling is to change the landscape of the paddle industry. We want to expand not just what paddlers think is possible. but what they think is normal.

Drysuit

A drysuit is a one or two piece garment made of a waterproof/breathable material, that seals at the neck and wrists with latex or neoprene gaskets. We have drysuits available for rent on all of our off-season paddle tours and clinics.

Advantages

Keeping water out allows a paddler to layer underneath with dry garments. offering comfort in a greater range of temperatires.

The looser fit also allows greater mobility.

Disadvantages

Significantly more expensive than wetsuits. require more care, and lose all protection if suit is compromised. Gaskets must be continually checked for tears and maintained. However, with our rental drysuits, we take care of all the maintenance for you. And since you only have to rent one while your paddling, you don’t have to worry about spending a ton of money just to have it sit in your closet most days the week.

Wetsuit

Most wetsuits are made of neoprene or similar material, which is filled with millions of inert nitrogen gas bubbles. This creates a thermal barrier between the wearer and the surrounding environment so heat transfer away from the body is slow, allowing the wearer to maintain a safe and comfortable body temperature.

Advantages

Less expensive than drysuits. and don't require additional layering underneath. Tighter fit provides easier movement when in the water, and continue to function even with small tears.

Disadvantages

Because they don't seal completely, they are prone to cold water flushing, and aren't as good at handling extreme cold temperatures.

How to Choose?

For many paddlers, the biggest factor in determining what gear to buv is the cost. In this case. a wetsuit is the clear winner.

However. it is worth noting that, though drysuits take more maintenance, if they are kept in good shape, they will often last many years. You could go through three or four welsuits in the same time a dry suit will stay functional for.

Besides cost. consider the type of paddling you'll likely do. If your adventures have you in extreme cold and wind, a drysuit will likely be the better option. If you are more likely to be surfing (and so in the water). a wetsuit might be the better option.

HANDS, HEAD, AND FEET

Hands

The hands are easily the hardest part of the body to keep warm when paddling. Finding the balance between gloves thick enough to keep you warm but thin enough to allow you to hold the paddle comfortably is a challenge. Your main options are neoprene gloves or mitts. Mitts will keep you warmer. but allow for less dexterity. If you decide on gloves, vou'll want at least a 3min thickness to ensure warmth. Gloves or mitts. try to find something with pre-curved fingers that allow for easier gripping.

An additional option only suitable for kayaking is a pair of pogies. Pogies wrap around the paddle and allow you to grip the paddle bare-handed. This is the warmest option, but your hands will be exposed when outside of the pogies.

It's also a really good idea to bring a pair of dry gloves for when you get off the water, especially if you have to load your own board or kayak.

Our favorite options is definitely neoprene mitts, and sometimes even through hand warmers in them, which continue to work unless you get a good amount of water inside the glove.

Head

Keeping the head warm is actually one of the easiest parts of paddling. All you have to do is wear a hat or hood. Ideally, you want to wear something made of wool. neoprene, or flecce. These malerials all retain their warmth even when wet, so even if you're out paddling in snow or rain, your head will stay warm.

If you are planning on paddling in surf or rough water. you may want to invest in a full neoprene hood. This will provide better protection if having to duck waves or roll your kayak. When buying a drysuit it's worth looking into one with a hood. When buying a wetsuit, consider one that has a hood, or buy a hood separately which will integrate with the suit and prevent more water from seeping in.

Feet

At some point every fall I have to give in and cover my feet with something. If wearing a drysuit, most have waterproof booties sewn in. Wearing a thin pair of wicking socks beneath a pair of wool socks will keep your feet warm and allow moisture to be pulled away from your skin. keeping your feet warmer and drier.

lf wearing a wetsuit, you’ll have to protect your feet with ncoprene booties Look for something in 3mm, with a thicker protective sole if you’ll be stepping off your board or kayak to explore. Wearing thin neoprene socks will help keep your feet a little warmer on the coldest days.