Kayaking is a fun hobby that involves paddling a small boat over water with two paddles. By facing forward and using alternate side-to-side strokes to propel the boat forward, the driver can navigate through waterways.
Learning to kayak is easier than you might think. A few simple abilities are all you need to properly paddle.
To learn how to enter and exit a kayak, how to execute the forward stroke and the sweep stroke for turning the boat, and a few lessons on safety, you need a good guide or instructor.
Here are a few things to note when going kayaking.
- When in the water, always use a personal flotation device (PFD) and never remove it.
- Wear clothing that is appropriate for the water’s temperature, not the air’s; this may entail donning a wetsuit or dry suit.
- Layer your clothing, especially the top.
- Put on sun protection clothing.
Things Needed For Kayaking
- Kayak.
- One paddle per paddler, plus one extra.
- apparatus for personal floatation (1 per paddler)
- drain pump
- Spray skirt (for chilly or wet conditions)
- Personal dry bag for items.
- If you plan to go outside after dark, bring a headlamp or light with additional batteries.
- whistling signal.
Kayaking requires quality and comfortable underwear, and in this article, we have compiled a list of the best underwear for kayaking.
The best option for kayak attire is a pair of quick-drying kayak pants. In a perfect world, they would dry so quickly that even after a windless night, they would be dry in the morning.
Even if you accidentally capsize, good models should not stay wet and should dry as soon as possible. Since colds are otherwise pre-programmed, they will occur if you paddle any further and there is a tiny breeze.
Simply pull on and then remove from regular clothing while wearing quick-drying pants. This offers the finest protection against cold, wind, and water splashes on the legs.
Some kayak trousers have incorporated booties, while others have foot closures. Additionally, it keeps your toes toasty and dry.
Otherwise, you should dress warmly, especially when paddling in chilly weather. You might even want to wear special neoprene shoes.
Read Also: 5 Proper Ways To Wear Men’s Underwear
Kayaking underwear should be made from the following materials:
- Merino wool
- Polyester/Fleece
- Gore-tex
- Neoprene
1. Merino Wool
You probably didn’t consider wool as the best material for outdoor gear for kayaking and quick-drying pants. Wool is typically thought of as a hefty, dense fibre that dries very slowly and becomes extremely heavy when wet.
You’ll be surprised even though it may be the case with your wool sweater or hand-knit socks. Sportswear and outdoor apparel have been transformed by merino wool.
This is due to the fact that it is a particularly skin-friendly natural material. When properly maintained, merino wool is also incredibly resilient and virtually odourless; it doesn’t even sweat.
2. Polyester/ Fleece
Polyester textiles are affordable, warm enough, and quick to dry. After immersion, the polyester fleece quickly dries and offers plenty of warmth.
Dry fleece insulation provides the most warmth. Fleece provides little insulation in the water. Because of this, it is recommended to use a neoprene layer underneath the fleece insulation to protect against cold water.
Its synthetic nature means that it frequently doesn’t offer effective moisture transmission, which is obviously a drawback.
Water won’t likely enter the structure from the outside, but it also won’t leave the interior. Therefore, perspiration that you produce while paddling won’t be able to evaporate and dry, which might cause a sticky and unpleasant sensation.
3. GORE-TEX
Gore-tex is more of a blend of materials designed for outdoor apparel and accessories than it is exactly a fabric.
Fabrics are waterproof, windproof, breathable, and ideal for chilly and rainy weather thanks to an incorporated GORE-TEX membrane.
The exterior textile of GORE-TEX apparel is always treated with a Durable Water Resistant treatment to make it water-repellent.
During demanding tasks or rising temperatures, sweat might also evaporate. Products with the GORE-TEX membrane are considerably more than just waterproof thanks to this breathable quality.
4. Neoprene
Wetsuits are made of neoprene, a rubber rather than a fabric. It functions by trapping a tiny film of water between the wearer’s skin and the neoprene.
Thus, the name “wetsuit” refers to the fact that the user is constantly wet. Body heat helps the wearer stay warm by warming the layer of retained water.
Neoprene is all about embracing the damp environment and utilizing the inherent thermal qualities of water.
When a full wetsuit is not necessary for activities in warm water, neoprene pants are an excellent option.
Neoprene quick-dry trousers will dry in a matter of hours or less, with smaller, thinner pants drying quicker than larger, thicker ones.
Kayaking Underwears
1. BARE Drysuit Fleece Undergarment
Very adaptable; adequate for warmth either alone or with a waterproof layer over top.
Fleece-brushed back for warmth and a smooth, stretchy face for simple layering.
Odour control with moisture-wicking and Microban. When removed or aired, dries quickly.
2. Enth Degree Aveiro Pants
When worn in conjunction with a top layer, they don’t slip up, making them ideal for high-activity activities like kayaking.
A windproof, breathable PU membrane and a water-repellent exterior coating
High-stretch neoprene waist with angled seams, soft-touch moisture-wicking fleece, and for the best anatomical fit.
3. NRS Women’s Paddling Pants
Features include:
- Lightweight HyproTexTM 2.5 material that is waterproof and breathable and can withstand rain and wind.
- They are made to slip over insulating layers with ease while allowing for a full range of motion.
- The seat and knees have two layers for added durability.
- When seated, water is kept out by the high-rise waist and broad neoprene belt.
- Thigh pocket with an Aquaguard zipper that is water-resistant.
4. Lemorecn Wetsuits Pants
Due to the use of two separate extremely stretchy fabrics, these neoprene pants are thicker (3mm), yet incredibly soft and comfortable.
Additional durability and abrasion resistance for knee and seat pads are added by flat stitches, further enhancing the seamless and comfortable fit.
High waist and high back are intended to keep you warm in all types of water.
5. KOKATAT Gore-Tex Tempest Pant
With these dry trousers, paddlers and kayakers may stay fully dry because of the tall neoprene waistband and built-in Hydrus 3-layer socks.
Lifetime warranty on innovative Hydrus 3.0 material, which is very waterproof and breathable.
Adjustable “hook & loop” tabs and factory-sealed seams.
Read Also: 10 Best Underwear For Sweaty Balls in 2022
Conclusion
When kayaking, cotton is a bad material to use, especially during cooler weather. It takes a very long time to dry, absorbs a lot of water, and offers no insulation while wet.
If you must, cover any thin cotton underwear layers with wool and an additional waterproof layer.
The most popular underwear among kayakers is the KOKATAT Gore-Tex Tempest Pants.