Wear clothes you’re happy to swim in, chosen for the temperature of the water rather than the air. On a warm day that’s a swimsuit or board shorts with a sun shirt; in cold water it’s a wetsuit or drysuit. Add a life jacket, a leash and sun protection every time.
Quick answer
- Warm water (above about 75°F): swimsuit or board shorts, a UPF rash guard or quick-dry shirt, hat, sunglasses with a strap, reef-safe sunscreen.
- Cool water (about 60–75°F): a 3/2 mm full wetsuit, or a shorty and neoprene top on milder days.
- Cold water (below about 60°F): a thicker wetsuit or a drysuit, plus neoprene gloves, boots and a hood as it gets colder.
- Always: a life jacket, a leash, and no cotton.
Dress for the water, not the air
The biggest mistake new paddlers make is dressing for a sunny spring afternoon when the lake is still cold. You’ll probably fall in at some point. What you’re wearing at that moment decides whether it’s a laugh or an emergency.
Cold water takes heat from your body far faster than cold air, and a sudden plunge triggers a gasp reflex and fast breathing for the first minute or so. That’s why paddling safety advice from outfitters like GearX boils down to “dress for the swim”.
Check the water temperature before you go (many lakes and beaches publish it, and NOAA posts coastal readings). Then plug it into our wetsuit check to see what to wear.
Why to skip cotton
Cotton T-shirts, hoodies and jeans soak up water, take ages to dry, and pull heat from your body while they’re wet. On a hot day it’s just uncomfortable. On a cool day it can make a fall dangerous.
Go for synthetic fabrics (polyester, nylon, spandex blends), merino wool, or neoprene. Swimwear, gym clothes and running gear usually work well.
Warm weather: what to wear
When the water is warm you don’t need much, but you do need sun protection. You’re exposed for hours and the water reflects light back up at you.
- Swimsuit, bikini or board shorts. Anything you’d swim in. Avoid long, baggy shorts that soak up water and catch on the board when you climb back on.
- UPF rash guard or sun shirt. Long sleeves stop your shoulders and arms burning and you won’t need to keep reapplying sunscreen.
- Hat. A wide brim or a cap with a neck flap. Use a chin strap or clip it to you so the wind doesn’t take it.
- Polarized sunglasses with a retainer strap. They cut glare and help you see what’s under the water.
- Water-resistant sunscreen on everything that’s still exposed, including the backs of your legs and the tops of your feet.
Many people paddle barefoot in summer, which gives you the best feel for the board. If the launch is rocky, the water has shells or glass, or the dock is hot, wear water shoes or sandals that strap on firmly. See our pick of the best shoes for paddle boarding.
Cool and cold water: what to wear
Once the water drops below about 75°F a wetsuit starts to earn its place, and below about 60°F you need proper cold-water protection.
| Water temperature | What to wear |
|---|---|
| Above 75°F | Swimwear or quick-dry clothes |
| 60–75°F | 3/2 mm full wetsuit (shorty or neoprene top on the warmer end) |
| 50–60°F | 4/3 mm or 5/3 mm wetsuit, or a drysuit; add boots and gloves |
| Below 50°F | Drysuit with warm layers underneath, plus gloves, boots and hood |
These match our wetsuit check. Different brands draw the lines a little differently. iROCKER, for example, suggests a drysuit at or below about 60°F, so if you get cold easily, go warmer.
Wetsuit or drysuit?
- A wetsuit lets in a thin layer of water that your body warms up. It’s cheaper, fits closely, and is the usual choice for surf and for paddlers who fall in a lot. The downside is you’re damp the whole time, which gets chilly in wind.
- A drysuit keeps water out completely, and you control warmth with the layers underneath (a synthetic or merino base layer, then fleece). It’s the better choice in very cold water or for long days out, but it’s more expensive.
Our guide to whether you need a wetsuit for paddleboarding goes into more detail.
Hands, feet and head
Your hands, feet and head lose heat quickly. In cold water, add neoprene booties, gloves or pogies (mitts that attach to the paddle shaft), and a neoprene or synthetic hat. Cold hands lose grip on the paddle and the board, so don’t skip them.
What to wear for different kinds of paddling
The basics above cover most trips. A few kinds of paddling have extra needs:
- SUP yoga: fitted, stretchy clothes such as leggings or shorts and a fitted top, so nothing flaps or rides up when you move. Most people go barefoot. See what is paddle board yoga.
- Touring and longer trips: layers you can add or take off, a waterproof shell in a dry bag, and enough sun cover for several hours.
- Racing: lightweight technical tops and shorts, or a thin wetsuit in cool water, so you stay cool while working hard.
- Fishing: a long-sleeve sun shirt, a hat with a brim, polarized glasses, and a fishing PFD with pockets for tackle.
- Surfing a SUP: what you’d surf in, usually a wetsuit or rash guard, and a leash attached to your ankle.
Don’t forget the safety gear
What you wear includes what keeps you alive. Wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket (most adults choose a low-profile foam vest or an inflatable belt pack), a leash, and carry a whistle. Our best PFD for SUP roundup compares current options, and should I wear a life jacket paddle boarding explains why it matters even for strong swimmers.
Bright colors help boats see you. A small dry bag with your phone, keys, water and a spare layer is worth carrying on anything longer than a short paddle.
FAQ
Can I paddle board in a swimsuit?
Yes, when the water is warm. A swimsuit is the most common thing to wear in summer. Add a rash guard or sun shirt for sun protection, and a life jacket.
Should I wear shoes paddle boarding?
You don’t have to. Most people paddle barefoot on warm days. Wear water shoes if the launch is rocky, sharp or hot, and neoprene boots in cold water.
Will I get wet paddle boarding?
Your feet will, and if you fall you’ll be in the water completely. Plan your clothes around that.
What should I wear paddle boarding in spring or fall?
Check the water temperature, not the air. Spring water is often much colder than the air suggests. If it’s below about 70°F, a wetsuit is a good idea; below about 60°F, treat it as cold-water paddling.
