SCASD INTRAMURAL KAYAKING PROGRAM
How to Dress for the Weather

Paddlers should listen to the weather report before they go paddling, but no matter what the weather forcaster says, it is wise to be prepared for cold and wet conditions.

Basic Guidelines to be prepared for our unpredictable weather

  1. Cotton is nice for HOT weather; BUT once cotton gets wet it stays wet and, when wet, cotton loses almost all of its insulating properties.   Nice warm cotton sweats will be cold and clingy once wet.   DON'T WEAR COTTON!
  2. Wool retains its insulating value even when wet.   Wool dries faster than cotton but not as fast as most synthetics.   Wool is warm even when wet.
  3. Synthetic fabrics (acrylic, nylon, polyester, etc.) tend to be warm even when wet and dry quickly.   Polar-fleece (NOT cotton) is soft, warm, insulates when wet, dries quickly and is relatively inexpensive.
  4. Hi-tech fabrics are wonderful if you can afford them.
  5. Neoprene wet suits and waterproof dry suits are nice.   Wearing a wet suit (Farmer John) or dry suit or just a dry top will increase comfort and safety on cold wet days.

One very basic rule of small craft boating:   If you are ON the water be prepared to be IN the water.   Even the best paddlers have to wet exit occasionally and all of us get splashed.

What do I wear when paddling in Fall or Spring?

A lycra swimming suit that will stay in place when paddling is important for pool sessions.   Hopefully there will be some very warm outdoor days to make swimsuits outdoors worthwhile.   Swim suits also make good undergarments for cold days when layering other clothes on top.   Layering some of the following items will keep a paddler warm on cold days.   Keep in mind that arm movement is important and that a PFD (life jacket) will add a layer of insulation.

Where can I get appropriate clothing?

You don't have to spend a fortune on clothing.   Look at Wal-Mart, TJ Max, Target, etc. for polyester (polar) fleece.   Check the label: you do NOT want cotton.   Acrylic sweaters work well.   Nylon wind suits are nice.   I have even seen wet suits at Sam's Club.   Check out sporting goods stores: Dick's, The Bicycle Shop, Rapid Transit, etc.   Appalachian Outdoors on Allen Street and Tussey Mountain Outfitters in Bellefonte are very helpful and can probably get you anything you might want.   There are many web sites selling outdoor gear.   A few are listed below.


joan@imkayaking.com
+1.814 234-3317 evenings
Last Updated: 01 September 2014