When kayaking in spring, it’s important to choose the right clothes to stay comfortable and safe in the kayak. Layering your body and keeping it well-ventilated can help you to stay comfortable while kayaking in the cool spring weather.
What to Wear Kayaking in Spring
In this section, we’ll take a look at what to wear on the upper body when kayaking in spring.
Choose a Lightweight, Moisture-Wicking Top
When kayaking in spring, layering is essential to keep warm and paddling comfortable. Choose a lightweight, breathable top with moisture-wicking properties to draw sweat away from your skin and prevent overheating. Look for tops made from fabrics such as polyester or nylon, which are designed to keep you dry without compromising on comfort. Avoid heavy cotton-made materials, as these will become wet with water and hold moisture against your skin for longer than more lightweight fabrics. Additionally, you should consider opting for a kayak-specific top that covers the arms and shoulders to protect from sunburn or chafing from the spray skirt. Look for brightly colored gear as visibility is important when out on the water.
Layer With a Lightweight Jacket or Vest
Layering is important when kayaking in the springtime. Start with lightweight, breathable base layers like a sun shirt or t-shirt. Choose layers that are made from synthetic fabrics to ensure quick drying and heat retention. A synthetic fleece or light wool warm layer can provide additional warmth in colder temperatures and serve as insulation if dampened due to splashing or shifting around in the boat.
Lastly, a lightweight jacket or vest such as a wind-blocking soft shell can be added for extra protection from the wind and cold water temperatures. Dress in multiple relatively thin layers for superior insulation and comfort on the water.
Wear a Cap or Hat to Protect Your Head And Face
It is important to protect your head and face from the sun and wind when kayaking in spring. Wearing a cap or hat, either a wide-brimmed hat or baseball cap, will provide protection from the sun’s rays, as well as reducing glare. In colder weather, you may want to consider wearing a close-fitting tuque to keep your head warm. Make sure that the cap or hat fits snugly so that it won’t blow off in strong winds.
As an additional layer of protection against water splashes, you may prefer to wear a waterproof breathable hooded jacket over your headgear.
Lower Body
When you’re out kayaking in the spring, it’s important to wear comfortable clothing that will not only keep you warm but also allow you to move freely. There are several options for your lower body when it comes to what to wear kayaking in the spring.
This section will discuss the best pieces and materials for your lower body when it comes to kayaking in the spring.
Wear Quick-Dry Pants or Shorts
It’s important to wear quick-dry pants or shorts when kayaking in the spring. Quick-dry materials are designed to rapidly disperse moisture and keep you dry and comfortable, even if you take a dip in the water. It’s best to avoid wearing cotton as it absorbs moisture, resulting in a cold, heavy feeling. Opt for water sport-specific womens or mens shorts or pants such as board shorts, swim trunks, rash guards or wetsuits instead. For cooler days, try to layer your clothing so that you can remove items of clothing if you become too warm while paddling. Choose lightweight layers such as synthetic tops and fleece bottoms that will also keep you warm and dry when it rains.
Lastly, always wear shoes with good treads that can grip slippery surfaces — make sure they fit snugly so they don’t slip off if you accidentally find yourself taking an early morning swim!
Choose Shoes That Are Designed For Water Activities
When kayaking, it is important that you choose the proper footwear to ensure comfort and safety. Kayakers should wear shoes designed for water activities. This type of footwear has several advantages: they have good grip on wet surfaces, keep your feet warm in the water, provide cushioning impact when walking on rocky ground and are comfortable to wear. Many of these shoes also include drainage ports to help with propulsion in the kayak as well as allowing any trapped water to escape. When looking for kayaking specific footgear consider those with superior material construction such as a rubber upper part and a fabric midsole that are meant to provide more comfort than mesh uppers or conventional clogs could offer while still being able to quickly shed any water buildup over time between strokes or even during kick-based exercises. Be sure to select shoes that fit appropriately: since you won’t want them cutting off circulation to toes or rubbing uncomfortably along arches or ankles during an extended period of paddling. It would be wise, if possible, for new paddlers and avid adventurers alike—to try them out at least once prior to being sent out into open waters just so that there aren’t any unwanted surprises down the line!
Wear a Life Jacket to Stay Safe
When kayaking in the spring, it is absolutely necessary to wear a life jacket. A good life jacket should fit snugly, support your head, and not interfere with your range of motion while paddling. A PFD (personal flotation device) is a mandatory item when heading out on the water. In addition to keeping you safe if you capsize or lose your balance, wearing a life jacket can provide extra warmth and keep you visible in case of an emergency. Be sure to bring extra water and sunscreen as well for any spring kayaking excursions, even short ones. When it comes to lower body clothing for kayaking in the spring, pants are preferable over shorts or skirts because they protect from sunburn and keep legs from being exposed to hazards like sharp rocks that could lead to minor injuries. Waterproof materials are great for keeping out moisture, but not very breathable fabrics can cause discomfort when combined with warm temperatures. Look for lightweight pants that breathe well and have internal cinches so they don’t impede movement while paddling. If needed, nylon tights or sweatpants can be worn underneath these pants for added warmth without restricting movement in the water.
Accessories
When you’re kayaking in spring, it’s important to make sure you have the right accessories to stay comfortable. From hats and sunglasses to lifejackets and water-resistant clothing, there are a variety of accessories to consider when selecting your outfit.
So, let’s take a look at what you should wear when kayaking in spring.
Wear Polarized Sunglasses to Protect Your Eyes
The sun is especially strong during the cold and sunny days of spring, so it’s important to wear polarized sunglasses while kayaking. Polarized lenses provide built-in protection against the sunlight’s harmful UV rays and reduce glare from the surface of the water. They are also useful in detecting reefs, rocks, sandbars and other potential hazards in shallow water. Additionally, polarized sunglasses can help you spot fish swimming below the surface.
Take an extra pair with you to exchange if the original pair becomes wet or dirty. Look for models that are lightweight and provide 100% UVA/UVB protection; some have wraparound frames or attachable sunscreen clips for added protection. Whether you’re fishing or just out for a leisurely cruise, these protective accessories make sure your eyes stay safe from bright sunshine and debris on the water’s surface.
Wear a Sun Hat to Protect Your Face
When kayaking during the spring months, it is important to protect your head and face from the harsh sun rays. A sun hat with a wide brim is a must-have for any outdoor activity, especially when you’re out on the water for long hours. Not only does a sun hat protect your skin from sunburns and wrinkles, but it also shades your eyes from glare, helping reduce eyestrain.
Look for hats that are lightweight but durable enough to withstand wind and/or moisture should you get caught in rain showers. Additionally, choose a hat that can easily roll up or pack away into another piece of gear when not wearing it.
Bring a Waterproof Bag to Store Items
It is critical to stay hydrated and nourished during your kayaking trip in the spring. A waterproof bag is essential to protect your items from water damage and to keep them within reach while you are on your journey. Store everything from snacks, electronics, and a first-aid kit in the bag. You may want to keep important items such as wallets, identification, and keys on your person in a zippered pouch or tied off with a lanyard for added security.
Additionally, consider wearing bright colors so it’s easier for other boaters up ahead to spot you with their binoculars. Waterproof boots are ideal for keeping your feet dry and make sure you have quick-drying clothing that will warm you up if needed. Never forget to pack those must-have sun shades — no matter how cloudy the sky is, it’s important to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays!
Other Considerations
When it comes to deciding what to wear kayaking in spring, it’s important to choose items that will help keep you warm and dry. In addition to clothing, there are other considerations you must make, such as the type of footwear you’ll need and any tools you might require.
Let’s take a closer look at these items and what you should keep in mind to make the most of your kayaking experience.
Check The Weather Forecast And Dress Accordingly
When kayaking in spring, always check the weather forecast before heading out. This will help you determine what to wear so you can stay comfortable during your kayaking experience. Make sure to dress in layers so that you can easily add or remove items depending on the temperature and wind chill factor. Also, remember to bring along a rain jacket in case of sudden showers or an unexpected dip. Start off with a thin base layer such as a synthetic shirt or tank top and light-weight leggings, pullover hoodie, or light-weight shorts; then layer up from there if needed. Consider also wearing wicking materials such as polyester that absorbs sweat and moisture so it does not remain on your skin for too long and keeps you warm even when wet. For the top layer, wear something waterproof with warmth like thick neoprene tops or offer some UV protection with rash guards for more intense sun exposure during those longer kayaking journeys. Additionally, make sure to put on a warm hat and gloves since these parts of your body tend to lose heat quickly in cooler environments. Finally, bring along dry socks which you can put on after any activity that involves water; this helps prevent any chance of hypothermia or chilblains – conditions which often strike when coming into contact with cold water after physical exertion!
Wear Sunscreen to Protect Your Skin
When kayaking in spring, an important and often forgotten accessory is sunscreen. UV rays reflect off the surface of the water and can cause sunburns even if you don’t feel excessively hot. Applying a generous layer of SPF 30+ sunscreen lotion to exposed areas such as your face, ears, arms and hands will help ensure that you don’t suffer from painful sunburns after a day out on the water. Reapply sunscreen regularly – at least every two hours – to ensure maximum protection against ultraviolet radiation from the sun’s rays. Don’t forget about your lips either – choose a lip balm that contains several SPF for added protection!
Bring Extra Clothes In Case You Get Wet
When kayaking in spring, you may not anticipate getting wet, but it’s always a good idea to come prepared with extra layers of clothing. There is a chance you could tip your kayak and fall into the water, so you want to make sure you stay as warm as possible while keeping dry. It’s also important to dress appropriately for the weather and temperature. Layer your clothes properly when kayaking in spring so that even if you do get wet, your warmth and comfort are maximized. The first layer should be form-fitting (not baggy) clothes made from materials that quickly move moisture away from your body such as lightweight synthetic fabrics like polyester or nylon or a combination of both. Next layer up with insulating garments made from wool or fleece to keep warm air close to your body. Finally, bring a waterproof jacket and pants made from an outer layer material such as GORE-TEX® to protect yourself from wind and rain. Also be sure to bring non-cotton towels, spare socks and any other supplies necessary for protection against potential cold or wet conditions during our kayaking adventure.