It’s finally springtime, and with spring comes the warmer weather we’ve all been waiting for. Of course, now that it’s warmer, you might be itching to get outside and enjoy some of the season’s more outdoor activities–hiking, kayaking and biking to name just a few! If you’re going to be kayaking in 60-degree weather, here are some things you’ll want to consider regarding what you wear kayaking and what to wear kayaking.
If you’re planning on kayaking this summer and you live in a warmer climate, you’ll want to make sure you are dressed appropriately and will stay cool while you paddle around the lake or river. In warmer weather, it’s hard to know what to wear kayaking because most people aren’t out on the water unless it’s warm enough, and even if it is, not everyone wants to be in wet clothes all day! Here are some tips on what to wear kayaking if the temperature outside hovers around 60 degrees Fahrenheit during the day.
1) In general
It’s important to dress appropriately for the weather and the activity you are doing. Though the temperature is at 60 degrees, it can feel much cooler when you’re active outside. That being said, you don’t want to over-dress either; take into account the humidity, windiness and whether or not there are bugs (likely in warmer months). Choose layers that can be easily taken off if your body heat increases with activity. Dress in light colors so that stains will be less noticeable – black, dark blue and browns are all a no-no. Remember that wool clothing will offer more warmth than cotton clothing, but also keep in mind that cotton clothes may dry more quickly if they get wet or sweaty. You might also consider bringing along an extra layer of protection from the sun by wearing a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
2) Clothes that help you stay warm
Here are some tips to stay warm while kayaking on cooler days.
Layer up – bring a shirt, then an outer layer. Waterproof footwear is a must for winter. Gloves or mittens are essential for chilly days and cool night air. Sunglasses help protect your eyes from the sun. A hat will keep your head warm and dry. Sunscreen will also protect you from getting sunburned if it’s exposed during the day. Pack a sweatshirt in case you get cold or wet.
Bring enough water, snacks, bug spray and sunscreen to last all day long. Finally, don’t forget your camera! There’s no better way to capture the beauty of nature than with your own eyes, but having a camera can be helpful too.
3) Paddling clothes
Preparing for a paddle can be daunting. It’s always good to research, talk with others and figure out what you want in your trip. But in reality, there are really only three things you need: A way to transport yourself there (car, bus or bike), a vessel that will fit the environment and conditions of the river and clothes that will keep you warm and dry when your wet suit leaks or falls off because of zippers giving out.
When it comes to attire, it depends on how cold the water is going to be. Generally speaking, the rule of thumb is that if the air temperature is above 40 degrees then a wetsuit isn’t necessary; but if it’s below 40 then a wetsuit would be best. If you’re not sure what kind of clothes to bring, most people pack as though they’re going hiking so they have clothing options in case they get too hot or cold. Do some research beforehand so you know what type of outfit works best for where you’re headed!
4) Outerwear
It’s a fairly sunny day, so you’ll want a raincoat and pants. A light jacket would also work. Don’t forget sunglasses and sunblock! You’re going to want clothes that dry easily after getting wet, so don’t choose fabrics like cotton or wool. A collared shirt or t-shirt is a good choice – they dry quickly after getting wet and won’t cling to your skin when wet like a sweat shirt will. Throw on some athletic shoes – these can be the most comfortable option for long hikes in rugged terrain and still give you traction when walking on slippery rocks in or out of the water. Bring a change of clothes to put on when you get back from kayaking; these should be quick drying as well. Finally, bring along an extra pair of socks – in case the ones you are wearing get wet and then stay wet.
5) Shoes
There are three types of shoes for kayaking: wetsuit boots, neoprene socks, and water shoes. This post will focus on neoprene socks and water shoes. When deciding what to wear during cooler days in the early spring or fall (temperatures between 50-60 degrees Fahrenheit), consider the following points: 1) Do you want your feet dry? 2) Will your clothes get wet from splashing? 3) What is your budget? 4) Do you have any sensitivities or allergies? Wetsuit boots are good for keeping your feet warm but they might make it more difficult to walk around on a slippery surface. They also cost more than other options. Neoprene socks can keep your feet warm but they may not be ideal if you’re spending a lot of time in and out of the water since they only cover up to mid-calf. Water shoes provide coverage over the entire foot but may not keep you as warm as other options depending on how tight they fit around your foot and leg. If possible, try them all before making a decision!
6) Accessories
Layering is your best friend when it comes to cold weather. Start with a base layer made of wool or synthetics that wicks away moisture and then add layers on top. Long johns are also a must for colder days out on the water, so make sure you have those too. And don’t forget about waterproof shoes! A good pair of rubber boots will keep your feet dry even if they get wet inside. Make sure to invest in some sort of scarf or headband as well—the more insulation the better when it’s this cold outside. Gloves are an important thing to bring too, because you never know how long you’ll be out there paddling. We recommend bringing a hat and gloves just in case—you can never be too prepared!
Conclusion
A great way to stay warm while on the water is layers. Put on your wetsuit and then layer up with a wool turtleneck, fleece vest or other thick garment. The more you have on, the warmer you’ll be. These are also helpful if you’ve just come out of the water and have gone into a chilly wind or when warming up after being outside for an extended period of time. Make sure you don’t end up getting too hot as this can lead to heat exhaustion so take breaks as needed.
