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What to Wear, Year Round

A vibrant community of 21 Manhattan Kayak members in creative Halloween costumes—including Supergirl and an Egyptian Pharaoh—gather on a leafy lawn before their annual group paddle to Bannerman Castle.

Note: We’re now in Winter Rules (Drysuits & Intermediates only). Beginner classes begin May 2.

The 30-Year Guide to Dressing for the Hudson

Stay fit and enjoy fresh air year-round. The secret isn’t “being tough”—it’s being dressed right. After three decades on the water, here is our seasonal blueprint for comfort and safety.

Winter (Dec 21–Apr 30): The Drysuit Season

Water temps under 50°F. Intermediate+ only. Our winter regulars rely on drysuits to stay 100% dry. These suits use gaskets at the neck, wrists, and ankles to keep the Hudson out. Most paddlers bring their own, but members can borrow from our small pool of donated suits. If you’re buying, look for Kokatat or Stohlquist on eBay; they last for decades.

Dryduits

Clockwise from top left: Kokatat Hydrus drysuit; Kokatat Meridian drysuit; Stohlquist Shift drysuit; Crewsaver Atacama drysuit; SUPskin Dynamic drysuit.

Drysuit Underlayers during Winter

Drysuits don’t insulate, so warmth depends on your tops and bottoms underneath. A heavier, airtight suit (like Kokatat) needs only a light base layer, while a thinner suit (like SUPSkin) calls for thick underlayers. Once you find your balance, you’ll be cozy all day. Wool and polyester are best.

Layers

Clockwise from top left: Immersion Research Thick Skin; Smartwool 250 shirt; Patagonia Capilene shirt; Decathlon Simplewarm bottoms; Smartwool 250 bottoms.

Spring & Summer (May 1–Sept 30): The Beginner Window

Water temps up to 80°F. This is our primary season for all classes and rentals. Expect to get wet! Polyester is your best friend; cotton is your enemy because it clings and stays soaked.

  • Quick Drying Clothes: Wear a swimsuit or shorts and shirt meant for athletics like hiking or running; most are polyester, which is best. Avoid cotton! It clings when wet and stays soaked. No special boating clothes needed.
  • Snug Hat: Wear a brimmed hat with a chin strap or a beanie. The wind blows away loose hats.
  • Footwear: Wear something that can get wet and won’t fall off, like sports sandals with a heel strap, water shoes, or old sneakers. No flip flops or socks. Bare feet are okay for short outings.

Early Fall · Oct 1–Oct 31 · Beginner Friendly

Water temps above 60°F. It’s safe to paddle, even for first-timers. Expect to get wet and bring extra clothes. You might need to wear a splash jacket or wetsuit on windy or rainy days. We provide these to you. Wear your shirt and undies underneath for hygiene.

Mid to Late Fall · Nov 1–Dec 20 · Cozy & Intermediate+

Water temps 50–60°F. In cool water, we outfit you with a wetsuit, splash jacket, and neoprene booties. For hygiene, wear your own underlayers: non-cotton undies/briefs, a rashguard, and socks. A beanie is a smart extra. If you bring your own wetsuit, know that thick sleeves restrict shoulder movement…that’s why we prefer sleeveless wetsuits for cool water and switch to drysuits once the water is cold.

Wetsuit Season

Clockwise from top left: NRS Ninja PFD; MTI Trident PFD; NRS Jane & John 3.0 Ultra wetsuits; NRS Endurance splash jackets.

Accessories for Mid-Fall to Winter

Handwear: Keep Fingers Warm

Gloves are important for cold days. For kayakers, pogies are best because they create a warm shell around your hands. They velcro around the paddle shaft and stay attached even if you let go. If you run cold, wear thin neoprene gloves under pogies. Paddleboarders rely on 1.5 mm curved gloves or 3 mm mitts. If gloves are thicker, they need pre-curved fingers like this to avoid hand fatigue.

Gloves

Clockwise from top left: Brace Master ski gloves; NRS HydroSkin 2mm gloves; Glacier Gloves; Shaalek heated gloves; Stohlquist Toaster pogies; Kokatat kayak mitt

Footwear: Neoprene & Wool

Wool socks inside neoprene boots (we have lots to borrow) = warm, happy feet, even when wet. 3-5 mm is for cool water, 7 mm is for cold water. If you get your own, look for a side zip so they’re easy to get off. Rinse and air-dry after use. Socks are essential yet bulky, so size up the booties.

Footwear

Clockwise from top left: Smartwool socks; Kokatat dry socks; NeoSport 5 mm boots; Henderson Aqua Lock boots; Neosport 7 mm boots; NRS Remix shoes.

Your head loses heat quickly, so bring a hat even if the day’s warm. A fleece headband or a hat with ear flaps works well, and bright colors help you stay visible on the water.

Simple Extras: Small Comforts

Cool weather doesn’t require much more than summer. A 10–20 liter dry bag holds spare layers or hat. Pack snacks for energy and warmth. An insulated bottle filled with a hot drink can makes the day feel blissful. Our late kayaker Doron packed his big thermos of Turkish-style coffee with cups to share during wintertime breaks. 🥰

Accessories

Clockwise from upper left: Thermos 24oz Stainless bottle; Clif Blok chews; Sea Dog 4-3/4” carabiner; AquaVault phone case; Rheos floating sunglasses; Sea to Summit 13L dry bag.

Plan Ahead

When you get new gear, test it on a calm, short outing first. That way, if it doesn’t work, you can adjust easily. Off-season paddlers who keep going while others pause leapfrog ahead in strength, skills, and friendships. With calmer rivers, fewer boats, and familiar faces, it’s the best time to build your foundation.

paddle boarders under Little Island in NYC

Photo: @161st_and_river

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