Dressing for Cold Weather Kayaking - REI Clinic
by Laurie Seibert
March 10, 2008
Despite foggy weather, 13 members of ECPs took advantage of the free cold weather-paddling clinic offered by the REI store in Northville on December 2, 2007. The clinic was geared toward educating paddlers just beginning to paddle in winter weather.
Michigan in January, February, and March can be a beautiful time to paddle. Crowds on the river are gone, wildlife is more prevalent, and the scenery covered in snow and ice can be spectacular. Paddling when the temperature is below freezing can also be dangerous, even for seasoned paddlers. Kayakers need to dress not only for the temperature of the air, but also be prepared in case they tip.
Layering is the first defense against the cold. A base layer of Polartec® Power Stretch ® fits under a wet or dry suit or worn alone. The material is quick drying, and is protection against rubbing. Clothing in this material is available in tops and bottoms, or as a full length liner.
Another option for a base liner is a quick drying polyester/ Lycra® spandex shirt. These are frequently worn under a wet suit to protect from chafing while providing freedom of movement.
Middle layers can consistent of whatever clothing a paddler is most comfortable in. Fleece clothing is a common choice. Wool garments keep you warm, even when wet, but dry slowly if you go for a swim. It is important that whatever clothing you chose, it should wick moisture away from your body. For this reason, cotton is a poor choice.
Dry suits are a frequent choice for an outer layer. A dry suit is waterproof, with tight gaskets at the neck, waist, ankles, and cuffs. They work by trapping a pocket of air, warmed by your body, inside the suit. They offer no insulation, so need to be paired with a thermal underlayer. These suits do not allow much perspiration to escape, so a wicking undergarments are critical to keep this moisture away from your body. Gor-tex ® allows the most breathablity. These suits come in either full body, or pants and tops.
Many kayakers chose to wear a wet suit as part of their gear. Made of neoprene rubber garment that fits snugly against the skin; it works by trapping a layer of water warmed by your body heat. Perspiration will be trapped against your skin while you are wearing a wet suit, so a very thin base layer is an appropriate clothing choice to wear under the suit. Like dry suits, wet suits come in many styles. Finding one that allows for freedom of movement usually results in paddlers picking a farmer style, with long legs and a tank top style upper portion. Wet suits do not keep a paddler dry, so an outer layer such as a splash top is also needed.
Hats, gloves, and boots finish out the arsenal of garments needed. A balaclava is a good choice for headwear, because of the flexibility of wearing options. A brimmed hat keeps rain and snow from your face. Whatever style you chose, remember that most body heat is lost from the top of your body, so a spare hat is a good safety measure.
Keeping your hands warm is critical. Choosing gloves made especially for kayaking assures a good fit in “paddling position” without causing blisters. Neoprene is an excellent choice of material for cold water paddling.
Pogies are like mittens for kayakers, but do not have thumbs and there are holes for the paddle shaft to enter. You attach them to your paddle shaft, with a flap and a Velcro closure. A large hole is available to insert your hand into each pogie. You can then grip your paddle shaft with your hand inside the pogie. They create a pocket of protection around your hands and the grip area of your paddle shaft.
Wet feet can make any trip miserable. Use of neoprene boots will keep your feet warm, and give you some traction while walking to the launch site. Getting high top boots lessens the chance of water coming in while getting in and out of your boat. Again, a wicking layer makes you more comfortable.
Wearing the right clothing is only part of being safe. Spare clothes are a must. Depending on conditions, a VHF radio, fire starter, warm beverages in a thermos, food and water all add to the safety of the trip.
Before going on any cold water trip ask yourself these critical questions: Is this trip one my skill level can handle? Will I be able to get out of my boat and get warm? What is my personal tolerance for cold? And, like any trip, make sure you have filed a float plan with someone staying on shore.