Gear Series - Cold Weather - Wetsuits

Gear Series

Wetsuits/Cold Weather Gear

Navigating Chilly Waters: The Importance of Wetsuits for Winter Paddle Boarding

As the seasons change and temperatures drop in Maryland, dedicated stand-up paddleboarders know that it's time to gear up for colder waters. In this blog post, we'll delve into the crucial topic of using wetsuits for stand-up paddleboarding during the winter months. Discover how this essential piece of gear can make all the difference in ensuring a comfortable, and enjoyable paddle boarding experience in Maryland's varying climate.

Temperature Considerations:

Maryland's winters can be unpredictable, with air and water temperatures plummeting to levels that can be uncomfortable and potentially hazardous for paddleboarders. A wetsuit acts as a shield against the cold, providing insulation and preserving your body heat, allowing you to extend your paddle boarding season well into the colder months.

The Rule of 100 - This is a general rule with kayakers and SUPers that is basically if the air temperature and water temperature combined are not greater than 100º F, then you should strongly consider not going out. So, as an example, if it is a sunny but chilly day in Maryland with an air temp of 45º F, and the water temperature is 50º F then that equals 95º and you may want to stay home because it might be too dangerous if you fall in. This is simply a guideline, but the closer you are to 100º F you will still need to dress appropriately; wetsuits or a dry suit, booties, gloves, etc… If you are still committed to paddling out regardless of the temperatures, then you may want to consider investing in a Drysuit, but the DrySuit vs. Wetsuit debate is for another day.

If you want a ton of details about what happens to your body in cold water or ‘how cold is too cold?’ Click here for a huge amount of information.

Benefits of Wetsuits:

Wetsuits are a paddle boarder's best friend when it comes to colder conditions. They offer several key advantages:

• Insulation: The neoprene material in wetsuits traps a thin layer of water against your skin, which is then warmed by your body heat. This creates a thermal barrier, keeping you warm even in chilly waters.

• Buoyancy: Wetsuits provide additional buoyancy, helping you stay afloat and conserve energy should you fall in during your paddleboarding sessions.

• Hypothermia Protection: Wetsuits are designed to prevent rapid heat loss, reducing the risk of hypothermia—a critical consideration when paddling in colder environments.

Choosing the Right Wetsuit:

Selecting the right wetsuit is paramount for a comfortable and safe winter paddle boarding experience. Consider the following factors:

• Thickness: Thicker wetsuits offer more insulation. In Maryland's winter waters, a 3/2mm, 4/3mm, or 5/4mm wetsuit is typically recommended. (see the chart below for what size thickness you need based on the water temp)

• Style: Choose between full suits, shorties, or farmer John/Jane suits based on your comfort preferences and the specific conditions you'll be facing.

• Fit: A well-fitting wetsuit ensures maximum effectiveness. It should be snug but not restrictive, allowing for freedom of movement. Be sure to look at the size chart for each company because the fit really does matter.

There are a few companies that make high-quality wetsuits that are well worth the investment. For many years Body Glove has been making and redesigning wetsuits. Their history with surfing and water sports shows in their wetsuit design and products. You can also look at Amazon but the biggest downside is that there are so many products that it is hard to know what is good. Another website to check out is SteepandCheap, it’s an outdoor store with huge discounts on gear and apparel, including name-brand wetsuits. Lastly, check out your local paddle shop, like East of Maui in Annapolis, they carry all you need to keep you paddling during the chilly months.

Accessories:

Always add essential accessories like neoprene gloves, booties, hoods, and a changing robe to keep extremities protected from the cold. Cold feet and hands can ruin the day even with a good wetsuit. There are a number of options on the market but NRS makes quality and tested neoprene gloves and booties.

• Gloves and Booties - NRS Maverick Gloves and the NRS Paddle Booties (available in women’s too), or these good-looking dive boots on Amazon from Seavengers.

• Changing Robe - This is for getting into or out of your wetsuit while in the parking lot. This seems trivial but wearing a wetsuit in the car is very uncomfortable. Some of these robes are insulated while others are just fabric. Check out the changing products from Red Paddle Co or the DryRobe (making robes for outdoors folks is all they do)

• Changing Mat - this is a fun accessory to have so you can change in the parking lot without getting dirt stuck to your wetsuit or booties.

Safety Tips:

Paddleboarding in colder conditions requires extra caution. Here are some important safety tips to keep in mind:

• Always wear your full-cover PFD: Many Paddleboarders use inflatable waist belt PFDs during their paddling session, but on winter cold days you need to wear a full-style PFD to help you in case you fall in because cold shock may not give you time to inflate your waist belt PFD. If you do not have a full-cover PFD, you should invest in one like the NRS Vapor or the Astral Layla. Learn why PFDs are important here.

• Buddy System: Always paddle with a companion. In case of an emergency, having someone by your side can be a lifesaver.

• Hypothermia Awareness: Familiarize yourself with the signs of hypothermia, such as shivering, confusion, and fatigue. Know how to respond if you or a fellow paddler starts exhibiting these symptoms.

• Weather Forecasts: Check weather forecasts and be aware of any potential changes in conditions. Avoid heading out in adverse weather. Try to find out the water temperature before heading out, there are a few apps that focus on water tides and temps.

Personal Thoughts on Wetsuits and Winter Paddling

In my opinion, here is the crux of the whole SUP winter wetsuit debate. If you are a decent paddleboarder and you do not often fall in, then wearing a wetsuit may feel like too much because they can be restrictive, and make you sweaty and uncomfortable. But the issue is, what if you do fall in? Falling into cold water will give you something called “cold shock.” This will cause dramatic changes in heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure which is linked to increased problems with drowning (which is why you should wear your PFD). If you do fall in, a wetsuit keeps some water out and any water that gets in will be quickly warmed up by your body heat. So, the key is to balance the idea of what you are wearing and how likely you are to fall in.

Personally, I have a few different pieces so I can interchange them based on needs. Booties and gloves are always worn for a cold paddle. I also have a 2mm wetsuit top and a pair of 2mm wetsuit bottoms. Many people will talk about the flush when using 2 separate parts to a wetsuit but I feel this affects surfers more than paddleboarders. If I fall in while flat water paddling, I am going to get back up on board and I should not have any flushing issues because the water against my skin will be stationary once I’m on the board again. But if you will be SUP surfing, then a full wetsuit should be your choice. The best thing is that if you are planning on paddling during the winter months, take all the safety precautions and dress as if you are going to take a swim. It is better to err on the side of caution than be surprised with cold shock.

In the colder months, a wetsuit is not just an accessory—it's a necessity for any stand-up paddle boarder in Maryland. By understanding the benefits, choosing the right gear, and prioritizing safety, you can make the most of your winter paddle boarding adventures. So, gear up, embrace the chill, and let Maryland's winter waters become your new playground.

But what about a Dry Suit?