DRESS FOR SUCCESS

What to wear when stand-up paddleboarding

Brightness from the sun, coupled with the glare reflecting off the water can be detrimental to your eyes, so a decent pair of sunnies should always be on the list when you are getting ready for a paddle. Again, a retaining strap might come in handy – it is quite heart-breaking to see your favourite designer shades sinking out of sight!

What To Wear

At the height of the summer, a rash vest and a pair of boardshorts coupled with a reef friendly sunscreen is all you will need for a fun time on the water. A rash vest offers minimal thermal protection, but will keep your arms, shoulders and back protected from the sun’s harmful rays. Boardshorts are a great accompaniment as they are lightweight and quick to dry – try to avoid denim or heavy cotton shorts as these will stay wet for longer and may chafe –especially in saltwater.

But if you feel the cold, are planning to stay out longer or if you are learning and tend to spend more time in the water than on the board (!), then a wetsuit is

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ideal. A wetsuit helps you to maintain your core body temperature. The ergonomic and flexible design of modern wetsuits means you will still have a full range of movement – essential for getting back on the board should you fall in. A shorty may be enough, but a fulllength wetsuit also doubles up as the ultimate in sun protection.

On Your Feet

Footwear wise, it has more to do with comfort than keeping warm. Wearing something on your feet is often a good idea when you are learning as it gives you additional grip on the board. Where you are launching from is also a consideration when deciding whether to go barefooted or not.

If you are taking off from a lovely sandy beach then bare feet would be fine, but if you are launching from a rocky shoreline then a pair of neoprene boots or aqua shoes are definitely a must.

With the kids off school and the summer in full swing, stand-up paddleboarding is more popular than ever. You cannot pass a river or harbour without seeing would be adventurers taking to the water atop brightly coloured boards, having donned a variety of attire. But what should we be wearing while we are enjoying the sights and sounds of the coast or riverside as we paddle along this summer?

What you wear when paddleboarding in the summer needs to balance keeping you warm/cool with protecting you from the sun. Starting at the top and working down…

Protection from the sun, and shade for your eyes, a decent hat or cap is an absolute must on a sunny day out on the water – just make sure it fits snuggly or use a hat retaining clip as the wind does have a habit of blowing them away at the most inconvenient moment.

Last, but not least, wear a buoyancy aid. No matter how confident a swimmer you are, you should always wear a suitably sized and properly fitted buoyancy aid. It will keep you afloat if you fall in, giving you the chance to recover and get back on your board – this is especially important when tired after a long day out on (and in!) the water.

Next Month: Lifejacket or buoyancy aid? What is the difference?