What to Wear Kayaking
Dress for the water temperature, not the air temperature. The cotton mistake kills people every year. Here's the real layering system across temperatures.
Reviewed by: Kayaking.co editorial team
The rule: dress for the water, not the air
This is the single most-broken rule in kayaking. A 75°F sunny day with 52°F water is cold-water conditions. If you go in, hypothermia starts immediately — and you have 10–20 minutes of functional swimming before muscles fail.
The American Canoe Association and U.S. Coast Guard recommend the 100° rule: if air temperature + water temperature is less than 100°F, dress for immersion.
By water temperature
| Water temp | Risk | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Under 50°F | Severe | Drysuit + insulating layers |
| 50–60°F | High | Drysuit or 3mm full wetsuit |
| 60–70°F | Moderate | 2–3mm wetsuit or wetsuit shorts + paddling jacket |
| 70–80°F | Lower | Quick-dry shirt + board shorts + sun hat |
| 80°F+ | Low (hypothermia) | Sun protection paramount; lightweight long sleeves |
The cotton mistake
Cotton holds water, doesn't insulate when wet, and dries slowly. A wet cotton t-shirt in 65°F water is functionally a refrigeration system against your skin. Wear synthetic, merino wool, or quick-dry blends — never cotton on the water.
Sun protection (the real risk in warm water)
- UPF 50 long-sleeve shirt — your single best skin-cancer prevention.
- Wide-brim hat with chin strap — caps blow off; brimmed hats with straps don't.
- Polarized sunglasses with a strap — water glare causes permanent eye damage over years.
- Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 30+ on hands, neck, ears, and any exposed skin.
Footwear
Water shoes or sandals with a heel strap. Flip-flops fall off when you swim. Bare feet get cut on rocks and oyster bars. In cold water, neoprene booties.
What about a PFD?
Always. Every paddler, every trip, every conditions. Our PFD picks.
Kayaking involves inherent risk. Always wear a properly fitted life jacket, check the weather, and know your skill level before launching.
Frequently asked questions
Can I kayak in jeans?
No. Jeans (cotton) hold water, get heavy, and don't insulate. Synthetic pants or quick-dry shorts only.
Is a drysuit overkill for spring?
In water under 60°F, no. A drysuit isn't overkill — it's the right tool.
Wet suit thickness?
3mm full suit for 50–60°F. 2mm shorty for 60–70°F. Above 70°F, you generally don't need one.