Many of us paddle all year in the Pacific Northwest. And when it shows, we love to head to the water to see the changes and immerse ourselves in the best of winter NW paddling!
Read on to learn about my winter SUP clothing. It took years of trial and error to figure out what works for me. And that’s the key – this works for me and I run cold. You may find that these items aren’t what works for you.
Some may feel a drysuit is a better and more comfortable option for cold air and water. But I used to have drysuits and have found that I prefer a wetsuit for the type of performance paddling I do.
NRS Freestyle Wet Shoe
Tip: The key for me in staying warm – is to stay dry. Back in the day, I’d wear a wool sock under my booties get cold due to the sock getting wet and my foot unable to stay warm. Same goes for upper body.
Pre / Post Paddle Cloak
Before or after I paddle, I wear my Surf Fur wind and waterproof cloak that fits over my wetsuit. It’s super warm and keeps me warm when getting ready and/or after the paddle. I keep it on for the drive home as well to keep my seat dry.
Winter Tip: If you live a short distance to the water, put your paddling clothing on at home (or office) and wear it back home afterwards.
Wetsuit for weather down to 30 F
Aqua Therm Hood
5/4mm Flashbomb (fleece) RipCurl Wetsuit – This suit isn’t wet – it’s totally seam sealed, hooded and dry. Been a fav for a few years!
If you run warmer, get the 4/3mm Ripcurl Flashbomb.
Booties
NRS Freestyle Wet Shoes – Fleece lined and a thicker sole for walking and insulation. Unlike surf brand booties, the boot doesn’t go my a millimeter rating. With my experience with the other brands, this one is as warm as a 7-9mm and lasts longer. I use them for my rental fleet too.
NRS Expedition Sock under the Wet Shoe – They don’t make the Expedition Sock anymore but their other waterproof Wet Socks will work.
UK’s Reed ChillCheater and Randy Sun waterproof socks work to keep your feet try. Reed Chill Cheater that is fleece hood that is fleece lined and waterproof (pictured).
Paddling Top
Paddling tops are great for putting over your wetsuit to cut wind chill.
ProMotion’s Exo-Skin top cuts wind chill, is waterproof and is hi-vis in color (orange). I put this over my wetsuit. Get one size larger.
Other Paddling Top Options:
- NRS paddling Splash tops (with no inner tube for kayak skirts)
- Season5 windproof and water resistant hooded jacket. I use this to cut windchill and find it’s super warm and is loose thus doesn’t make padding difficult. The jacket works on its own when the suit isn’t on whether on water or not.
- Go cheap with a rain shell. Get a bright color.
Gloves
Glacier Gloves Perfect Curve – These are waterproof and fleece lined. I’ve used them for many years!
Xcel Anti-Wetsuit Glove – These are thin neoprene gloves that fit under my Glacier Gloves or a NRS Maverick glove. They help me stay extra warm and can be used as a light glove in the parking lot while loading / unloading gear.
Caps / Hoods
Reed Chill Cheater Aguatherm High Vis Hood – This is a very thin fleece lined waterproof / windproof hood that fits nicely under my 5/4mm RipCurl hood. It cuts windchill and bumps my heat rating up at least 10F. This one is a hi-vis color, great on it’s own. There’s also a sun visor version as well.
NRS Storm Cap
NRS’s Storm Cap is an epic hood (head, no neck protection) – Wind and water proof, fleece lined. Can tuck in a pfd pocket.
Helmet
NRS dry sock
Surf / Paddling Helmet – In extreme temps at these or colder, or in sleet, hard driving snow and/or super cold temps in surf, downwinding or tidal rapids, I’ll add my Gath Hat or Convertible Surf Helmets.
This thin plastic helmet protects my head from stuff hitting me (or vice versa) and helps to further cut the elements out and keeps me warmer. Hi-vis colors are recommended.
Additional Items for Warmth
A vest style life jacket will keep you warmer, provide body protection from gear collisions and help with your visibility if you need to be seen. I use the MTI Vibe in orange. I also keep Hammer gel or an energy bar in by PFD pocket for extra energy/warmth. Get a bright color.
Check out my other blog posts on Winter Paddling Gear
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 “Kayaking Puget Sound and the San Juans, 60 Trips.” Rob owns SUP school Salmon Bay Paddle in Seattle and was the founder of PSUPA. He also runs several NW paddling races throughout the year.
