Paddling in the fall or winter is wonderful: very few boats, no noise, hardly anyone around you.

Why not take advantage?

 

EQUIPMENT:

Good equipment is essential. If you are serious about getting out on the water in freezing weather or below, you must have the proper equipment.

 

1) SLIPPERS

For paddling in cold weather, good slippers are essential. Get a pair of neoprene shoes 2 or 3 mm in fall / spring and 5 mm or 7 mm in winter to protect your feet from the cold as well as from irritation related to friction against the board.

Here is a selection of slippers.

 

2) NEOPRENE SUIT, HYBRID SUIT OR DRY SUIT?

NEOPRENE SUIT

You can wear either, but be aware that a neoprene suit is designed to be worn WET / IN WATER. This way, water gets inside the neoprene and your body temperature warms it up, warming you up. If you wear a wetsuit for paddling, above water it does not hold heat well and the wind will blow through it. Wetsuits also tend to be restrictive in terms of body movement as they are tight against the body which can make paddling more difficult.

O’Neil makes a super flexible wetsuit that tends to be roomy in the shoulders, which is ideal for paddling training.

If you do stand up paddleboarding on a hike, we think the 5/3 mm wetsuit should be avoided. The only situations that can justify it is the practice in waves or in downwind or one approaches the surf. In long distance stand up paddle the wetsuit will be too hot.

HYBRID SUIT

A good compromise? Hybrid gear, like a Longjohn or neoprene SUP pants or a breathable, windproof top.

THE NEOPRENE PANTS:

:

2MM neoprene pants are flexible enough you can use them most of the year and change the top layers depending on the weather.

LONGJOHN

Many people go for the Long John jumpsuit style for the winter: long legs but no arms. This gives more freedom of movement for the shoulders and a little room to breathe so you don't get too sweaty when you start heating up. The kidneys are well protected.

TOP LAYERS or JACKETS

The ideal underlay and a breathable top like the Top Prolimit, windproof and warm with an inner lining.

The top layer is needed on top to block out the wind, and maybe you already have a fleece or a down gilet at home. Just be aware that any top layer can get heavy if you fall and get wet. You can also choose a neoprene jacket if possible without neprene under the armpits.

For your safety in the event of a fall, remember to carry a spare diaper in your waterproof bag!

WATERPROOF OR DRY SUIT

A drysuit is a great way to insulate and keep heat close to your body. The dry wetsuits allowing you to practice your favorite sport also in winter or in very windy days. You stay warm and dry even if you fall into the water! Unlike neoprene suits, dry suits are loose fitting and very comfortable. Drysuits usually fill with air to keep you floating in the event of a fall, but you want to be able to move freely in the water if that happens.

As the weather gets colder, you can add layers, boots and gloves to stay warm all winter.

You can overlay below. You can choose leggings at the bottom, and one in micro fleece or wool on the top. The more layers you wear the warmer you feel, but the bulkier your outfit which can (like the wetsuit) get in the way of winter paddling. Choose wisely, do multiple tests, and use your best judgment in weight.

You have the choice between light, light and comfortable dry suits like the Supskin light or thicker suits like the Dry fashion sup performance.

 

GLOVES

Depending on your style, you can choose a regular wool glove (but the likelihood of it getting wet is very high) or windproof like gloves for cross-country skiing.

We recommend neoprene 3 gloves. The 5 mm can make it difficult to grip the paddle. For more grip with the handle of the blade, there are gloves that do not have the fin.

 

Don't forget your life jacket, the leash and if possible a hot drink! Here is a summary made by Starboard.

And if you have any doubts ... we are here for you!