It is surprisingly difficult for you to know what to wear paddle boarding throughout the four seasons, just as the last article, we mentioned what size paddle board you need. A few things can make your stand up paddle board experience more worse, such as strong wind, heavy rain, and last but very important, wearing the wrong clothes. We can not predict the weather, but we can decide what clothe we wear.  

It also depends on what kind of activity you will do on the paddle board, no matter you are surfing on the wave, touring with your family, or racing with your competitors, you should wear the most comfortable and breathable clothing as far as possible. You should always be prepared for the proper clothing before you are going to paddle board. So, what should I wear?  

We make a list of some key factors to consider when choosing what to wear paddle boarding. We will search for the best and most suitable and comfortable clothes to wear during paddling board. We will include with the paddle board apparel for all-year-around climate, paddling styles. 

What to wear paddle boarding when the weather is very hot

Summer is the most carefree one of four seasons for paddling board. It is the least demanding for dressing up for SUP. But there are something you will need to prepare for your paddling board. 

Bathing suit for women and board shorts for men

When the weather is warm and fine, it is an amazing feeling to paddling on the water wearing your bathing suit or board shorts, with your bare feet gripping deck pad, you can feel the board movement as if you skim over the water. Those clothes are light and quick drying in case you take a dip. You will be happy and comfortable. But this cannot protect you from the sunburn or anything that could hurt your body.

Rash guard

A rash guard is used for sun protection. A good rash guard is also waterproof and is fast dry, make it suitable for hot days. You can wear a rash guard over your clothes to help protect from sun damage. They can help reduce the friction to your skin under a life jacket. You can choose a bright color if you want to be easily found from far away by your friends or family members.

Hat and sunglasses

Wearing a hat is essential when are staying on the water for longer time. In hot weather, a sun hat will provide protection from the sunburn, dehydration, sunstroke. Wearing a hat for your head and face will make you more comfortable so that you can paddle for a longer period before you feel tired due to the sun exposure. And the sunglasses will protect your eyes from the sun and the glare from the water. The reflection of the water will make you blink instead of enjoying the scenery along the trip. Besides, you will look handsome and cooler in sunglasses.

Sunscreen

Do not forget another ideal summer outfit-sunscreen. To be exact is waterproof sunscreen. You should pair your summer paddle board clothes with waterproof UV protection sunscreen. The sunscreen is the first line of defense against the sunburn in a very hot and painful day.

Barefoot

We suggest you paddle board barefoot in summer. But if you are paddling in one place with rocks, fishing hooks, or anything else that you cannot step on with bare foot, you will need something to wear to protect your feet. There is a large number of waterproof footwear you can choose from. Even though you are going to paddle barefoot, you also need to prepare for a pair of shoes in board in case you want to get off the board and explore the shore somewhere.

PFD

A personal floation device(PFD) is necessary for your safety on the water. Some paddlers may feel that wearing a bulky PFD will affect their paddling fun and outdoor feeling. Many paddling location will require you either wear a US Coast Guard-approved PFD or have your own one on the board. 

A light sweatshirt or long sleeve T-shirt

If you go paddle boarding for early morning, it is very cold outside and you need to wear a light sweatshirt or a long sleeve T-shirt. When it gets warmer, take it off and put it into your prepared dry bag. A dry bag is very useful. You can put your cell phone, wallet, car key or something important.

Summary for tips for summer paddling  

When paddling boarding throughout summer, you should wear lightweight clothing to keep you cool when you are paddling and generating heat, but also it will dry quickly if you fall in frequently. It also provides you maximum flexibility for freedom of movement in the surfing. 

What to wear when paddling boarding in winter?

As the season changes, you may need for extra layers and a pair of shoes. There is still a lot of fun to enjoy on the water after the summer ends. Selecting the proper paddle boarding gear for cold weather is very important. Wetsuits are a must in cold weather below 50 degree. The colder the weather gets, the thicker your wetsuit gets. Noted that cold water paddling is for trained and more experienced paddlers. Because exposure to freezing cold water for longer period can be lethal. 

Wetsuit

A wetsuit can warm you body even the water is cold. A good winter wetsuit combines with neoprene booties, gloves, and a hood to get warm on the cold water during the coldest days.

A wetsuit traps a layer of water that is warmed by your body heat to keep you feeling warm. If your wetsuit is too loose, too much water will get inside your suit, which will break the warm water barrier. The perfect fitting wetsuit will fit snug across your body.

Wetsuit technologies have been improved over the years with softer material and thermal linings to ensure you maximum comfort and flexible movement. The heavier autumn and winter suits are usually between 4-6 mm thick, very soft and gentle. If you are going out for a cold weather, you can wear a neoprene wetsuit to experience and enjoy much more fun and excitement. It also protects you from hypothermia if you fall in the water. You do not need a heavy duty wetsuit, you just choose the clothes to match for the condition and temperature you are going to paddle.

50-degree weather

• 4/3mm wetsuit
• 3mm booties and gloves 

30-degree weather

• 5/4mm hooded wetsuit
• 5mm booties and gloves

Less than 10-degree weather

• 6/5mm hooded wetsuit
• 7mm booties and gloves

Drysuit

As the name suggests, a drysuit is designed to keep your body completely dry. You will need to wear a set of boots or shoes. Drysuits create a warm layer of air against your body. If you want to wear a drysuit, you should make sure that it fits snug around your body. At the same time, you should wear a rash guard underneath.

Summary for the top tips for winter paddling

You should wear the wetsuit or drysuit, boots and mittens to keep your body warm and keep the wind off. If you will get wet easily, then the neoprene or drysuit work well for you. 

What to wear paddling board in Spring, Autumn

When it is in Spring or Autumn, you may need for a few layers and a pair of shoes to paddle. If you are a confident paddler, you can wear a hoodie or jacket with a pair of legging. Just do not wear layers that are too thick because your body will warm up quickly once you begin to paddle. We will not suggest you wear a wetsuit thicker than 2mm when you are paddling for the temperature 12-5 degree.We recommend you a pair of water proof or neoprene leggings, a water proof long sleeved top. Do remember bring a dry bad with you in case the sun suddenly comes out and gets hot.

Summary for top tips for autumn paddling

There is extra need in Spring or Autumn to keep the wind off but also ensure that your body is warm. When you are planning for touring paddle, please remember carry a bag with you in case you want to take off extra layer when the weather condition changes.

What to wear for SUP Yoga

For SUP yoga, you should wear comfortably and have the freedom to move around and stretch with ease. Please refer to the above seasonal dress tips. Generally, your normal yoga outfit will go to work fine. For example, in summer ladies are wearing the bathing suits (bikini) and rash guard. Men are wearing the board shorts and rash guard. 

What to wear for sup surfing

If you are surf lover stand up paddler, you should get used to wear a wetsuit in the winter. Using a 5mm suit with a lining will generally keep your body warm without overheating yourself. In specifically cold weather, you should wear a hood, gloves and boots.

What to wear for touring/cruising

If you are touring paddle board, you will have a wider choice for your suits. In this case, you will spend more time on the water, so dry-wear for example waterproof top and pants would be a better choice.

You may need a drysuit, which is breathable, as well as wind-proof. If you can remove or add layer, it will be perfect as exercise can increase the body heat.

At vachan sports, we want to ensure that you can experience the paddling fun on the water, which is why we created a collection of different types of paddle boards. Now you have a better understanding on what to wear paddle boarding on the water. So start paddling boarding!