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I am generally a conservative paddler, preferring not to be out in tight tall waves. I have been unexpectedly out of my boat, and I do not like it. For that reason, I tend to choose my days to paddle somewhat carefully. I also practice rolling. The sea is unpredictable, however, and so inversion and immersion are inevitable.
In Maine, we have a challenge in the fact that the waters are quite cool even in mid-summer. Some suggest that we should always dress for immersion. This is an option, but difficult if the result is hyperthermia when air temperatures reach 85 degrees with humidity. Our friends at H2-Outfitters have suggested that when air and water temperatures sum to less than 100 degrees, it is probably time to wear a wet suit. This criterion is a good one, but even better if each paddler decides the sum which suits them best. I like 120 degrees (50 degree water on a 70 degree day or 55 degree water on a 65 degree day). I wear a wetsuit if the sum of air and water temperatures is 120 degrees or less.
I have several wetsuit options. I have a Farmer John wetsuit for cool days. I have a shortie with short sleeves which I have found to be uncomfortable to paddle in because of those sleeves. (I only wear it when I know I will be in the water practicing, and not for paddling.) For the days in-between the Farmer John and no wetsuit, I now have a zipper wetsuit vest. This option is my favorite transitional garb because it is very flexible. I can zip or unzip it as my comfort level changes. I can also put it on or off without giving the appearance of undressing in public. Since I also have wetsuit shorts, I can combine shorts and vest when needed to provide equal protection to a shortie.
Dry Suit Dry Top Farmer John Paddle Jacket Zip Vest
Thus, my recommendation is to buy gear which allows you to adapt to the conditions in which you paddle with as much flexibility as possible. Though our gear is sometimes purchased from diving shops, we are more like hikers than divers in the variety of conditions we may experience on an outing. By dressing in layers, or in clothing which provides options, we are better able to adapt to what we experience.
This is my guide:
Winter Conditions: Dry suit, booties, gloves, plus as much fleece as
(80 degrees air plus water) appropriate to conditions. (I do not have a dry suit, and so do not go out at these temperatures.)
Cold Water /Cool Air: Farmer John, tall boots, pogies or gloves, dry top,
(100 degrees air plus water) plus a fleece if really cool.
Cool Water /Warm Air: Wet suit vest, shorts (possibly neoprene), booties, paddle jacket.
(120 degrees air plus water) (The paddle jacket acts as a wind breaker, particularly
if you get wet. Put on or take off to control comfort.)
Warm Water /Hot Air Shirt, shorts, neoprene slippers.
(140 degrees air plus water)
I always wear my PFD and spray skirt. I always have extra clothing, including rain gear, on board. Conditions change, so I bring layer components that I can don as needed. I always wear a hat and sun protection. I never wear cotton.
Remember to consider what your clothing will do when you are in the water. You may find that you have to remove a fleece jacket or tall boots if you cannot swim in them. Think, too, of how difficult your layers will make it for you to "answer the call of nature".
Everyone is different!! Some people like swimming in 60 degree water; others would not even consider it. Find what works best for you. If you do not have the right gear to go out, postpone your paddle or stick to a narrow river where you know safety is a matter of standing up or a very short swim!
originally published by David Lay
October 2003
