Explore the Hamble
Paddling in autumn and winter: what to wear to stay warm
Ask any regular paddler and they'll tell you some of their best days on the Hamble come after the summer crowds have gone. Low sun, mist lifting off the water, wading birds on the mud and a river you've almost got to yourself. The only thing that stands between you and a great cold-weather paddle is what you're wearing.
Dress for the water, not the weather
The single most important rule. In autumn and winter the water is much colder than the air, and falling in unexpectedly is a shock to the body. Dress on the assumption that you might get wet, even if you're in a kayak and don't plan to. Cotton is the enemy: it soaks up water and stays cold. Choose synthetic or neoprene layers that keep you warm when damp.
Your core: three options
- Layered sportswear (mild autumn days, kayaks). A synthetic base layer, a fleece or insulated mid layer and a windproof, water-resistant top. Fine when a swim is unlikely.
- Two-piece neoprene (most paddleboarders). Neoprene leggings or long johns with a neoprene top or jacket. Warm if you fall in, easier to move in than a full suit, and easy to adjust as you warm up.
- A winter wetsuit (cold days, keen paddlers). A 4/3mm or 5/4mm full suit gives the most protection if you're likely to be in the water.
Our sister company has a detailed guide to winter paddleboarding clothing: wetsuit vs two-piece if you're deciding what to buy.
Hands, feet and head
These lose heat fastest, and cold hands make paddling miserable.
- Feet: neoprene boots or wetsuit socks with shoes that stay on. Bare feet on a cold board in November isn't fun.
- Hands: neoprene gloves keep you paddling longer. Open-palm gloves give the best grip, five-finger styles are the all-rounder, and lobster mitts are warmest. See The SUP Company's winter gloves guide.
- Head: a beanie or neoprene hood. Easy to take off if you get warm.
Afterwards
Getting warm quickly afterwards matters as much as staying warm on the water. Have a full set of dry clothes ready, plus a warm drink. A changing robe makes getting out of wet kit in a car park much easier and warmer. For a full packing list, see The SUP Company's autumn and winter paddleboarding kit checklist.
A few cold-weather rules we follow
- Keep sessions shorter than in summer, and turn back while you still feel warm.
- Check the wind as well as the temperature. A breeze makes it feel much colder on the water.
- Kayaks are a good choice in winter: you're far less likely to end up in the water than on a paddleboard.
- Always carry your phone in a waterproof pouch.
Paddling with us this winter
We run hire through the autumn and winter, so check online for available times. Every hire includes a buoyancy aid, paddle and safety briefing; if you're not sure what to wear on the day, call us and ask. And if you're ready for kit of your own, The SUP Company stocks wetsuits, neoprene, gloves, boots and changing robes.