Paddle Boarding
Discussion
mcdjl said:
Disastrous said:
This is true also.
I’d say a wetsuit is the wrong answer though, for winter paddling, as they just wick heat out of you when there’s a breeze. I think ski touring is a good model to follow - lots of layers that work when wet with a wind shell on the top.
A dry suit might be a better answer: they'll keep the wind off, but will also stop you getting soaked if you do fall in. If you expect to fall in a lot (eg surfing) then a wet suit is a better.I’d say a wetsuit is the wrong answer though, for winter paddling, as they just wick heat out of you when there’s a breeze. I think ski touring is a good model to follow - lots of layers that work when wet with a wind shell on the top.
It's correct that double lined wetsuits are bad for windchill, because the exterior lining holds water, but you can get single lined suits for windsurfing that don't suffer from this problem - it's what I wear in winter. They have no lining on the outside, so are dry straight away once you get out of the water. The issue is they're not as durable, and are rather niche so not many manufacturers make them. Modern surf suits are so good and plentifully available that most windsurfers that I know wear those, even in extremely cold conditions.
Drysuits are fantastic, but can be a bit clammy if you're working hard, for example paddling a SUP, and many find the neck seal uncomfortable. They're also not at all flexible, so you can't get away with a rough fit where some bits are a bit tight and some are loose, because the tighter bits won't stretch. Due to this, I found they had to be annoyingly baggy in some places to fit me in others, and if this happens they're pretty cumbersome and bulky. I had one for sailing, but E-Bayed it after a few months, because I just didn't like wearing it as it didn't fit me well enough. I've dived in them too and find the same problem. You also can't swim that easily in a dry suit, and you certainly can't duck dive, but for SUP if you wear a leash and paddle only in flat water it would be fine. Personal preference I think. This kiting video compares them well (great channel by the way - it's a very knowledgeable couple that do it): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xDG3whJ2e0k
For me, if I SUP in winter, I wear what I wear windsurfing: my single lined winter wetsuit with boots and hood, plus my surfing gloves. I hate hoods, so I generally wear that down, and if I think I may fall in, such as crossing a speedboat wake or the wind gets up, I pull the hood up. If you get hot, just have a dip. Far better that way round than being too cold with no way of getting warm.
Edited by RobM77 on Monday 14th December 14:42
croyde said:
I've seen videos on Youtube for Palm clothing (I have one of their PFDs) for kayaking and paddleboarding.
Looking very casual yet are waterproof. The jackets have seals at the neck, cuffs and waist. Anyone here used them?
They just don't look anywhere as cumbersome as a Drysuit.
I forgot to mention that - a few windsurfers use those on top to combat wind chill. I only have an unsealed one for dinghy sailing, but it’s well made and comfortable.Looking very casual yet are waterproof. The jackets have seals at the neck, cuffs and waist. Anyone here used them?
They just don't look anywhere as cumbersome as a Drysuit.
RobM77 said:
Yes, I wasn't sure what Disastrous was suggesting, but normal clothes certainly wouldn't be good if you fell in. Firstly, the cold shock can be lethal or paralysing, but secondly, even if you're ok with that, you'd then have to wear those soaked layers of clothes until you got back to dry land, which would be horrendous (I've had this once - never again!). I don't ski, but I'm imagining skiers have a waterproof top layer so snow doesn't melt through, and then they just need to deal with sweat underneath, by wearing what I might wear running or cycling in winter, or similar? If you are actually immersed in water, it'll get everywhere, right down to your underwear - you need a wetsuit or drysuit.
It's correct that double lined wetsuits are bad for windchill, because the exterior lining holds water, but you can get single lined suits for windsurfing that don't suffer from this problem - it's what I wear in winter. They have no lining on the outside, so are dry straight away once you get out of the water. The issue is they're not as durable, and are rather niche so not many manufacturers make them. Modern surf suits are so good and plentifully available that most windsurfers that I know wear those, even in extremely cold conditions.
Drysuits are fantastic, but can be a bit clammy if you're working hard, for example paddling a SUP, and many find the neck seal uncomfortable. They're also not at all flexible, so you can't get away with a rough fit where some bits are a bit tight and some are loose, because the tighter bits won't stretch. Due to this, I found they had to be annoyingly baggy in some places to fit me in others, and if this happens they're pretty cumbersome and bulky. I had one for sailing, but E-Bayed it after a few months, because I just didn't like wearing it as it didn't fit me well enough. I've dived in them too and find the same problem. You also can't swim that easily in a dry suit, and you certainly can't duck dive, but for SUP if you wear a leash and paddle only in flat water it would be fine. Personal preference I think. This kiting video compares them well (great channel by the way - it's a very knowledgeable couple that do it): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xDG3whJ2e0k
For me, if I SUP in winter, I wear what I wear windsurfing: my single lined winter wetsuit with boots and hood, plus my surfing gloves. I hate hoods, so I generally wear that down, and if I think I may fall in, such as crossing a speedboat wake or the wind gets up, I pull the hood up. If you get hot, just have a dip. Far better that way round than being too cold with no way of getting warm.
No, merino baselayers work just as well when wet as long as you have a wind stopper layer.It's correct that double lined wetsuits are bad for windchill, because the exterior lining holds water, but you can get single lined suits for windsurfing that don't suffer from this problem - it's what I wear in winter. They have no lining on the outside, so are dry straight away once you get out of the water. The issue is they're not as durable, and are rather niche so not many manufacturers make them. Modern surf suits are so good and plentifully available that most windsurfers that I know wear those, even in extremely cold conditions.
Drysuits are fantastic, but can be a bit clammy if you're working hard, for example paddling a SUP, and many find the neck seal uncomfortable. They're also not at all flexible, so you can't get away with a rough fit where some bits are a bit tight and some are loose, because the tighter bits won't stretch. Due to this, I found they had to be annoyingly baggy in some places to fit me in others, and if this happens they're pretty cumbersome and bulky. I had one for sailing, but E-Bayed it after a few months, because I just didn't like wearing it as it didn't fit me well enough. I've dived in them too and find the same problem. You also can't swim that easily in a dry suit, and you certainly can't duck dive, but for SUP if you wear a leash and paddle only in flat water it would be fine. Personal preference I think. This kiting video compares them well (great channel by the way - it's a very knowledgeable couple that do it): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xDG3whJ2e0k
For me, if I SUP in winter, I wear what I wear windsurfing: my single lined winter wetsuit with boots and hood, plus my surfing gloves. I hate hoods, so I generally wear that down, and if I think I may fall in, such as crossing a speedboat wake or the wind gets up, I pull the hood up. If you get hot, just have a dip. Far better that way round than being too cold with no way of getting warm.
Edited by RobM77 on Monday 14th December 14:42
My winter set up (for mostly dry paddling) is a 1.5mm long john suit but with a couple of merino layers over and then a wind stopper outer. Rooster aqua fleece or similar is excellent.
Obviously if you’re surfing and planning on being wet a lot then you wear a full wetsuit but under normal paddling conditions, you don’t fall in. I did Fort William to Inverness non-stop and only got my feet wet.
A system like mine means that if you do fall in, the layers still work to keep you warm but you don’t overheat when paddling.
Dry suits are no use outside arctic conditions for active paddling.
Mine turned up today.
Might have to wait a wee bit before I venture out on the Thames local to me.
Question on neoprene gloves. I do get very cold fingers whilst working outside, not helped by having Renaud's Syndrome.
What thickness should I go for, any recommended makes?
I was fine last summer with just shorts, neoprene shoes, hat and t-shirt along with my pfd which does make me sweat but pre Spring what should I wear?
I want to try and use what I have. I own a surf wet suit from Decathlon, 3mm I think.
Wear that with shorts and a wind proof jacket? Obviously best if I don't fall in but launching tends to mean standing almost waist deep in water.
Hat of course. I only plan to do an hour or two at the most and the Thames is pretty sheltered around Walton.
My neoprene shoes are pretty basic, in fact they are more a sole with a mesh upper. What boots should I go for?
Thanks for any help, ta.
Might have to wait a wee bit before I venture out on the Thames local to me.
Question on neoprene gloves. I do get very cold fingers whilst working outside, not helped by having Renaud's Syndrome.
What thickness should I go for, any recommended makes?
I was fine last summer with just shorts, neoprene shoes, hat and t-shirt along with my pfd which does make me sweat but pre Spring what should I wear?
I want to try and use what I have. I own a surf wet suit from Decathlon, 3mm I think.
Wear that with shorts and a wind proof jacket? Obviously best if I don't fall in but launching tends to mean standing almost waist deep in water.
Hat of course. I only plan to do an hour or two at the most and the Thames is pretty sheltered around Walton.
My neoprene shoes are pretty basic, in fact they are more a sole with a mesh upper. What boots should I go for?
Thanks for any help, ta.
croyde said:
Mine turned up today.
Might have to wait a wee bit before I venture out on the Thames local to me.
Question on neoprene gloves. I do get very cold fingers whilst working outside, not helped by having Renaud's Syndrome.
What thickness should I go for, any recommended makes?
I was fine last summer with just shorts, neoprene shoes, hat and t-shirt along with my pfd which does make me sweat but pre Spring what should I wear?
I want to try and use what I have. I own a surf wet suit from Decathlon, 3mm I think.
Wear that with shorts and a wind proof jacket? Obviously best if I don't fall in but launching tends to mean standing almost waist deep in water.
Hat of course. I only plan to do an hour or two at the most and the Thames is pretty sheltered around Walton.
My neoprene shoes are pretty basic, in fact they are more a sole with a mesh upper. What boots should I go for?
Thanks for any help, ta.
Great looking board, good colours.Might have to wait a wee bit before I venture out on the Thames local to me.
Question on neoprene gloves. I do get very cold fingers whilst working outside, not helped by having Renaud's Syndrome.
What thickness should I go for, any recommended makes?
I was fine last summer with just shorts, neoprene shoes, hat and t-shirt along with my pfd which does make me sweat but pre Spring what should I wear?
I want to try and use what I have. I own a surf wet suit from Decathlon, 3mm I think.
Wear that with shorts and a wind proof jacket? Obviously best if I don't fall in but launching tends to mean standing almost waist deep in water.
Hat of course. I only plan to do an hour or two at the most and the Thames is pretty sheltered around Walton.
My neoprene shoes are pretty basic, in fact they are more a sole with a mesh upper. What boots should I go for?
Thanks for any help, ta.
Re gloves i went for a pair of these 1.5mm which are nice and toasty but not cheap.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ONeill-Psycho-Tech-1-5M...
You may need to go for these 3mm, but i guess you will lose a bit of feel with these.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2020-21-ONeill-Psycho-T...
The Mad Monk said:
Just watched a couple on boards on the Thames at Walton this morning. Both kneeling to start, then one stood up, the other one tried to stand, but didn't seem comfortable with it.
When does the hire place in the car park towards Weybridge start operating?
I think it's called Paddle Up. Just a couple and an old Volvo estate. Guess they won't be there until it's warmer. They have a website. When does the hire place in the car park towards Weybridge start operating?
I should go there to try out mine that I bought a couple of months ago.
I have neoprene trousers, gloves and boots, all bought over the past weeks, but I've been a wuss seeing that I started last year in 30c heat.
Ok if I don't fall in but at Walton you tend to be nearly waist deep in water before you launch. Brrrrr
The Mad Monk said:
Just watched a couple on boards on the Thames at Walton this morning. Both kneeling to start, then one stood up, the other one tried to stand, but didn't seem comfortable with it.
When does the hire place in the car park towards Weybridge start operating?
End of March I’d expect like other outdoor activities? When does the hire place in the car park towards Weybridge start operating?
Reading this thread last year sold me on the idea of a SUP in 2021 and I'd been looking at them for me and my missus ever since
Luckily Lidl were selling off a batch of Mistral boards a week or so ago at £199 each and we managed to secure 2 boards - they sold out in a few minutes! I had 3 family members visiting other stores to make sure we got 2 boards. In my opinion they were an absolute bargain it's a full kit with rucksack, dry back, paddle, pump and leash. A lot of them have ended up on eBay selling for £350+ so I feel very lucky.
I am hoping to get out on them with my missus in the next week or so but would like to get some wetsuits first. Do you guys think this would be suitable for use between April-Oct time? https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/men-s-canoe-kayak-an... or would I be better with something that has full length sleeves? I am a bit of a whimp when it comes to the cold I'll admit!
Would I wear something over the top like a long sleeve running/gym top?
Thanks!
John
Luckily Lidl were selling off a batch of Mistral boards a week or so ago at £199 each and we managed to secure 2 boards - they sold out in a few minutes! I had 3 family members visiting other stores to make sure we got 2 boards. In my opinion they were an absolute bargain it's a full kit with rucksack, dry back, paddle, pump and leash. A lot of them have ended up on eBay selling for £350+ so I feel very lucky.
I am hoping to get out on them with my missus in the next week or so but would like to get some wetsuits first. Do you guys think this would be suitable for use between April-Oct time? https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/men-s-canoe-kayak-an... or would I be better with something that has full length sleeves? I am a bit of a whimp when it comes to the cold I'll admit!
Would I wear something over the top like a long sleeve running/gym top?
Thanks!
John
Edited by Riggadig on Wednesday 12th May 22:54
A wet suit is really designed for sports where you expect to spend the majority of the time in the water. If that's the case with an sup, you're doing it wrong. Assuming you're using a local lake/river try find a bit of bank where you can step/crawl on to the board with out getting wet.
I'm not saying you won't get wet falling in initially, but there no need to overthink a wet suit for it. On flat water once you're happy then normal clothes could be order of the day.
I'm not saying you won't get wet falling in initially, but there no need to overthink a wet suit for it. On flat water once you're happy then normal clothes could be order of the day.
Bill said:
It depends how much you intend to fall off! Plus how much you're likely to go out if it's a bit chilly and unpleasant.
Just FYI Decathlon's wetsuits come up very small.
Broken scales, wetsuits sizes come up small. Just FYI Decathlon's wetsuits come up very small.
I was looking for a red paddleboard but this seasons lot all seemed sold out in advance way back in February. I even put an order in for one but nothing seems forthcoming.
I'm usually a M or L in most clothing so I got a L wetsuit from Decathlon. It's a hell of a squeeze and I have to get another person to zip it up at the back. No way can I do it on my own with the leash and then I have to hold myself in and imagine all the girls think I look like Patrick Swayze in Point Break.
croyde said:
I'm usually a M or L in most clothing so I got a L wetsuit from Decathlon. It's a hell of a squeeze and I have to get another person to zip it up at the back. No way can I do it on my own with the leash and then I have to hold myself in and imagine all the girls think I look like Patrick Swayze in Point Break.
Patrick Salami more like. 
Not sure about sup clothing but a wetsuit should be really tight, certainly swimming ones anyway otherwise they just constantly flush water.
El stovey said:
croyde said:
I'm usually a M or L in most clothing so I got a L wetsuit from Decathlon. It's a hell of a squeeze and I have to get another person to zip it up at the back. No way can I do it on my own with the leash and then I have to hold myself in and imagine all the girls think I look like Patrick Swayze in Point Break.
Patrick Salami more like. Not sure about sup clothing but a wetsuit should be really tight, certainly swimming ones anyway otherwise they just constantly flush water.
I was going to use the term, a badly stuffed sausage.
My decathlon wetsuit is so tight that i don't actually get wet
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