Paddleboarding in Winter

two paddleboarders in winter wetsuits on a local river
18 December 2019
Paddleboarding in Winter

For many, the beauty of paddleboarding is that it can be enjoyed all year round. However, as amazing as getting out on your SUP in winter is, it can be dangerous with cold water temperatures, alongside temperamental weather conditions, being primary concerns.

However, by planning your SUP excursion properly and investing in some vital pieces of kit, you’ll stand in great stead for an excellent time out on the water. See our top tips for paddleboarding in winter below!

What to wear for paddleboarding in winter

Perhaps the most important thing when heading out on your SUP in the winter months is to dress appropriately. Getting caught out in cold weather conditions without proper clothing can be dangerous.

The key clothing that we’d advise to wear when paddleboarding in winter includes:

  • A winter wetsuit
  • Thermal under layers
  • Wetsuit hood
  • Wetsuit gloves
  • Wetsuit boots

 

Winter wetsuits are made from thicker neoprene designed to keep your body insulated in cooler conditions – 5mm is generally considered the optimum thickness for a winter wetsuit unless you are in an extremely cold part of the world. However, remember that winter wetsuits are designed to be worn in the water, so be sure to layer up with a thermal rash vest to keep warm when you’re dry.

Humans lose the majority of their body heat via their head, so a wetsuit hood is essential. A warm, woolly hat would also work, but remember that if you fall off your SUP, they will not retain heat as effectively as a specially designed wetsuit hood.

Our extremities tend to feel the cold first so ensure that you’re equipped with wetsuit gloves and boots. When paddleboarding it’s best to opt for wetsuit boots with proper soles for added grip rather than wetsuit socks which are neoprene all over and can get be slippery. When buying wetsuit gloves, we recommend choosing a pair at the thinner end of the scale; a 5mm thick pair of gloves will certainly keep your hands warm but can make gripping your paddle much more difficult.

It’s also vital to remember extra warm clothing to put on when you’re out of the water – keeping spare clothing and blankets in your car is a sensible move.

paddleboarder on the water with snowy mountains in the background

Can I paddleboard in regular winter clothing?

You may see people paddleboarding in regular, thick winter jackets and beanies on rare occasions and while they may be kept very warm whilst on their boards, you are certainly taking a risk if you were to fall.

Often, people paddleboarding in regular clothing will be very confident, experienced and doing so on incredibly flat water such as lakes and canals. However, we wouldn’t recommend this; jackets, coats, beanies, trousers etc. will do nothing to keep you warm once your wet. This will also make it very difficult to swim if you were to fall in, as well make the necessary return paddle hard work.

Know when not to SUP

It’s vital that when paddleboarding in winter you know when to say no – ‘if in doubt, don’t go out’ is a popular saying in the paddleboarding community.

It’s imperative that you keep an eye out on the weather in the run up to your paddleboarding trip. If you’re facing particularly strong winds, especially offshore, or if the sea is very rough it would be sensible to postpone. If conditions are looking unpredictable or you don’t feel entirely comfortable, pack up your SUP and save the adventure for another day. The water will always be there – don’t risk your safety for the sake of a couple of hours of fun!

Don’t paddleboard in the dark

It may sound obvious but remember that the days are far shorter during the winter months, with the dark setting in rapidly. Paddleboarding in the dark is a big no-no, especially for less experienced riders and in unfamiliar conditions. It can be easy to get lost and without the sun on your back, you’ll find yourself getting very cold, very quickly – both of which can lead to highly dangerous scenarios.

Before heading out on your SUP, double check the local sunset time and make sure you return to dry land with plenty of time to spare. Always take either a watch or phone with you to make sure you’re able to keep track of the time. It’s also wise to pack a torch, just in case.

paddleboarders gliding down icy river

Don’t paddleboard alone

It’s sensible to observe this rule all year round, but during winter it is especially important to paddle with a buddy as this can prevent potentially dangerous situations from escalating.

For example, if you were to lose your paddle, being with a friend means you can safely return to shore, without you having to enter the water or attempt to paddle with your hands. Similarly, if you were to end up in a dangerous situation dealing with extreme cold or maybe a punctured board, you'll be incredibly grateful to have a friend nearby to help you out.

If for any reason you do head out solo, ensure that someone on dry land knows exactly where you are going and when you intend to be back.

Bring nutritious snacks out on the water

The combination of cold weather and the exertion of paddling will deplete your energy levels quickly. If you’re planning an especially long paddle, it’s important to take food and something to drink.

We’d recommend packing nutritious and filling snacks, such as energy bars, in a dry bag. This will prevent you from having to head back to shore where you’re feeling hungry and keep your energy levels up.

You may also want to bring a flask with some warm soup or a hot drink to ensure you’re keeping warm from the inside out.

Don’t lose sight of the shore

As much as we love a paddleboard adventure, winter is not the time to explore new and unchartered waters. Always remain in full sight of the shore – if conditions were to change rapidly, which they tend to in winter, you need to be able to get back to dry land quickly.

We’d advise to pick your route before your head out on the water, so you know exactly where you’re going and what to expect. If you can, pick out a few key landmarks to look out for whilst you’re out on the water to ensure you’re keeping to your identified route.

Ready to get out in the water during winter? Take a look at our full range of inflatable SUPs, expertly designed to take your paddleboarding experience to the next level!