This week’s discussion point from me is about paddling in cooler weather. Paddling doesn’t have to stop as the seasons change. During the cooler months, paddling can be just as fun, rewarding and as beautiful as during the warmer summer months as long as we adapt and are aware of the challenges that we may face with the changing conditions. In lockdown year especially, with just a little more foresight and preparation, why be cooped up when we can carry on getting out there, enjoying our waterways for fun and exercise and continue to take care of our mental health and well-being?! With just clothing alone, there are so many cooler weather options out there for canoeists, kayakers and paddleboarders to suit all budgets such as layering our clothing, wearing waterproofs or cags, donning winter wetsuits or drysuits, with even more options for footwear, headwear, handwear and a whole load more!
Do you paddle all year round? If so, what are your go-to paddle wear options? Is there any kind of clothing that you wouldn’t recommend and what would be your reasons for that? If you’re a new or beginner cooler weather paddler – what kind of paddle wear have you been already been thinking about or have started wearing? Any burning, chilly conditions questions for our more experienced (weathered!) paddlers?What else would you take with you? What considerations and preparations would you make for a paddle at this time of year and heading deeper into the winter months? Any other top tips, recommendations or lessons learned that you can share with our paddling community to help make a fellow paddler’s experience overall even warmer, safer and better?
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