Warm Gear | Cold Water

What to Wear in the Off-Season in NYC
Graduates of our four-lesson series can join us to paddle on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, weather permitting. See the real-time air and water temperature at our location.
What to Wear on Your Body
For autumn, wear a 3-4mm wetsuit. We borrow them. Some wetsuits are sleeveless, so cover your arms with a warm long sleeve shirt. On top, protect from wind and water with your own drytop or borrow our splash jackets. Underwear should be quick drying, not cotton, and bring extras for after.
From December to May, a drysuit is required. Kokatat is the favorite for kayakers and SUPSkin for SUPers. You must insulate from cold air under the drysuit. These tops and pants are THE BEST base layers. Wear our inherently buoyant lifejackets, not inflatable belts.
What to Wear on Your Hands
Kayakers LOVE pogies on top of their kayaking gloves. SUPers should have 1.5mm neoprene gloves. All gloves must have pre-curved fingers, not straight fingers.
What to Wear on Your Feet
Wear 7mm booties with a side zip. 3-5mm booties are too thin for winter. Rinse and air-dry booties or they stink. Wear wool socks to prevent smells. Bring extra socks for after.
What to Wear on Your Head
For cold days, wear a fleece headband or hat with earflaps. The brighter the better.
Other Necessities
Use a 10-20L dry bag to store your energy bars or blocs, gloves, and hat. Tether your waterproof phone case to your lifejacket. On your boat deck, keep an insulated bottle or two…Tea, Earl Grey, Hot?
3 Golden Rules: Dress for Submersion. Bring Extra Layers. Zero Cotton (here’s why).
PS: We sell nothing, make no commissions, and get no free stuff. Enjoy your off-season paddle, all!