Winter is a brilliant time to paddle hard, sharpen your technique, or prepare for an adventure somewhere warmer. The key to success (and enjoyment) is wearing the right gear to paddle in winter without overheating. Pat Langley, Founder of Vaikobi Ocean Performance shares his top tips for staying warm and comfortable through winter paddles:
So here's what you'll need through each temperature range:
A quick tip before you paddle: Always check the apparent temperature - the “feels like” temperature - before heading out. You can easily find this on the BOM app, and it is the best guide for deciding what to wear.
1. Mild winter mornings | Apparent temperature 10–15°C, no wind
Go with either the Hydroflex Pants or VCold Flex Paddle Pant, paired with the VCold Base Top. This combination will keep you warm and comfortable without overheating.
2. Cooler mornings | Apparent temperature 5–12°C, light wind
Choose either the VCold Flex Paddle Pant or Hydroflex Pant with the Hydroflex Top. If you tend to heat up quickly when training hard, the VCold Base Top may still be the better option for a bit longer.
3. Cold mornings | Apparent temperature 0–8°C
Wear a Hydroflex Top or VCold Flex Top, and pair it with a VCold Flex Pant or the GBS Paddle Pant (if you really feel the cold). If the wind is above 10 knots, add the VDry Lightweight Vest as an extra windbreaker to keep your body warm.
4. Don’t forget head, feet and hands... these areas can get cold quickly.
For your feet, I recommend the 2mm Neo Socks once the water temperature drops below 18°C or the apparent air temperature falls below 14°C.
For your head, any hat is usually enough. Your head can also heat up quickly during a session, so a little protection is best without overdressing.
For your hands, this is very personal. The Vaikobi Fleece Lined Pogies are a great option when the wind is up and the air is cold, especially below 10°C apparent temperature. Personally, I only use them on the coldest mornings when the wind is really up. The rest of the time, I prefer the freedom of bare hands.
In summary:
If you feel the cold, move to the warmer options earlier. If you naturally run hot and train hard, you can stay in lighter layers for longer. With the right combination, you can stay warm, comfortable, and confident in every winter session.
Enjoy your paddling this winter.
