When you go boating, occasional swims or capsizes are part of the game.
Dress to get wet.
This outfit is great for boating and windsurfing.
Make sure you can swim in your kit before you go boating.
Capsize a boat to see how you cope.
A poncho makes a convenient changing room and warm-up shelter.
Proper boating kit allows for hours of wet and wild fun.
Capsize training is great fun while you become familiar with your equipment.
Practice swimming in canoeing clothes and lifevest to be perpared for a capsize or fall into the water.
In open water wear bright clothes so boats can see you from a distance
and people can find you if you need help.
Try your gear in the shower.
Try your kit in a pool. It's great fun.
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Waterwear will keep you warm, but not necessarily dry.
It is for activities where you're in and out of the water a lot and want protection from sunburn or windchill.
When it is too warm to endure a wetsuit, but not right for swimwear, waterwear offers you convenience and sun protection.
You can avoid the bulk and discomfort of a wetsuit if you don't need that much warmth.
When boating, coasteering, or during adventure sports and the like you spend more time out of the water.
Often you're only briefly in the water or get splashed.
Boating Kit
Boating clothes should be comfy, quick drying and easy to swim in, so you wouldn't feel bad when you get wet.
They should allow freedom of movement in and out of the water.
Be prepared to get wet, so bring a towel and one or more complete changes of clothing.
What you wear for sailing, kayaking or canoeing is as important as your boat, paddle, and PFD.
The right clothes can make the difference between a miserable day and a happy day on the water.
In some cases, the right out is a matter of survival.
Take advice from instructors or experienced sailors about what works for them and what to look out for.
Then try those clothes in the water. Enjoy!
Dress to get wet
Boating is a watersport and you'll probably get wet.
Dress properly for existing and expected conditions.
Extreme cold requires wetsuits or drysuits, but in more moderate conditions layered clothing is recommended.
Fabric choices should include those that provide warmth, even when wet.
A sweatshirt, T-shirt and tracksuit trousers or leggings worn with a pair of light trainers or sandals are adequate.
Bring a windproof hooded cagoule in case of inclement weather.
During autumn and spring, polypropolyene thermals and/or wetsuits are recommended.
Avoid heavy woollen tops and cold cotton.
Blue jeans get very cold when wet.
Man-made fibres are warmer than cotton.
Cotton should never be worn in cold weather conditions because they "wick" heat away from the body when wet, accelerating the affects of hypothermia.
Hats
Wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect your head, neck, and ears from the sun.
Paddlers who tackle whitewater, whether in a kayak, a canoe, or a raft,
will want a helmet to protect their brains against hard knocks that may come their way.
Sea kayakers who plan to paddle in rock gardens or the surf will want a helmet as well.
Shoes
Bare feet have no place on boats.
Sharp edges on the boat can be hazardous.
Shoes are important to protect your feet from rubbing on the interior of the boat and for scouting and portaging.
You want a bootie that keeps out rocks and sand and keeps your feet warm.
Tennis shoes are also good for boating and should be worn at all times.
Bring warm socks.
A Kayaker needs a Spray Skirt
It keeps the sun off your knees, keeps the water from dribbling down your paddle into your lap,
and keeps errant waves from splashing into the cockpit and swamping your kayak.
It should fit snugly on the cockpit coaming, but be easy to release when you capsize.
Warm Weather
If it's warm weather and warm water, you'll want light clothes that dry quickly and protect you from the sun.
Check out Kokatat's Destination Wear line,
which is designed specifically for warm-weather paddlers who still want protection from the sun, wind, spray, and bugs.
NRS and Immersion Research also have great rashguards, shorts, and quick-dry pants for paddlers.
Cold Weather
When you're facing more serious conditions and colder temperatures,
the key is to dress so that you'll be comfortable while paddling and protected from the cold water.
Even if you never flip, you can get chilled and hypothermic from being exposed to splash and spray.
The standard material has been Gore-Tex, for waterproof breathable protection.
Now other companies are introducing their own new waterproof breathable materials.
NRS's Motion top is made of a fleece-lined, stretchy, waterproof breathable softshell material.
Kokatat is offering drysuits, paddle shirts, and dry tops in its new Tropos material.
Stohlquist offers dry tops and dry suits in its Eclipse fabric.
Other manufacturers are introducing their own proprietary waterproof breathable fabrics.
Other options for boating are the wetsuit and its substitutes, known generically as Fuzzy Rubber.
They offer insulation but not protection from the wet.
NRS's Hydroskin with a splash top over it is not too hot in warm weather,
but keeps you warm when you take an unexpected swim.
Also check out Rapidstyle's Metalite Neoprene and Sticky Buns pants, or Mountain Surf's Aquashell line.
Purpose
Waterwear is essential for fun and successful outdoor adventures.
If you've never tried modern rain gear, you're in for a pleasant surprise.
Every year waterproof clothing gets better, lighter, tougher, cheaper and more breathable.
Wet-weather wear can be so high tech, we decided to put together this guide to help you find the right gear and enjoy the rain.
Top performing kids rain wear will endure the rigors of outdoor adventures.
Function
This lightweight outer clothing layer keeps you warm but not necessarily dry.
You may get wet from sweat condensation during vigorous exercise or if you've been in the water.
It keeps the wind off you and reduces cooling from evaporation when you're wet.
The argument usually goes something like this:
- If it is warm and raining, just get wet.
- If it is cold and raining, put on your rain clothes.
You'll get wet from the sweat, but you'll be warm.
Running along the road or trail in the rain, you'll feel like you're a kid again, ready to jump into every puddle you see.
Instead of dreading wet weather, you'll appreciate the variety it brings to your adventures.
In any case, carry some spare dry clothes for later.
Definitions
- Anoraks are pullover type garments with a hood and a short zip opening.
- Cagoules are similar but have no zip. Often longer than anoraks.
- Canoeing Cags are short cagoules, usually without a hood.
- Jackets have full length zips.
- Overalls are one piece suits that cover you completely.
- Ponchos are large loose fitting garments that provide full cover.
These defintions are often mixed up and confused.
Cagoules are best for swimming training.
Jackets are most versatile.
Anoraks are the best compromise.
Overalls keep in place and keep the wind out.
Ponchos have the best ventilation.
Keep that in mind when you go shopping.
Practical Considerations
First, whatever the material, we have a strong preference for the anorak style raingear over the jacket/parka style.
The shorter zip makes it less bulky.
However, the jacket/parka style (with the full length zipper) is easier to vent.
Quality waterproof tops and pants coupled with a layering system are the most effective.
Under-layers should be quick drying and keep you warm even when wet such as thermals or fleece.
Bring a warm hat and gloves.
Second, look at the weight.
Many people seem to prefer a light coated nylon jacket for the warmer months.
Others have been hiking in an uncoated anorak-style wind shell all autumn and winter,
changing their insulation layer for the change in temperature.
It works fine.
The Chimney Effect
Most ski parkas and snowmobile suits are coated on the inner surface of outer fabric to block wind and water.
Warmth is lost if they’re open at the bottom and top so air can flow up thru, like a chimney.
Lighter weight warm humid air rises out upper openings and is replaced with cold dry air from below.
It’s obvious that heat is lost warming that cold air.
What isn’t so obvious is that the relative humidity of that air when warmed is extremely low.
It DRIES your skin, dehydrates you, and takes away heat by evaporation.
Waterproof versus Water Resistant
To be truly waterproof, rain gear must be made of waterproof fabrics and have sealed or taped seams so that rain cannot leak through the small perforations made by sewing needles during construction. Sealing and taping seams takes special equipment and extra time and adds to the garment's cost.
If the gear features water-resistant fabric, it usually means that a coating has been applied to the material to help repel water. Water-resistant fabrics work well for light rain and drizzle. But, they won't handle steady rain. If you're looking for real protection, get true waterproof fabric.
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