How To Stay Dry And Comfortable Kayaking In The Rain

Kayaking is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and get some exercise. You can go kayaking in any weather, but it’s especially fun when the sun shines.

However, there are times when the weather isn’t so great, and you’ll need to know how to stay dry and comfortable while on the water.

In this article, we’ll look at some of the best things you can do if your kayak trip gets rained on.

Key Takeaways

• A kayaking trip in the rain can be a fun and adventurous experience. Still, it is important to be prepared and dress appropriately for the conditions.
• Wearing the right clothing can help keep you dry and comfortable while also protecting you from the elements.
• Some key items include a waterproof jacket, pants, boots, and gloves.
• It’s also a good idea to take additional clothing and equipment in case you get chilly or wet while traveling.
• You can enjoy your kayaking adventure by being prepared and dressing properly, even in rainy weather.

What To Wear Kayaking In The Rain?

• Wear a waterproof jacket.
• Wear a hat that covers your ears and neck.
• Wear rain pants or water-resistant pants with good breathability, like Gore-Tex or eVent, if you need to stay dry in the cockpit of your kayak.
• Wear boots or shoes with a good grip on them, so you don’t slip on wet rocks when getting out of the water at take-out points (you know, those places where people put boats back into the water?).
• Wear gloves—they’ll keep your hands warm and dry while paddling through chilly waters in autumn and winter.

Drysuit

A dry suit is a garment used by kayakers to keep them dry. Drysuits are made of neoprene and other waterproof materials, which keep you dry from the inside out.

They’re an excellent option for paddling on cold days because they keep you warm and comfortable, even when the wind picks up, or water temperatures drop.

The best thing about a dry suit? No worries about getting wet exist!

Neoprene Wetsuit

A neoprene wetsuit is a good choice for kayaking in the rain, as it will keep you warm and dry. Neoprene rubber is one of the most flexible materials on earth, making it very easy to move around.

It also has an excellent thermal coefficient of expansion, expanding as much as possible to fill every inch of space between your body and your kayak (or whatever else you’re sitting on).

This makes it great at keeping out water and air while giving you enough room to move around comfortably.

The only downside with neoprenes is that they can be very expensive if bought new—but plenty of used ones are available from websites like eBay or Craigslist.

Synthetic Wicking Layer

A synthetic wicking layer is a good choice for kayaking in the rain as it will help to keep you dry and comfortable. A synthetic wicking layer is a good choice for kayaking in the rain as it will help to keep you dry and comfortable.

A synthetic wicking layer is a good choice for kayaking in the rain as it will help to keep you dry and comfortable. A synthetic wicking layer is a good choice for kayaking in the rain as it will help to keep you dry and comfortable.

Waterproof Outer Layer

Your waterproof outer layer should be made of breathable fabric, which can wick moisture away from your body and allow air to circulate throughout the material.

This will help keep you dry and comfortable while kayaking in the rain. Your waterproof layer should also withstand abrasion and wear and tear.

This means you can safely park your kayak on rocky shores or beaches without damaging your boat or worrying about holes in your boat that let water in.

Lastly, a good waterproof layer needs a durable water-repellent (DWR) coating so that when it rains, droplets do not cling to your outerwear like they would with just any old raincoat or poncho.

Kayaking Gloves

Wearing waterproof gloves is the best way to stay dry and comfortable kayaking in the rain. Kayaking gloves are a good choice for kayaking, as they help keep your hands warm and dry.

There are many different types of kayaking gloves available on the market, but there are a few things you should look for when choosing them:

• Waterproof: The first thing you’ll want to do is ensure they’re waterproof. You don’t want water getting into your glove while you paddle around; otherwise, it can get cold quickly or even lead to hypothermia if it seeps into other parts of your clothing (like boots).
• Tight fitting: A tight-fitting glove means less room for wind or water to come in through the seams. It also means that when you grip onto handles like paddles or rudders, it won’t be as slippery inside the glove sleeve since there’s nothing between them except skin contact.
• Neoprene or synthetic material: These materials tend not only to keep hands warm but also to dry quickly after being wetted out from sweat coming off during exercise, such as kayaking down rapids which normally causes regular cotton material like jeans might get soaked through pretty fast.

Kayaking Footwear

Good foot protection is one of the most important aspects of staying dry and comfortable kayaking in the rain.

You should have waterproof boots that provide traction and support for your feet and adequate breathability to keep your feet dry.

A good pair of waterproof boots will have a waterproof upper material like Gore-Tex or another equivalent fabric, which will keep water from seeping into the boot from above.

They should also have some grippy sole that provides traction on wet surfaces. If you’re paddling hard through rough waters, consider footwear with a higher ankle height; this will help prevent water from sneaking around your ankles while providing more support for your ankle joints during strenuous paddling sessions.

You should wear socks underneath any hiking shoes or boots you plan on wearing while kayaking in the rain; this will help prevent blisters and other skin conditions caused by prolonged exposure to moisture underfoot (especially if you’re prone to getting blisters).

How To Stay Warm While Kayaking In The Rain?

• Wear a waterproof jacket.
• Wear a hat.
• Wear thermal underwear, waterproof boots and gloves, and a spray skirt when kayaking in the rain.
• Wear a life vest when paddling on open water to avoid drowning if overturned by high waves or strong winds.

What Safety Precautions Should You Take When Kayaking In The Rain?

As with all things, safety is important. And when it comes to kayaking in the rain, there are a few things that you should do to ensure that you’re fully protected.

• Wear a life jacket. Even if you’re only heading out on a small lake or river and think that your skills are so good that they won’t be necessary, accidents can happen and having a life jacket on board will keep everyone safe if they do occur.
• Wear a helmet at all times while on the water in case of an accident. Suppose something happens while kayaking in the rain, such as running into a rock or hitting another boat (which has happened to me). In that case, people with no helmets may find themselves with serious head injuries and without their wits about them for several minutes afterward—and sometimes longer! Make sure everyone wears one every time they get on their kayak; this is one of those instances where ignorance is not bliss—it’s deadly.

Why Should You Never Let A Little Bad Weather Stop You From Going Kayaking?

Kayaking is a great way to get out and enjoy nature. Whether you’re kayaking on your own or in a group, it’s a great way to spend time with friends and family while getting some exercise.

If it rains while you’re out on the water, that doesn’t mean your fun should stop there! There are many products available that will help keep you warm and dry as long as you make sure to protect yourself from the rain before heading into it.

Conclusion

Assuming you don’t want to get wet, you’ll need a good-quality rain jacket first. You should also buy a pair of neoprene boots or shoes and waterproof leggings. 

Additionally, it’s a good idea to include a towel and a change of dry clothing for after your kayaking trip.

With the right gear, kayaking in the rain can be a fun and exhilarating experience. Just remember to use caution and remain conscious of your surroundings at all times.

So there you have it. Here are a few tips on what to wear kayaking in the rain. If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to comment below. And be sure to check out our other articles for more kayaking tips and information.

Frequently Asked Questions