February 24, 2022 6 min read

A top wetsuit is an essential gear for kayaking and paddle boarding in cold water. A good wetsuit will keep you warm and comfortable, allowing you to enjoy your time on the water and kayaks. When choosing a wetsuit, there are a few things to consider, including the thickness of the wetsuit, the type of neoprene, and the features. There are a variety of wetsuits on the market, so it is essential to do your research and find the one that is best suited for your needs.
Please read our guide to find out the best wetsuit for kayaking and paddle boating.

Kayaking and Paddle Boarding Wetsuit Guide

Finding the best kayaking equipment as wetsuit for kayaking or paddle boating can be tricky. You need to consider several factors, such as the climate and the type of water you'll be kayaking or paddle boating. The three main factors to think about are warmth, flexibility, and fit. The first thing you want to consider is how warm you need the wetsuit to be.

Types of Wetsuits for Kayaking and Paddle boarding

When it comes to kayaking or paddle boating wetsuits, the last thing you want to worry about is being uncomfortable. That's why a good wetsuit is vital – it will keep you warm and protected from the elements on your travel.

men in wetsuit

But with so many options on the market, which kayak wetsuit is right for you?

The answer depends on a few factors, including the type of water you'll be kayaking or paddleboarding in, the temperatures you're likely to encounter, and your personal preferences. Here's a breakdown of the different types of wetsuits available and what they're best suited for. There are three main types of wetsuits: thermal suits, drysuits, and wetsuits. Thermal suits are designed to keep you warm in cold water, drysuits are designed to keep you dry in any water condition, and wetsuits are designed to keep you warm in cool water. A thermal wetsuit is the best option if you plan to kayak or paddleboard in cold water. You can add the additional hood, easily found online, for example, on Amazon.

Temperature and the Best Kayak Wetsuit

If you are kayaking or paddleboarding in cold water, you will need a wetsuit that will keep you warm, preferably a sealed one. If you are in warm water or a pool, you can choose a less warm wetsuit. When selecting the best wetsuit for kayaking or paddleboarding, here are a few things to consider: What is the water temperature? If the water temperature is below 60 degrees, you will need a zip full wetsuit or a full body wetsuit that will keep you warm. A 3/2mm kayaking wetsuit is a good option for colder temperatures. If the water temperature is above 60 degrees, a 2/1mm paddle board wetsuit will be the best.

The Flexibility of the Best Wetsuits

The next thing to consider is how flexible you need the paddle boarding wetsuit. You will want a great wetsuit if you are kayaking or paddleboarding in tight spaces.

For kayaking or paddleboarding, a neoprene wetsuit is a good option. A neoprene paddling wetsuit is thick and will keep you warm, but it is also flexible and will allow you to move quickly Since kayaking is also exercising, be sure to find wetsuit that is comfortable. When choosing a kayaking or paddleboat wetsuit, you need to consider the type of neoprene, the thickness of the neoprene, and even the stretchiness of the neoprene.

Neoprene Wetsuit

Neoprene is the latest synthetic rubber used in wetsuits to provide insulation and flotation. There are three types of neoprene:
Standard neoprene is the most common type of neoprene in a paddling wetsuit. It is a thick, foamy neoprene that provides good insulation and flotation.

Super stretch neoprene is a thin, stretchy neoprene that provides good insulation and flotation, making it the best paddle wetsuit.

Open-cell neoprene is a thin, soft neoprene that does not provide as much insulation or flotation, so they are not the best wetsuits for paddling.

As you can see, the thicker the neoprene, the warmer the paddling wetsuit will be. However, a thicker neoprene wetsuit will also be more cumbersome and less flexible, making it more challenging to paddle and kayak.

The best wetsuit for kayaking or paddle boating is the stretchiest one. This is because you want to be as comfortable as possible while out on the water paddling or kayaking.

The Fit of the Wetsuit and Personal Preference

It's essential to choose the right wetsuit for the activity you're doing and make sure it fits well.
The first thing you will want to do is find the right size of your paddling wetsuit.

Kayaking wetsuits come in different sizes. You will want to choose the size that fits you best. You do not wish to a paddling or kayaking wetsuit with a back zipper that is too small or too large, as well as a top pair of black boots to show off your kayaking skills.

There are three main types of paddleboarding wetsuits: 

1) Full wetsuit - this wetsuit covers the entire body and is the most popular type of paddling wetsuit, with a zipper

2) Shorty wetsuit - this wetsuit covers the torso and is ideal for warmer climates or for those who do not want to be as covered up while in the water or on the beach

3) Skinsuit - this wetsuit is the lightest and thinnest option, but it does not offer as much protection from the cold or sun as the other two types of wetsuits

Full wetsuits provide the most protection and coverage, but they can be restrictive and can cause you to overheat. Shorties are an excellent option if you want some protection without feeling too constricted, and they can help you stay a bit warmer than sleeveless wetsuits. Sleeveless wetsuits are the lightest and most breathable option, enhancing your performance, but they offer the least amount of protection.

To Wrap Things Up

We hope that our kayaking and paddle boarding wetsuit guide helped you decide what the best wetsuit is for you. Now you know all the different factors that come into play, such as the temperature of the water, the importance of flexibility and thickness of the wetsuit, and how to measure for a wetsuit.

Let us know if our tips helped you buy the best wetsuit for kayaking and paddleboarding in the comments below!

Questions and Answers about the Best Paddle Board Wetsuit

What are the different types of paddle board wetsuits available on the market?

men kayaking in wetsuit

There are a few new different types of wetsuits available on the market. The most common type is the neoprene wetsuit. This wetsuit is made of neoprene, a synthetic rubber, which helps to keep you warm in the water.

Neoprene wetsuits come in various thicknesses so that you can choose the best one for you. They also come in multiple styles, including full body wetsuits, short wetsuits, and sleeveless suits.
Another type of wetsuit is the compression wetsuit. This wetsuit is made of a neoprene and Lycra blend, which helps to compress your body and keep you warm.
What are the different thicknesses of wetsuits available on the market?

There are a variety of thicknesses of wetsuits available on the market. The thinnest wetsuits are about 2 mm thick, while the thickest wetsuits can be up to 10 mm thick.

The main benefit of a thin wetsuit is that it provides good flexibility and mobility, which is vital for activities like swimming and surfing. They are also relatively light and easy to pack away when not in use.

However, thin wetsuits provide less warmth and insulation than thicker wetsuits, so they are unsuitable for cold water environments. Thicker wetsuits are better at keeping you warm in cold water and pools, but they are less flexible and can be more cumbersome to wear.

How to measure for a full body wetsuit?

When measuring for a wetsuit, you will need to measure your chest, waist, and inseam.

To measure your chest, wrap a cloth measuring tape around the widest part of your chest. To measure your waist, wrap the measuring tape around your natural waistline. Inseam: Measure from your crotch to the bottom of your foot.

For most kayakers and paddle boaters, a wetsuit with a chest measurement of 36-38 inches, a waist measurement of 28-30 inches, and a hip measurement of 36-38 is the best.

Can you use diving drysuits for kayaking?

Diving dry suits are not typically thought of as being used for kayaking, but they can be. A diving drysuit is a great way to stay warm while kayaking in cold weather. They are also great for wind protection.

They are also lightweight and easy to move in, making them great for kayaking.

Author - Olivia Poglianich
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Olivia Poglianich          

Content Strategist

Olivia Poglianich is a nomadic brand strategist and copywriter in the surf, watersports and outdoor adventure space who has worked with brands such as Visa, Disney and Grey Goose. Her writing has taken her all over the world, from a Serbian music festival to a Malaysian art and culture event. Olivia is a graduate of Cornell University and is often writing or reading about travel, hospitality, the start-up ecosystem or career coaching. Her latest interests are at the intersection of web3 and communal living, both on and offline.


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