Cold Weather Clothing for Paddling

How We Get "Cold" & The Clothing We Should Wear To Prevent It

In another article we discussed Hypothermia, which is the lowering of the body’s core temperature. Hypothermia is the number one cause of deaths (not drowning) in paddlers. Here's a look at how we get "cold" and the clothing we should wear to prevent it when we're paddling in cold weather.

There are four ways your body looses heat: Conduction, Convection, Radiation and Evaporation. In all four cases, the warmth of your body moves out seeking to warm any cold place around you. When you are out in the elements you want to dress to prevent these four types of heat loss to keep your core temperature from dropping too low and causing Hypothermia.

# 1 … Conduction is the flow of heat from a warm object in direct contact with a cold object. If you are sitting on a cold kayak seat, the heat from your body will flow out of your body to warm the seat.
Clothing Prevention: To prevent heat loss through Conduction use an insulating layer like polar fleece. This will keep the heat coming from your body from moving into a cold seat or water because the material is warm and it will slow the transfer of heat.

#2 … Convection is the flow of heat from a warm object into a gas or liquid assisted by circulation of that gas or liquid. An example is a convection oven where the warm air is circulated throughout the oven decreasing the cooking time helping food cook faster.
Clothing Prevention: Convection heat loss can be accomplished by using a wind and waterproof material to prevent the wind from cutting through your clothing.

# 3 … Radiation is the flow of heat through the space, like the sun shining on your skin. You will feel the warm from the sun until you move to a shaded location.
Clothing Prevention: Radiation heat loss is the hardest to reduce because this heat must be reflected or absorbed. A space blanket can be used to reflect the heat back to your body or wearing a thick sweater can help absorb some of the radiated heat.

# 4 … Evaporation is the process of changing a liquid into a gas. When we exercise we perspire and when our skin dries we feel cooler.
Clothing Prevention: An insulation layer that wicks moisture away from the body through absorption rather than heat transfer can best control evaporation. Polypropylene, polyester fleece and, to some degree, wool are well suited to accomplish this by absorbing the moisture into the material.

Now we'll take a look at the specific types of clothing that help to keep you warm when paddling in cold weather.

A dry suit is a waterproof garment with tight fitting neck, wrists and ankle gaskets made of stretchy rubber. The dry suit will keep the wind and water from soaking you and your insulating layers, keeping warm air trapped inside. They do not allow for moisture to escape so wearing a layer of clothing that will wick the perspiration off your skin is necessary. By adding an insulation layer to the dry suit and a wicking layer you will be set for very cold water, winds, splashing waves, rain and cold air.

A wet suit like the most common ‘Farmer John’ or ‘Jane’ wet suit allows water to seep into your suit and gradually warm to your body temperature. Once the water gets warm it will stay there at a comfortable temperature.

Hats are an important part of keeping warm in cold weather, as most of the heat is lost through your head. A polar fleece cap is best. Hoods and skullcaps made of neoprene are best for very wet and cold conditions and fit nicely under a helmet.

Look for gloves made specifically for kayakers, which come in a wide variety of styles and materials. Pogies are like mittens for kayakers, but do not have thumbs and there are holes for the paddle shaft to enter. You attach them to your paddle shaft, with a flap and a Velcro closure. A large hole is available to insert your hand into each pogie. You can then grip your paddle shaft with your hand inside the pogie. They create a pocket of protection around your hands and the grip area of your paddle shaft.

Neoprene boots will keep your feet warm and protect your feet. They are like a wet suit so the water will enter your boots but will warm from body heat. Wearing wicking socks inside your boots can be more comfortable. Though you will still have wet feet, they will feel less ‘clammy’.

Hope this information will help you find the right items to wear while enjoying kayaking in cold climates There is a video on the Inflatable Kayak Blog (posted 11-18-2008) that deals with dressing for cold water paddling. In this case it’s in the Arctic, so you know they’re wearing some effective apparel.