Cold weather paddling

by Bob Schade January 23, 2025

Paddling a surfski in cold weather requires appropriate clothing to ensure your safety, comfort, and protection from the elements. Having lived and paddled in San Diego for most of my life, my move to the Gorge has really made me pay attention to the requirements for paddling in the cold. As the locals say here when it starts getting cold, “Dress for success”! Here are the things that I have picked up as the air and water temps are dropping to freezing and below:

Wetsuit or Drysuit?

I have opted to date for wetsuit/fleece/windbreaker combo for flatwater workouts.

Head – Keep your head warm with a wool beanie or something similar.
Top – A Vaikobi VDRY Smock with a Vaikobi Hydroflex under layer are working well for me. The Vaikobi VXP PFD has a wide chest and back coverage that also helps keep you warm
Hands – I have used Vaikobi pogies in 27 degree weather and my hands were not cold. Others like neoprene gloves.
Pants - 3mm pants designed to fit a paddle position and have a high. It is critical to get any wetsuit parts to be fully taped and sealed. Not sitting in water or getting wet will keep you warmer.
Feet – I have been experimenting with zip up booties with waterproof socks, regular socks under the waterproof socks. I just got some toe warmers to add. I think this combination will keep my toes warm on the coldest days. A more traditional approach is a wetsuit bootie, 5mm. Get the absolute best booties you can find.

In cold downwind conditions consider a drysuit as it keeps you dry if you do happen to fall in. Make sure it's designed for paddling and allows for freedom of movement. Wear a moisture-wicking base layer made of materials like polypropylene or merino wool. This helps keep sweat away from your skin, preventing cooling. Another alternative for downwind conditions would be a full wetsuit.

Remember to check the weather forecast before heading out and always prioritize safety. Cold water can be particularly dangerous, so make sure you're well-prepared and have the necessary skills for paddling in challenging conditions. Springtime offers a challenge as you will get warm days with very cold water, always DRESS FOR THE WATER TEMPERATURE, NOT AIR TEMPERATURE.