Canoe clothing: what to wear on the water

Canoe clothing: what to wear on the water

Buying paddlesport clothing can be a confusing business, with numerous products for every occasion. Fortunately we have plenty of expert shops and manufacturers in the UK who can provide you with all the guidance you need. Have a think about the following to give you some initial food for though.

Canoe clothing top tips

  1. Keep warm! Even the most expensive suit cannot guarantee you will stay fully dry after a swim. Get some comfortable, wicking, thermal baselayers that will keep you warm, even when wet.
  2. Neoprene products such as long johns & legwear are worn next to the skin and are a versatile, cost-effective choices, as you don’t need to wear an outer shell over the top.
  3. Both have advantages! A suit is your best chance of staying dry, especially during a swim. Separates give you option of tailoring your legwear and jackets to the current conditions, with the added advantage of being able swap your top half if you fancy a go at a different discipline. Which brings us to…
  4. Many whitewater cags will aim mainly at preventing water ingress whilst a lot of touring tops tend to focus on paddler comfort. Full latex seals will keep more water out, but will keep more heat in; great on raging whitewater, not so great on calm waters in summer!
  5. Winter can be a fantastic time of year to paddle in the UK and you may find that a decent set of neoprene gloves, pogies or hat makes all the difference. Touring and sea kayakers often use an oversized waterproof, windproof layer (known as a storm cag) that soon becomes your best friend when the weather turns.

One last thing to consider…

Whether you are just starting out or are looking to upgrade your tired old canoe clothing, have a think about what kind of paddling you see yourself doing the most and focus on that. If you are buying kit expecting to stay 100% dry in any eventuality then you risk disappointment: be realistic, be prepared to compromise and get some expert advice if you are unsure! And remember, the more you look after your kit, the more your kit will look after you!

By Peak UK

Peak UK are world-class paddlesport equipment designers and manufacturers based in the heart of the Derbyshire Dales. Find out more about Peak UK.