What Do You Wear Paddle Boarding In Winter – So You Stay Warm and Enjoy It?!
Winter paddle boarding can be seriously magical — quiet water, incredible sunrises and sunsets, crisp air, less people – and that calm, peaceful feeling you only get in the colder months. But the biggest thing that makes or breaks the experience is What you wear.
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So here is our guide to Winter SUP Essentials. Because once you’re cold, not is it no fun at all … its also potentially very dangerous.
Here’s exactly what to wear paddle boarding in winter to stay warm, safe, and comfortable.
First: Dress for the Water, Not the Air
This is the golden rule of cold-water paddling.
Even if the sun is shining and the air feels mild, the water can still be freezing. If you fall in, your outfit needs to keep you safe long enough to get back on your board and warm up.
So instead of dressing like you’re going for a walk… dress like you might get wet!
The Best Winter Paddle Boarding Outfit Options
1. A Drysuit (Best for Very Cold Conditions)
If you want the warmest and safest option, a drysuit is the top choice. A drysuit keeps water out completely, so you stay dry even if you fall in.
What to wear underneath a drysuit:
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Thermal base layer (merino wool or synthetic)
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Fleece mid-layer if it’s very cold
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Warm socks (wool is best)
Why people love drysuits:
✅ Great for freezing water
✅ Keeps you totally dry
✅ Allows layering underneath
2. A Wetsuit (Good for Cold But Not Freezing Days)
A wetsuit works by letting a small amount of water in, then warming it up with your body heat. It’s a solid option if you’re paddling on cold days and don’t mind being a little damp.
Best wetsuit style for paddle boarding:
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Full-length wetsuit. The maximum I wear is a 3/2 mm because anything more than that is too difficult to paddle board in. Separates also work well. One of my favourite options is neoprene pants, and a heavy rash vest. This allows me much more movement in my arms, and lends itself well to layering.
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Long sleeves and legs
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Flexible material (so paddling feels easy)
Why it works:
✅ Warm when wet
✅ Often more affordable than a drysuit
⚠️ Can feel restrictive for long paddles
Base Layers: Your Secret Weapon
Whether you’re wearing a wetsuit or drysuit, base layers matter.
Best base layer materials:
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Merino wool (warm even if damp)
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Synthetic thermal layers (quick-drying)
Avoid cotton.
Cotton holds moisture and will make you colder fast.
Winter Paddle Boarding Footwear
Your feet will usually be the first thing to feel cold.
Best footwear options:
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Neoprene boots (thicker = warmer)
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Water shoes with neoprene socks
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Drysuit booties + thick wool socks
Tip: Make sure your footwear has grip, especially if your board gets icy or slippery
Gloves: Keeping Your Hands Warm
This as an absolute “must have” for me. As someone who suffers Raynaud’s (Disease) its over and above my primary piece of kit! Cold hands can ruin the paddle session very quickly.
Good glove options:
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Neoprene gloves
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Pogies (mitt-style paddle covers) – my personal favourite!
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Waterproof winter gloves (only if they still allow grip)
If your hands get cold easily, go for mitt-style neoprene gloves — they’re warmer than finger gloves.
A Warm Hat (Yes, Even on the Water)
It’s fair to say I am the self proclaimed Beanie Queenie! Ive always got a tonne of them knocking around the house!! Heat escapes quickly from your head, and wind chill makes it worse.
Wear:
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A beanie
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A neoprene cap (Not my favourite option, but works for a lot of people, especially if you are prone to taking unplanned dips, or paddling in the sea, where swell (and stability) can play a part.
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A fleece-lined hat under your hood
Bonus: bring a spare hat in a dry bag in case yours gets wet.
Outer Layers: Wind Protection is Everything
Even if you’re dressed warmly, winter wind can cut through you.
If you’re not wearing a drysuit, consider adding:
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A windproof paddle jacket
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A splash-proof outer layer
This helps stop that “freezing breeze” feeling once you start moving.
The Winter Paddle Boarding Checklist (Quick Summary)
Here’s a simple outfit checklist you can follow:
✅ Drysuit or full wetsuit
✅ Thermal base layer (no cotton)
✅ Neoprene boots + warm socks
✅ Gloves or pogies
✅ Warm hat / hood
✅ Buoyancy aid (PFD)
✅ Dry bag with spare layers
✅ Warm drink for after (trust me!)
Don’t Forget Safety Gear (Especially in Winter)
Winter paddling is stunning, but safety matters more than ever.
Always bring:
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Personal flotation device (PFD)
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Leash (check if it’s safe for your location)
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Phone in a waterproof case
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Whistle
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Dry bag with spare layers
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Emergency blanket if you’re going remote
And if you’re paddling alone — tell someone where you’re going and when you’ll be back. I can highly recommend the Paddle Logger … an APP designed specifically with paddle boarders in mind. One of their key features is, that if you stay out longer than planned or you go off course, PaddleLIVE® automatically notifies your chosen emergency contacts. Each alert includes co-ordinate and what3words location, making it simple for contacts or rescue services to find you — anywhere in the world!
Final Thoughts: Winter Paddle Boarding Can Be Incredible
With the right attitude and the right gear, winter paddle boarding doesn’t have to be uncomfortable — it can be one of the most peaceful and refreshing ways to get outside.
It’s all about staying warm, staying dry (as much as possible), and dressing for the water temperature.
Once you’ve got the right outfit, there will be no holding you back!! 🙂
