What to Wear Kayaking in Florida
When kayaking in Florida, you need to ensure that you wear the right clothing to ensure safety, comfort and modesty. Depending on the temperature and the water conditions, you should choose clothing that protects from the sun, wind, and other elements.
Let’s look at the different clothing items you should consider wearing when kayaking in Florida.
Choose Sun-Protective Clothing
When you’re kayaking in Florida, you need to take into account the possibility of prolonged exposure to hot temperatures and strong UV light. To stay comfortable and safe outdoors in these conditions, it’s important to wear clothing that offers sun protection. Look for garments made from lightweight, breathable fabrics like nylon or spandex that cover your body from the neck down. Long-sleeved shirts with a hood are ideal because they protect your arms and the back of your neck from direct sunlight. If long sleeves are too warm, you can opt for short-sleeved options or try layering one over the other. Also consider wearing a wide-brimmed hat or a visor made of UPF 50+ fabric to further protect your head and face. Comfortable shorts or pants should also be part of your kayaking outfit: choose fitted items made with stretchy materials that wick moisture away from your skin and won’t interfere with movement while paddling. Lastly, don’t forget to put on some sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher when you go out kayaking in Florida — even if you’re wearing protective clothing!
Opt For Quick-Drying Fabrics
If you’re kayaking in Florida, you’ll want to dress appropriately for the humid climate. Comfort and safety should be your primary objectives when selecting clothing suitable for kayaking in the Sunshine State. Opting for quick-drying fabrics helps to keep you cool in the warm sunshine and maximize enjoyment of your outdoor adventure. Synthetic wicking materials, such as nylon or polyester, make excellent choices as they keep you dry and minimize chafing when paddling. Look for sports apparel designed with SPF protection built into the fabric to protect your skin from harmful UV rays when out on the water. Lightweight shorts are great options to wear while kayaking in Florida because they are comfortable and provide sun protection while allowing airflow over the skin. If travelling on particularly long trips, it may be more prudent to opt for lightweight long-sleeved shirts or full-sleeved jackets that block wind and water from entering during quick turns or drops off of waves.
It is also important to wear shoes that don’t slip off easily when wet; these can range from aqua socks or sandals with a secure fit, neoprene boots specifically designed for water sports, or full-fingered gloves that cover your hands up past your wrists. Depending on what type of trousers fit best, zippered pockets can also be a useful addition to hold small items like keys or GPS devices without worrying about them falling into the drink every time you dip your paddle!
Wear a Wetsuit or Drysuit
Whether you’re kayaking in cold or warm weather, a wetsuit or drysuit is essential. These items protect your body from the cold and let you focus on having a safe and enjoyable journeying experience. Wetsuits are more commonly used in warmer climates since they provide some thermal protection while still allowing your skin to breathe. Drysuits are much better at keeping you warm, but they do keep heat in, so they can be uncomfortable in hot weather, or when it’s slightly too warm for wearing a wetsuit would be safe but too cold to go without any additional clothing.
In colder climates or during winter months, a drysuit is recommended due to its increased insulation; however, any type of neoprene insulation will help reduce body heat loss and fend off immediate hypothermia risk. For added protection on your head, face and hands when navigating colder waters consider using hoods, gloves and boots as well for additional insulation needed for kayaking comfortably.
Accessories
When kayaking in Florida, there are a number of accessories that you will want to bring along with you. These accessories can range from the essential items like a hat and sunglasses, to items that could provide you with added comfort like water shoes and a water bottle. Let’s take a look at all the accessories you may need for your kayaking experience in Florida.
Wear a Life Jacket
It is essential to wear a life jacket while kayaking in Florida. Wearing a life jacket is the law in most areas, and it helps ensure your safety and reduce your risk of drowning.
A good rule of thumb is to bring one life jacket for each person in your party that you can easily put on in an emergency, as well as an extra one or two. It’s also important to select a properly fitting life jacket that will not impede your ability to move around the kayak and paddle effectively.
When selecting a life jacket, consider features like flotation material, storage pockets, and certain styles of fit. Some popular choices include inflatable models for recreational paddling as well as more traditional foam-filled designs for more rugged backcountry trips.
Use a Helmet And Footwear
Taking the necessary precautions should always be top priority for kayakers of any experience level. It is important to depend on quality gear and always use appropriate accessories when engaging in this sport. In Florida, a helmet and footwear should always be used when kayaking; this ensures safety and protection from potential, unfavorable conditions. Helmets are an important accessory for kayaking due to the potential danger of falling into an unpredictable body of water or hitting ones head on an object underwater or even climbing back into the boat. Many helmets available today are lightweight and have adjustable sizing which makes them comfortable when engaging in physical activity such as kayaking. It is advisable to find one that fits comfortably but securely so it will not impede any movement while paddling throughout the water.
Proper footwear is essential when kayaking in Florida, due to the often murky nature of freshwater lakes and rivers, making it difficult to navigate over rocks or sharp objects beneath the surface of the water. A slip-resistant sole is recommended and should be fastened with navy-strength laces or straps; proper fitting shoes can prevent users from suffering abrasions, lacerations or even sprains that could occur if their feet were exposed underwater without protection. Additionally, wetsuit boots/ sandals offer warmth during cold nights on open waters which allows for a more enjoyable ride overall.
Wear Sunglasses
When kayaking in Florida, it is important to protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful rays. Wearing sunglasses is a must for any trip on the water. Sunglasses will not only protect your eyes, but they can also provide you with improved visibility which can help avoid potential obstacles. The right pair of sunglasses should be durable and able to provide clear vision despite the sun’s reflection off of the water and other reflective surfaces. Ideally, they should also be polarized – this means that they are designed to reduce glare rather than enhance it. Look for UV protection as well, to ensure your eyes are adequately protected throughout your entire journey.
Along with wearing sunglasses when kayaking in Florida, it is important to apply sunscreen and cover any exposed skin with appropriate clothing such as long-sleeved shirts and hats or caps if necessary. Always check local conditions first – some areas may have stinging insects or jellyfish that require additional protection such as wearing a rash guard shirt or full body wetsuit when kayaking in Florida.
Other Items
When kayaking in Florida, you may want to consider bringing other items that are not part of your wardrobe. These items can include a life jacket, sunscreen, lip balm, bug spray, a hat, a towel, a camera, and a water bottle.
All of these items can help make your trip comfortable and enjoyable, so you should make sure to look into what you should bring before heading out on your kayak adventure!
Bring a Towel
When your kayaking in Florida, you should bring a towel or two. Cotton towels are excellent for bath towels and absorbing sweat during the summer months, while quick-drying towels such as microfiber or “towelrisers” are ideal for when you have to get out of the water at any time while kayaking.
Also, bringing a change of clothes is always a good idea–you never know when a wave will suddenly pound onto your boat, and it can be leave you far wetter than you had intended!
It is also important to note that if it’s sunny outside, make sure to bring sun protective clothing such as rash guards and UPF-rated hats. These are made of lightweight fabrics that still provide the necessary protection from the sun’s ultraviolet rays.
Bring Water And Snacks
When packing for a day of kayaking in Florida, it is important to bring adequate water and snacks. A typical adult should drink at least 32 ounces of water per hour when exercising, and you will need to bring more if you plan on being out in the sun for extended periods of time. Additionally, it is important to remember that hunger tends to be a factor when partaking in any physical activity, and being on the water can quickly dampen any enthusiasm if left unprepared. Bring along trail mix, dried fruit, a granola bar or other snacks that are easy to eat between strokes.
Pack a First Aid Kit
Packing a first aid kit is essential when kayaking in Florida to ensure you are prepared in the event of an accident or injury. A typical first aid kit should include: antiseptic and antibiotic ointments, bandages, latex gloves, gauze, a compression wrap, tweezers, and cotton swabs. Additionally you may want to add sunscreen and insect/tick repellant if you plan to spend time off your kayak on the beach or in camping areas.
It is also wise for kayakers to bring additional items such as a whistle, flares and a drybag for vital items such as communication devices (phone/radios) if travelling with others. Consider storing the most important items such as flares and whistles tie strapped onto your life jacket where they will stay accessible even in an unexpected upside down situation.