Kayaking is inevitably a water sport and unless a miracle occurs you are going to get very wet. Most kayakers will not mind the wet but when temperatures drop the most common accidents or emergencies that happen are to do with hypothermia. Hypothermia is a potentially threatening state when your body drops bellow 35°c. This happens due to a combination of getting wet in the water, the air temperature and wind. The best way to protect your self is to stay dry.
So how should you stay dry? Here are a few tips for staying out of the water and safe in those colder months:
If you own a sit-inside kayak use it!
The best way to keep dry is to limit the area’s water can get on you and using a closed kayak will keep your legs dry. And combined with a spray deck, will stop water from getting inside the boat. They also keep you warm which in the colder seasons is essential to enjoy your kayaking.
Wear the proper clothing
If it isn’t possible to paddle in a sit-in kayak then making sure that you are warm and moderately waterproof will go a long way. There is no point wearing a t-shirt or jumper as they will just get wet and are very slow to dry. Jeans are also entirely inappropriate for kayaking in. Instead, opting for a dry suit is the best possible thing you could do. They are extremely water-resistant and keep you warm by trapping the heat inside.
The next best thing is wearing a base layer such as thermals or lightweight clothing. Gloves and a waterproof coat also are a smart choice for less extreme days. If possible then bring a spare set of clothes in a dry bag will mean that in the event you get extremely wet you have something dry to change into.
Keep water out of your boat
Especially in a sit on top kayak, you will find water gets in everywhere mostly just from paddling. Water is likey to pool at the bottom of your kayak and get your legs very wet. To get around this you can wear waterproof trousers or avoid areas where you might get particularly wet. But even then you are likely to still have water in your boat so carrying a pump is a good idea.
Don’t go out in extreme conditions!
If it is raining or snowing use your common sense. Light rain is fine and as long as you have a coat you should stay dry but in heavy rain then your boat could quite quickly fill up. Also, don’t go kayaking in places you aren’t comfortable paddling or are at risk of capsizing. In cold weather, the last place you want to be is in the freezing water. If you still want to go out in the extremes then carry a spare set of clothes in a dry bag as a general rule.
Related Questions
What is the equipment for keeping dry? For a detailed look on the best dry suits, dry bags and clothing see our Best Dry Suits For Kayaking or Best Dry Bags For Value.
What temperature should you not go out? It is advised that you should be dressed warm and dry if the air and water temperature add up to 20°C.