30 Tips for Cold Water Paddling

By Rob Casey

Originally published in SUP Magazine (2011), now updated for Men’s Journal – September 2025

With overnight temps dipping into the 30s and fresh snow dusting the mountains, I’ve had to face reality—it’s winter. That means more layers on the water. As much as I love this season, I already miss the simplicity of summer paddling in just a t-shirt, shorts, and sandals. These days I’m layering a thin polypro shirt under my 4/3mm wetsuit, plus a full neoprene hood. (If you live in Hawaii, feel free to disregard everything below!)

Winter paddling offers incredible rewards: fewer boats, more solitude, bigger surf, flowing rivers, and prime downwind conditions. The key is staying warm—from the moment you arrive at the beach until you’re back in the car. If you start cold, you’ll stay cold.

Here are 30+ practical tips for staying warm and safe while paddling in cold water.

Before the Paddle: Outfitting & Gear Prep

  • Change warmer. Cut an old foam camping pad in half to stand on while changing. Warms your feet and protects them from frozen ground. Options: Therm-a-Rest Z-Lite Sol or Exped Flex Mat Plus.

  • Secure your gear. Add NSI Spectra plugs (Rubber Plate with Cord Loop) or leash plugs to your board for attaching bungees or motorcycle netting. Great for carrying water, clothes, or a spare paddle. Kayak deck bags also work well.

  • Brighten your paddle. Add waterproof reflective tape strips so you can find it at night or in rough water. Write your phone number on it too.

  • Waterproof your valuables. Use Seattle Sports E-Merse cases for phones, GPS units, and small essentials. They’re affordable, durable, and reliable.

  • Pack a dry bag. Keep backup layers handy—gloves, fleece-lined cap, dry top, or extra neoprene.

Paddling Partners

Find a partner who shares your skill level—or better yet, has the experience to help in rough water or at night. A solid paddling buddy can mean the difference between a fun outing and a rescue.

Prepping Your Car for Winter

  • Light it up. Keep a headlamp in the car for racking boards after dark.

  • Spare gear stash. Store backups: gloves, fin, leash, hood, spray skirt, energy bars, water, TP, heat packs, and an extra car key. Forgetting a fin or spray skirt can ruin a session.

  • Car key strategy. Hide your key onshore, or waterproof and tether it if you bring it along.

  • Hot water hack. Bring a portable hot-water system like the RinseKit Pro or a gallon jug of boiling water wrapped in insulation. Still warm hours later.

  • Contain the wet mess. Use a plastic bin for soggy gear. Some even change while standing in it.

  • For safety carry a warm blanket or mylar bivy bag in case someone gets too chilly or your car won’t start.  Also look at mobile battery starter.

 

Getting Ready to Paddle

  • Leave a float plan. Tell a friend where you’re going, when you’ll return, and check in. Some apps let friends track your paddle in real time.

  • Check conditions. Know the tides, temps, and forecast. Use NOAA, NWS, webcams, WindAlert, or Windy. A barometer can reveal approaching storms.

  • Dress for immersion. Always dress for the water temperature, not the air. For cold paddling I use a 5/4mm hooded wetsuit (seam sealed), booties and paddling gloves. Check my post Choosing a Wetsuit for options.

  • Know your limits. If in doubt, don’t go out.

  • Photo: Author Rob paddling his touring surf ski in the BC Gulf Islands

Fuel & Hydration

  • Eat an energy bar before launching—Hammer Nutrition’s Raw Energy bar is a solid option.

  • Stash an extra bar or gel in your PFD.

  • Drink a warm, non-alcoholic beverage pre- or post-paddle.

  • Add hot water to your hydration kit—Vaikobi and Mocke lifejackets even have hydration sleeves.

  • Use an electrolyte drink mix like Hammer HEED for extra calories and minerals mid-paddle.

At the Beach

  • On frigid days, suit up at home and wear it straight into the shower afterward.

  • If suiting up beachside, keep your hat and coat on until the last possible second.

  • Wear neoprene gloves and a warm hat while unloading your board.

  • Check all gear: leash attachment, extra clothes, snacks, light, hood, etc. And check your buddy’s gear.

  • Bring reliable communication. I use both a tethered phone in a waterproof case and a VHF radio.

  • Night paddling? Shorter days mean you’ll need lights. A waterproof, non-blinking white light (like the Guardian LED) on your board or PFD prevents boat collisions. Carry a backup flashlight on a tether.

💡 Tip: In wind or rough water, rest your leg over your paddle or tuck it under bungees to keep it from drifting away.

Photo: Author Rob Casey dressed in a full wetsuit, a hi-vis rash guard, vest PFD, waist leash, gloves etc.. 

After the Paddle

  • Secure your board/kayak to the car first—before stripping off gear—especially in wind.

  • Sip from a thermos of hot soup or tea for instant warmth.

  • Use a portable heater (like the Little Buddy) or pour hot water from your insulated jug or the RinseKit Pro to thaw out.

  • Slip into warm house shoes—easier than socks on damp feet. I use the Sorel Manawan Slippers, on my 2nd pair!

  • Change while standing on your camping pad or in a plastic tub (with the pad at the bottom for insulation).

  • Start the car heater right away so it’s toasty when you’re ready to leave.

  • Refuel with snacks or recovery drinks (Hammer Recoverite is a good option).

  • Keep dry clothes, a towel, warm hat and a jacket in the car.

  • A fleece poncho or surf parka (like Surf Fur) makes public changing warmer—and doubles as a car seat protector if you wear your wetsuit home.

Drying Your Gear at Home

  • Rinse gear in fresh water with mild soap (like Dawn) to remove salt and grit.

  • Hang dry in the shower/tub—extra rods help maximize space.

  • Use a dehumidifier to dry faster and avoid damp indoor air.

  • Booties and gloves dry best on a forced-air ski boot dryer (like the DryGuy Forced Air DX).

  • Dry wetsuits indoors first for quicker turnaround. To speed things up, squeeze water from sleeves or wetsuits.

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Resources

For more strategies on paddling in cold temps, check out my book: Paddling the Salish Sea: 80 Trips.

Related Post: How to Choose a Wetsuit

About Rob Casey

Named a pioneer in the SUP industry by Stand Up Journal, Rob is the author of Stand Up Paddling: Flat Water to Surf and Rivers and Paddling the Salish Sea: 80 Trips. He owns Salmon Bay Paddle, a SUP school in Seattle, and lives in Ballard.

Follow him on Substack at Paddling the Salish Sea for more gear reviews and paddling tips.

Disclosure: This post includes affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

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