Kayak-Wear. While kayaking is a fantastic way to kick-start the hot summer days, you still wouldn’t want to get yourself unnecessarily wet while you’re on the move. To ensure you remain comfortable during your kayaking trip, we suggest donning yourself with the right kayak gear and keep yourself protected.
In this blog post, we’re sharing the general guidelines for kayak-wear that are best to follow when you’re kayaking under mild conditions.
1- Consider Water Temperature
Instead of dressing for temperature, which most people make the mistake of, you should opt for clothes as per the water temperature. This means you have to choose carefully between wetsuits and drysuits while taking the water conditions into account.
It is essential to understand that while wetsuits are designed to keep you warm when wet, they are not made of waterproof material. On the contrary, drysuits are wholly impervious, but they are not intended for providing warmth. This makes drysuits a better choice for kayaking in cold waters.
2- Choose UPF-Rated Fabrics
Whether you’re kayaking under a cloud cover or when the sun is out in full force, you can still get sunburned in both circumstances. It’s best to wear UPF-rated (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) clothing to protect yourself against harmful UV rays.
3- Dress in Layers
Start with a drysuit or wetsuit and layer yourself with at least two more fabrics after that. A breathable, water-resistant jacket over a comfortable and quick-drying T-shirt is the ultimate way to strike for the perfect kayak-wear.
As for the bottoms, a pair of easy-to-dry pants or shorts are the best go-to option. However, when the water is cold, we would suggest wearing breathable jeans instead.
4- Avoid Cotton at All Cost
Cotton can be your worst enemy when you’re out on the water and have a high possibility of getting wet. That’s why it is best to forgo this material, instead opting for synthetic fabrics like nylon or wool that dry quickly.
5- Look for Abrasion-Resistant Kayak Gear
Moreover, you should choose abrasion-resistant fabrics to wear on your kayaking trips. They can tolerate the sand tears and other rough materials of your kayak far more efficiently.
6- Say No to Rustable Hardware
Water, particularly saltwater, rusts metal zippers, fasteners, and other hardware on your clothing. That’s why it is ideal to look for kayak-wear that has a plastic or other rust-free material equipped in them.
7- Don’t Forget About the PFD
Lastly, wearing a personal floatation device (PFD) is non-negotiable. It is a rule that you must comply with, even if you’re rafting under calm waters. ‘Prevention first’ should be your mantra when you’re out on the waters whether for kayaking, fishing, or paddleboarding.
Follow these seven general guidelines to choose the perfect kayak-wear for your water adventures. Moreover, if you’re looking to invest in a top-of-the-line kayak port to stabilize your launches and exits, you can contact the experts at EZ Dock Texas through our website or call us at (800) 654-8168 to find the perfect fit for your watercraft.
