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Step 1
The general rule for kayaking in cold weather is always dress to swim, especially in cold weather. You never know when you might tip over and become wet so it’s best to always be prepared even if it never happens.
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Step 2
Use a seat pad in your kayak made of insulating foam rubber. This slows the flow of heat from the body to the cold kayak.
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Step 3
Wear a vapor barrier. Splash jacket and pants block the wind and water and protect your other layers. Splash wear does not work alone, you must wear other layers. If you want full protection and to stay completely dry if submerged you need a dry suit.
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Step 4
Wear an insulation layer under your splash jacket. Polar fleece pants and a jacket made of wicking material prevent heat loss by absorbing moisture into the material. This pulls the water away from the skin as it evaporates. Wool and polypropylene are other materials that wick moisture away. Cotton is your worst enemy, don’t wear it.
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Step 5
Dry suits are another option as an outer layer. They offer the highest level of waterproof protection. Dry suits are tight fitting with rubber gaskets at the neck, wrist, and ankles. You must wear an insulating layer under a dry suit to stay warm Dry suits are best in the coldest situations when paddling for long periods of time.
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Step 6
Wet suits offer more warmth than splash jackets but do not keep you fully dry. Wet suits are made of neoprene. As you get wet, the water seeps into the suit and warms with your body heat. This provides insulation between you and the neoprene suit. Wet suits come in a variety of types, including farmer jane and john’s, shorties, full suits, and individual shorts, pant, and tops.
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Step 7
You always need to have a warm hat available. You loss a lot of body heat from your head.
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Step 8
Glove and boots made of neoprene are important to protect your hands and feet. You hands need to stay warm to remain agile. Wicking socks underneath the boots give added warmth.
