Benefits of paddleboarding in winter

Paddleboarding, often associated with warm, sunny days, is gaining popularity as a year-round activity. Winter paddleboarding offers unique and rewarding experiences for those willing to brave the cooler temperatures.

This article will delve into the advantages of stand-up paddle boarding in winter, the essential gear and safety considerations, and why it’s an adventure worth taking.

One of the most significant benefits of winter paddleboarding is the peace and quiet it offers. The summer crowds have dissipated, leaving behind calm waters and a sense of solitude. This tranquillity allows you to connect with nature on a deeper level, enjoying the sounds of the water and the wintery landscape without distractions.

Winter offers unique opportunities to observe wildlife. Many animals are more active during the colder months, foraging for food or migrating. You might spot birds, mammals, or even fish that are less visible in other seasons. The stillness of the water and the lack of human activity can also make wildlife encounters more frequent and special.

Winter transforms familiar waterways into stunning scenes. Snow-covered banks, ice formations, and frosty vegetation create a magical atmosphere. The low-lying winter sun casts long shadows, adding depth and drama to the scenery. Paddleboarding through a ‘winter wonderland’ such as this can be a unique and unforgettable experience.

Winter paddleboarding can be a more intense workout than summer paddleboarding. Your body works harder to stay warm, burning more calories in the process. The colder conditions and potentially choppier waters also challenge your muscles, increasing the overall intensity of the exercise.

The harsher conditions can demand more from your body in terms of balance and stability. This constant adjustment and effort to stay upright can strengthen your core muscles and improve your overall balance.

Paddleboarding in winter requires mental fortitude. Overcoming the cold, wind, and challenge of more difficult water conditions can help build resilience and a sense of accomplishment. The mindset you develop for this scenario can translate into other areas of life, helping you overcome adversity with greater confidence.

Staying warm and safe is paramount when paddleboarding in winter. The right gear becomes crucial for an enjoyable and secure experience on the water during colder months.

A high-quality wetsuit is essential for winter paddleboarding, acting as your primary defence against the cold water. When choosing a wetsuit, consider the following factors:

• Thickness: For winter paddleboarding in the UK, opt for a full-body wetsuit between 4mm and 6mm thick. A 4/3mm wetsuit (4mm in the body, 3mm in the arms and legs) is often ideal, especially in late autumn and early spring, while a 5/4mm wetsuit will be appropriate for the coldest parts of mid-winter.
• Fit: Ensure a snug fit to minimize water entry and maximise insulation. The wetsuit should feel tight but not restrictive.
• Material: Look for wetsuits made with high-quality neoprene, which offers superior insulation and durability.

Two Bare Feet offers a range of winter full-body wetsuits for adults and children in both 4/3mm and 5/4mm thicknesses. Our Thunderclap series is particularly well-suited for winter conditions, providing excellent insulation and flexibility.

The Thunderclap 4/3mm Winter Wetsuit for men and women is an excellent choice for late autumn through to early spring. It features a 4mm neoprene layer in the torso for core warmth, with 3mm panels in the arms and legs for enhanced flexibility.

The super soft and smooth Superstretch neoprene ensures comfort and unrestricted movement, allowing paddlers to maintain their technique even in colder conditions.

For the coldest winter paddle boarding sessions, the Thunderclap 5/4mm Winter Wetsuit for men and women is ideal. It offers maximum insulation with its 5mm neoprene core and 4mm cover for extremities, providing superior protection against frigid waters. The stretchy neoprene construction allows for a full range of motion, essential for maintaining balance and control on the paddleboard.

To enhance your winter paddleboarding experience and provide comprehensive protection, consider these essential accessories:

• Rash vest: Wear a thermal rash vest under your wetsuit for an extra layer of warmth and to prevent chafing. Look for ones made with quick-drying, insulating materials.
• Wetsuit boots: Choose 5mm to 7mm thick neoprene boots with a sturdy sole for grip on your board. Ensure they fit snugly to prevent water entry.
• Gloves: Opt for 3mm to 5mm neoprene gloves to keep your hands warm and maintain dexterity for paddling.
• Hood: A 3mm to 5mm neoprene hood helps prevent heat loss through your head and protects your ears from cold wind and water.

Two Bare Feet offers a range of winter wetsuit accessories to protect paddleboarders from exposure to cold temperatures. Our comprehensive selection includes thermal rash vests, neoprene boots, gloves, and hoods, all designed to complement their wetsuits and provide additional warmth and protection during winter paddleboarding sessions.

Thermal rash vests

For an extra layer of insulation, Two Bare Feet provides unisex thermal rash vests in both short and long sleeve options. The Unisex Long Sleeve Thermal Rash Vest is particularly suitable for winter paddleboarding, offering extended coverage and warmth.

Made from quick-drying materials, these vests help regulate body temperature and prevent chafing when worn under a wetsuit.

Neoprene boots

Two Bare Feet’s neoprene boots are ideal for winter paddleboarding, as well as other watersports disciplines. Ranging in thicknesses from 3mm to 7mm, their neoprene construction offers excellent insulation.

Both our slip-on and zipped boots have a higher cut for a secure fit and enhanced protection against cold water entry. Zipped designs, like our zipped 5mm neoprene wetsuit boots feature a YKK zipper side opening. This allows for easy on and off, which is crucial in cold conditions.

In addition, the flexible rubber outsole provides the necessary grip on the paddleboard while maintaining board feel.

Wetsuit gloves

Two Bare Feet’s range of neoprene gloves offers paddleboarders excellent protection against chilly waters, ensuring comfort and dexterity during winter sessions.

Our collection caters to various temperature ranges and personal preferences.

For milder winter conditions, the 3mm Neoprene Gloves strike an ideal balance between warmth and manoeuvrability. These gloves incorporate a specialised honeycomb pattern on the palms, enhancing grip on slippery paddle shafts and board surfaces.

When temperatures plummet, the 5mm Neoprene Gloves step up to provide superior insulation. Crafted from flexible yet robust 5mm neoprene, these gloves offer formidable defence against heat loss. The honeycomb grip pattern remains a key feature, complemented by durable glued and blind-stitched seams for longevity and water resistance.

Paddlers seeking cutting-edge hand protection can opt for the 5mm Mesh Neoprene Gloves or the 5mm Waffle Mesh Neoprene Gloves. These advanced designs incorporate mesh neoprene, delivering exceptional flexibility and elemental resistance. Such features prove invaluable during challenging winter paddling conditions, allowing for precise board control and easy equipment handling.

For paddleboarders seeking enhanced grip in cold conditions, the TBF Print Adults 5mm Neoprene Gloves offer an innovative solution. These gloves feature a unique silicone print grip on the palms, providing superior traction on paddle shafts even in wet and icy environments. The 5mm neoprene construction ensures excellent insulation, while the flatlock-stitched seams minimise water ingress.

A standout feature across the entire glove range is the secure Velcro wrist closure. This thoughtful design element effectively seals out water and retains warmth, crucial for maintaining hand function during extended cold-water immersion.

Neoprene hoods

For comprehensive head protection, Two Bare Feet provides several hood options. The 5mm Neoprene Wetsuit Diving/Surf Hood is versatile enough for paddleboarding, offering excellent insulation for the head, ears, and neck.

For even colder conditions, we offer a 7mm Neoprene Wetsuit Diving Hood with an extra-long extended neck collar for maximum coverage and heat retention.

Wetsuit accessory set

For paddleboarders looking to fully equip themselves for winter conditions, Two Bare Feet offers a Neoprene Wetsuit Set that includes gloves, boots, and a hood. This comprehensive set provides a cost-effective way to acquire all the necessary accessories, ensuring they match and work well together for optimal protection.

Inflatable paddleboards offer several advantages for winter paddleboarding:

• Portability: Easy to transport and store, making them ideal for winter adventures.
• Durability: High-quality inflatables are resistant to dings and cracks, which is beneficial in colder, potentially icy conditions.
• Safety: The inflatable design provides better protection from recoil injury if you fall into cold water with a leash attached.

When selecting an inflatable paddleboard for winter use, consider:

• Size: Choose a board that’s appropriate for your weight and skill level. Longer, wider boards offer more stability.
• Construction: Look for boards with reinforced rails and multiple layers of PVC for durability in cold conditions.
• Fin setup: A three-fin thruster configuration offers good tracking and manoeuvrability in various water conditions.

Two Bare Feet offers a selection of inflatable SUPs that perform well in a range of conditions, including cold temperatures. Our current lineup features two main series: the Sport Air and the Entradia, both designed to cater to various skill levels and paddling environments.

Sport Air inflatable SUPs

Our Sport Air paddleboards represent the top-end of Two Bare Feet’s inflatable SUP manufacturing. These boards are constructed using durable Fusion DWF (Double Wall Fabric) materials, which incorporate extra PVC laminate layers for increased rigidity and toughness. This construction is particularly beneficial for winter paddleboarding, as it enhances the board’s resistance to potential impacts with ice or debris.

For winter paddlers seeking stability and versatility, the Sport Air Allround 10’6″ x 33″ x 4.75″ is an excellent choice. This board offers a balance of straight-line speed and manoeuvrability, making it suitable for various winter conditions, from calm lakes to slightly choppy waters. The 33″ width promotes agility while still providing a stable platform for colder conditions, when balance might be affected by additional winter gear.

Larger paddlers or those looking for extra stability in winter conditions might prefer the Sport Air Allround XL 10’10” x 33″ x 6″. The additional length and thickness provide more volume, allowing the board to ride higher in the water. This feature is particularly useful when wearing bulky winter wetsuits or carrying extra gear for cold-weather expeditions.

Both Sport Air models feature a refined removable fin system, including two small 4.5″ side fins, a large 9″ centre fin, and an additional 4.5″ river fin. This versatile setup allows paddlers to adapt to different winter water conditions, from open lakes to narrow, potentially icy rivers.

Entradia inflatable SUPs

For beginners or those prioritising maximum stability in winter conditions, our Entradia paddleboards offer an excellent option. The Entradia 10’10” x 34″ x 6″ provides exceptional buoyancy and stability due to its wider profile and increased thickness. This board is particularly well-suited for winter paddling as it offers a more forgiving platform when wearing multiple layers of cold-weather gear.

All Two Bare Feet inflatable SUPs feature multiple D-rings and bungee storage areas, allowing winter paddlers to securely attach essential cold-weather gear or safety equipment. The boards also come with a range of SUP accessory packages, including high-pressure pumps suitable for inflating the board in cold conditions and paddles designed for efficient propulsion in various water types.

Essential paddleboard accessories for any time of year include:

• Leash: Use a coiled leash to keep your board close without dragging in the water. Ensure it’s at least the length of your board.
• Paddle: Opt for a lightweight, durable paddle with an ergonomic grip. Carbon fibre paddles are excellent for cold-water use due to their strength and low weight.
• Dry bag: Bring a waterproof dry bag to store extra layers, snacks, and emergency supplies.

Two Bare Feet offers a selection of SUP accessories that will protect you and your equipment, while offering a level of performance necessary for staying up and running in cold conditions.

Our boards are available as part of a range of SUP packages, which include a selection of SUP accessories: from our starter packages which provide the essentials a beginner may need, through to our ultimate packages which, as the name suggests, includes a full repertoire of top-of-the-line kit.

For safety and board control, Two Bare Feet offers a coiled SUP leash. This leash is designed to keep paddlers connected to their boards without creating drag in the water. The coiled design reduces the risk of tangling and allows for quick retrieval of the board in case of a fall. It also features a swivel mechanism to prevent twisting, crucial when paddling in choppy waters.

We also offer a variety of paddles to suit different preferences and skill levels. The Standard 3 Piece Aluminium SUP Paddle is adjustable and suitable for riders of all ages and sizes. For those seeking a lightweight option, the 3 Piece Fibreglass Hybrid SUP Paddle offers a balance between performance and affordability. Advanced paddlers might prefer the 3 Piece Full Carbon Fibre Pro SUP Paddle, ideal for long-distance paddling or racing.

To protect your paddle during transport and storage, Two Bare Feet offers 3-piece SUP paddle bags. These bags shield your paddle from potential damage and add a touch of style to your paddling gear.

For inflating your paddleboard, Two Bare Feet provides several pump options, which offer the reliability and speed needed to get on the water as quickly as possible, so you’re not left hanging around in the cold.

The Bravo 4 High Pressure High Capacity 27.5psi Inflate/Deflate Dual Action Hand Pump offers versatile manual inflation. For those preferring an electric option, the Two Bare Feet 12V Electric SUP Pump Powerbank can be connected to an electric SUP pump, adding convenience by removing the need for a stationary power source.

To keep essential items dry and secure, Two Bare Feet provides waterproof dry bags. Available in 30l and 90l varieties, these bags are constructed with easy-wipe PVC material, making them ideal for storing extra layers of clothing, emergency supplies, or electronic devices. The heavy-duty buckle fastening ensures your belongings remain protected even in challenging conditions.

A weatherproof changing robe is indispensable for winter paddleboarding. When choosing a changing robe, consider:

• Material: Look for a water-resistant and windproof outer shell with a soft, absorbent inner lining.
• Length: Choose a full-length robe that covers you from shoulders to shins for maximum protection and privacy.
• Features: Opt for robes with large internal pockets, a hood, and adjustable cuffs for added functionality.
• Fit: Ensure the robe is spacious enough to change underneath comfortably.

Two Bare Feet offers a selection of weatherproof changing robes that will keep you warm and protected in the cold, allowing you the convenience of changing out of wet clothing comfortably and in privacy, when access to changing facilities may be hard to come by.

The Original Weatherproof Changing Robe exemplifies Two Bare Feet’s commitment to quality and functionality. This robe features a 100% recycled polyester outer shell that is both windproof and 8K water-resistant, effectively shielding you from harsh winter elements. The interior is lined with premium quality, ultra-soft Sherpa Fleece, providing exceptional warmth and comfort after cold water sessions.

For those prioritising portability, the Packable Waterproof Changing Robe is an excellent choice. Available in various colour combinations such as Sea Green/Grey and Khaki/Black, it comes with a travel bag, making it easy to carry to remote paddleboarding locations.

Despite its compact design, it doesn’t compromise on performance, boasting the same 8K waterproof and breathability ratings as its non-packable counterparts.

Both robe styles feature an oversized fit, allowing ample room for changing underneath. They come equipped with fleece-lined zipped outer pockets for warming hands, as well as internal pockets for securing valuables.

The large Sherpa-lined hood provides additional protection against wind and rain, while the full-length two-way YKK zip and Velcro sleeve closures allow for easy on and off, even with cold hands.

Two Bare Feet’s changing robes are designed to be below knee-length, offering maximum coverage and privacy. They come in various sizes to accommodate different heights and builds, ensuring a proper fit for all paddleboarders.

As an added bonus, many of Two Bare Feet’s changing robes come with a complimentary changing mat. This accessory provides a clean, dry surface for standing on while changing, protecting your feet from cold or rough ground.

Always check the weather forecast and water conditions before heading out. Be aware of the water temperature, wind chill, and any potential hazards like ice or strong currents.

Hypothermia is a severe risk in cold water. Dress appropriately for the water temperature, even if the air temperature feels mild. A wetsuit, boots, gloves, and a hood are essential for staying warm.

Always inform someone about your paddleboarding plan and expected return time. This way, someone knows where you are and when to expect you back, which can be crucial in case of an emergency.

Carry a phone in a waterproof case and know basic cold water safety procedures. Consider taking a first-aid kit and a whistle to signal for help if needed. It is also good practice to bring a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) with you, alongside a coiled SUP leash.

For beginners or those seeking calmer conditions, choose sheltered spots like lakes, coves, or slow-moving rivers. These locations offer protection from wind and waves, making your paddleboarding experience more enjoyable and safer. Use smartphone apps or search online for ideas of suitable locations before heading out.

Canals and rivers offer unique winter paddleboarding opportunities. The calm waters and scenic surroundings provide a peaceful escape. However, be aware of potential hazards like currents, obstacles, and changing water levels, and understand the rules of navigating inland waterways prior to your adventure.

Coastal paddleboarding in winter can be exhilarating but requires extra caution. Choose days with calm conditions and be mindful of tides, currents, and potential offshore winds. Always stay within sight of the shore and be prepared for sudden changes in weather.

Embracing the winter season doesn’t mean staying indoors. With the right gear and mindset, you can discover the joys of paddleboarding even when the temperature drops. Two Bare Feet offers a wide range of high-quality paddleboards, wetsuits, and accessories designed to keep you warm, safe, and comfortable in winter conditions.

Remember: our expert team is available to answer any questions and help you find the perfect gear for your cold-weather paddling sessions. For beginners, our paddleboarding FAQs are also a good place to start if you are unsure about the best approaches to take or equipment options available to you.