What To Wear Paddle Boarding In 2021 - Red Paddle Co’s Guide

When talking about what to wear paddle boarding, it all comes down to two things - comfort and practicality. The last thing you want is the wrong choice of gear leaving you feeling uncomfortable and preventing you from enjoying your time out on the water. That’s why we’ve put together the following guide on what to wear paddle boarding, whether you’re heading out in the height of summer or during the cooler winter months. So, without further ado, let’s take a look at our top tips and recommendations.

Paddle Board Clothing For Spring & Summer

When deciding what to wear paddle boarding during the spring/ summer months, you want to choose clothing that will keep you cool, whilst ensuring you’re protected from the sun. A pair of board shorts and our performance T-shirt make the perfect combination for keeping your shoulders and back out of the sun, whilst keeping you cool. Made from moisture wicking, Dri-Release™ fabric, our lightweight performance T-shirts prevent odours caused by sweating, whilst providing the highest rating of protection from UV radiation at 50+ UPF.

Don’t forget to keep your head out of the sun with the Red Paddle Co. quick dry cap that features enhanced ventilation to keep you comfortable when the weather is at its hottest. If you do end up taking a dip in the water (accidental or otherwise!) the lightweight fabric will dry in super quick time to prevent any possible discomfort. On cooler days however, and, if you’re not yet super confident on the board, you may choose to wear a wetsuit in case you fall in.

A practical guide on what to wear paddle boarding wouldn’t be complete without mentioning changing options. For hassle free changing during the summer season, we’d recommend our quick dry change robe that’s made from lightweight microfibre, absorbing 4 times its weight in water whilst being soft on skin. Easy to transport in a matching stash bag, this microfibre changing robe is perfect for helping you dry off quickly and change easily when the weather’s hot.

Paddle Board Clothing For Autumn/ Winter

As much as we love paddling in the sun, paddle boarding is by no means limited to the summer months. In fact, paddle boarding is a great way to stay active and boost mental health during the winter months. You just need to make sure you’ve got the best gear to keep you warm and dry.

During the colder months, our top tip is to layer up. Choose a lightweight base layer, like our performance T-shirt to wear underneath our performance long sleeve top as an outer layer. Made using moisture wicking fabric, this performance top layer dries four times faster than cotton and benefits from a long neck zip to keep you nice and warm when the temperature drops. If it’s looking like it might rain, be sure to take the Red Paddle Co. waterproof active jacket with you. Built with outdoor activities in mind, the active jacket has a large stretch to allow for unrestricted movement, whilst a 5k waterproof rating and YKK zip ensure you’ll be kept 100% dry in the rain. A reflective trim also helps to make you more visible on the water when visibility is reduced during autumn and winter. Pairing this with a good pair of waterproof trousers on your bottom half will also help to keep you protected from the rain.

However, on days when it’s especially cold, it is advisable to wear a winter wetsuit in the event that you do fall in the water. Swimming in cold water during the winter can present the risk of cold water shock or hypothermia if you haven’t taken the right precautions, which is why it’s always advisable to wear a wetsuit when it’s cold in order to keep yourself safe. Depending on the temperature and how confident you feel, you may also choose to wear a wetsuit during the summer, as the water can still be very cold (particularly in the UK!)

When the weather’s cold, it’s important that you can warm up properly when you exit the water. That’s why our waterproof changing robe is a winter essential. Complete with a super soft moisture wicking fleece lining, this changing robe is made from a waterproof, breathable shell that benefits from a YKK zip wind baffle. Our luxury toweling robes are also a great option for hassle free changing in autumn/ winter, complete with deep pockets to keep your hands warm and a draw cord hood shield to keep you protected from the rain.

What About Paddle Boarding Shoes?

Of course, when discussing what to wear paddle boarding, it’s not just paddle board clothing that’s important. You’ll also need to think about what to wear on your feet. Red Paddle Co. paddle boards offer plenty of grip for you to go barefoot, and so it’s really up to personal preference whether or not you choose to wear shoes. When the temperature is a bit colder, or, to add another layer of protection for your feet, it can be a good idea to wear a pair of lightweight waterproof trainers or neoprene shoes. Just be careful to avoid heavy shoes that could cause a safety issue if you do fall in the water, and make sure that they provide you with plenty of grip.

For further guidance on what to wear paddle boarding, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team today.