How to Choose the Right Wetsuit for Cold Water Paddling
Almost all cases of being submerged in cold water are hazardous to your well-being if you don’t have special clothing like a wetsuit or drysuit to keep you warm. The greatest peril is taking in water through the nose or mouth, which can lead to drowning – even in calm water and regardless of swimming ability.
If you are going into the water when the temperature is below 70F, you need special cold water clothing in order to remain safe. This is a graph of the typical monthly temperatures of the shorelines located in the United States.
The purpose of wearing cold water clothing while kayaking or canoeing is to maintain body heat and to keep you safe in the event of an unexpected dip in the water. The gear is designed to guard against cold shock, incapacitation, and hypothermia, should you capsize.
Producers do their utmost to emphasize the balance of kayaks, yet the truth of the matter is every kayak is capable of overturning – including really stable sit-on-top angling kayaks. When cold water immerses someone, the most significant factor is if the person is wearing appropriate clothing.
Table of Contents
When To Wear A Wetsuit For Kayaking
The main aim of utilizing specialized paddling apparel such as wetsuits and drysuits is to prevent the body core temperature of the paddler from dropping whilst in water.
It is advisable to remain inside the raft in order to keep dry and safe, however, it is foreseeable that you might end up going for an unintentional dip in the water.
It might not be a great concern when the sun is shining and temperatures are warm on a nice day. When temperatures drop below a certain degree, or when you’re swimming in a large lake, pond, or ocean, you run the risk of having hypothermia and must wear a wetsuit.
When you go kayaking, you should wear a wetsuit if the water is cold enough to make your body temperature drop if you overturn in the water. This temperature would be particularly around 60°F or less.
While kayakers must be prepared for the water temperature, one should also contemplate the outside temperature when deciding if a wetsuit is necessary.
If the temperature outside is hot but the water temperature is chilled, it may be a better idea to wear a sleeveless wetsuit. In order for the water temperature and air temperature combined to be below 120 degrees Fahrenheit, you should put on a full-body wetsuit.
How To Choose A Kayaking Wetsuit: Things You Need To Consider
Materials: Neoprene As The Go-To Choice
Most wetsuits used for kayaking vary in price, but they all share one similarity – they all use neoprene as the main material.
Neoprene is a kind of artificial rubber which has millions of small air pockets that help to keep in heat.
A drysuit creates a waterproof exterior and the insulation comes from the clothing that is worn underneath it. A wetsuit functions by forming a thin layer of liquid between your body and the neoprene material, which helps keep heat in, thus you will still get wet while wearing one. Neoprene helps to maintain warmth even when it is wet.
Although there is a general rule, not every kayak wet suit is constructed of solely neoprene. Some producers may combine other substances, like nylon and Lycra, in the blend.
Why?
Neoprene can become quite rigid if it is made with a substantial thickness. Suit fabrics such as Nylon and Lycra can provide extra give, making them more effortless to don and more comfortable for rowing – sometimes referred to as “stretch neoprene”.
Putting on a wetsuit without any clothing underneath is usually very uncomfortable since they are typically lined with nylon or polyester. Therefore, it is recommended to have something on underneath – for example, a swim brief or rash vest – for added protection and comfort.
Although you can discover a few winter kayak wetsuits that incorporate a fleece internal layer or base layer to enhance heat, give delicateness and forestall the suit from adhering to your exposed skin which makes it more agreeable.
Wetsuit Thickness Determines Warmth
The warmth of a kayak wetsuit is directly proportional to the thickness of the neoprene; it doesn’t get any easier than that.
Neoprene is a kind of synthetic rubber composed of minutely encased air bubbles that retain heat, which is referred to as a sealed-cell foam material. The level of insulation and warmth provided by a neoprene suit increases proportional to its thickness.
You’ll find the information about the wetsuit’s thickness on the label, and it will typically look something like this:
4 (Torso) / 3 (Legs) / 3 (Arms)
The dimension of neoprene expressed in millimeters is represented as a numerical value that is either one, two, or three digits long. The measurements signify the thickness of the neoprene fabric around the upper body, legs and in cases with a third number, the arms.
Bear in mind that most kayaking wet suits will have a thicker layer around the chest area to regulate body heat. Thinner neoprene provides more flexibility and permits your arms more freedom of motion when paddling, which is very important.
Design & Cut
When you think of what type of wetsuit to use for kayaking, the first thing that comes to your mind is the one-piece model, right?
Although there are various forms of kayak wetsuits, each one is intended to suit various weather conditions. You can choose among four styles of wetsuits for kayaking:
Full Wetsuits – This style offers the most protection, covering the paddler’s entire body, except for the hands, feet, and head. You’ll need a full suit in colder climates and water temperatures below 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
Shorty Wetsuits – The so-called “spring suits” are essentially the shorter version of a full-body wetsuit, featuring short sleeves and short legs. These are a better choice when you still require coverage but the weather’s too warm for a full wetsuit.
Short John Wetsuits – Short farmer John or farmer Jane wetsuits are sleeveless and will only cover the torso and thighs, leaving the arms exposed. This style of one-piece kayak wetsuits is an excellent choice for warm climates.
Long John Wetsuits – The long John cut also leaves the arms exposed, but unlike the short farmer John style wetsuits, it fully covers the legs, reaching down to the ankles. This cut strikes the perfect balance between insulation and mobility for kayakers, keeping the lower body warm while also allowing a full range of movement in the arms.
One-piece wetsuits are not your only option, though.
It is possible to purchase a wetsuit which is a two part ensemble, some styles of which offer the option to choose the degree of protection and which body parts you’d like to cover.
Size & Fit: How Should A Wetsuit For Kayaking Fit?
Okay, let’s get one thing clear:
Wetsuits have to be skin-tight to work. If it is not waterproof, it will not be able to contain a layer of liquid, which therefore makes it not possible to keep you warm.
It is important to remember that there is a delicate balance between selecting a kayak wetsuit that fits snugly and one that is too snug when determining the most appropriate choice.
How should a wetsuit for kayaking fit, then?
Be wary not to make the suit so snug that it becomes unbearable or stops freedom of movement, especially in your torso. It is important to not make the clothing too tight either, because cold water can sneak in, making it more difficult to keep warm.
You want to avoid any fabric which tightens, restricts mobility, or irritates the skin – particularly around the chest area, throat, rear, and upper arm regions.
It should feel like “second skin.”
The best way to check if something fits is to do a squat and then reach your arms up above your head. Seriously, it’s that simple. If you are unable to accomplish something, increase the difficulty level or bump it up a few notches.
Now, for the good news:
Choosing the right size shouldn’t be that hard. Manufacturers almost always give customers a sizing chart to assist them in finding the correct size based on their height, weight, and body measurements.
Zippers, Seams & Other Special Features
That’s a zip – not much to discuss, correct?
You’re in for a surprise. Zippers are more important to kayakers than they may think.
Putting on and taking off a wetsuit can be a trying process; the way the zipper is positioned (often called the main entry) will dramatically affect how easy it is to change. It is much simpler to work with a front-facing zipper without help.
Why Size and Fit of a Wetsuit Are Important
In order to work properly, wetsuits must be snug-fitting. A wetsuit that fits snugly permits only a thin layer of water to come in. When the area is saturated, the water keeps any other cold liquid from getting into the wetsuit.
The wet-suit’s water then attains the equivalent temperature of your skin – around 91F (32.7C). It is not generally believed, but the body of water does not give off heat. Despite having the same temperature as your skin, it will not feel cold or draw heat from your body.
A wetsuit that does not fit snugly will permit cold water to fill and then leave the garment, decreasing its ability to provide warmth and leading to a loss of body heat. It is advisable to not put on any piece of clothing underneath a wetsuit. This item is not constructed in order to provide you with that purpose, and putting some sort of underwear beneath the garment might ruin the fitting and make it easier for cold water to get in.
If your wetsuit isn’t providing adequate heat while you’re out of the ocean, you should layer something else over it. If you find that you are not warm enough while in the water, it is likely that you require more insulated neoprene.
Chilled on The Beach
Certain types of neoprene repel water, whereas others absorb it like a sponge. If the neoprene material of your wetsuit has taken on water, the moisture evaporating from the outer surface of your swimsuit can make you feel cold when it is cool or cold outside.
The reason why many individuals shiver in a wetsuit when they are on a shore or in a paddle boat, specifically if there is a breeze, is because of the process of evaporation.
The resolution would be to put a halt to both the wind chill factor and the evaporating process. Clothing that has some protection from water will help to keep you warm. Putting rain pants over the lower half of a wetsuit is a good way to reduce wind chill and evaporation when riding a sit-on-top kayak.
In a pinch, a plastic garbage bag from a construction company will work. You can rapidly make a hole or a gap for the head to fit through. They are capable of lasting a long time and they don’t occupy much space in a waterproof bag.
Protecting Your Head
When it comes to keeping your head warm while cold water kayaking, neoprene is the best material you can use. Headgear intended for hiking is not suitable for kayaking in cold temperatures or waters.
In cold rain, these items do not operate optimally, and come off very easily in the case of overturning. They give little insulation should you end up submerged in the water.
Neo head protection also guards against cold water flooding your ears, something which can induce vertigo, or lead to a sudden loss of equilibrium. This imbalance is a typical cause of botched rolls and can be risky when you make an unexpected move and end up upside down and beneath the surface.
Protecting Your Hands
Taking precautions with your hands is essential as the temperature of the air and water drops. Neo provides the most effective defence when it comes to chilly water.
Even if you have the best dry suit on and plenty of other layers, if your hands get too cold, you won’t be capable of doing anything in the water. This can happen in minutes.. If you cannot feel your hands, it is impossible to use a paddle, secure a sprayskirt, control a VHF radio or cell phone.
Neo mittens are much more toasty than conventional gloves, but it is wise to wear a light-weight neo glove below them in case you need to take them off for a moment – say to use your cell phone.
It is advisable not to wear neo gloves that are too snug. They can impede the circulation of heated blood to your hands, making it more difficult to keep them warm.
Pogies
If you really want to wear pogies, put on a thin neo glove underneath them. This way you will be somewhat covered when you need to take off your hands.
in conclusion
Time is of the essence when submerging oneself in cold water, and individuals tend to dissipate heat at variable paces depending on body type and how much they are covered. It is a necessity to dress in enough protective gear to provide yourself with a real advantage against potential harm.
No matter what the temperature of the water is, whether 70F (15.5C) or 35F (1.6C), the first thing to aim for is to climb back into your boat without feeling cold after a capsize. Your equipment should be able to keep you adequately warm and comfortable, both physically and mentally so that you can recover quickly and easily from a capsize.
And keep on paddling as if nothing out of the ordinary occurred. When you have the right clothing on for going into the water, a sudden overturning in cold water is not that much of a problem.
One technique to get an honest assessment of this is to allocate 10 minutes in the water.
Your second target is more complicated: Make sure to clothe yourself in enough layers so that you are capable of swimming back to land or wait around until somebody comes to save you.
It is essential that you remain alive until help arrives.
