I've got a short sleeve Skarkskin and I like it as a go to for really cold windy days but it isn't essential in Sydney. It is actually a wicking fleece like layer under a thin neoprene wetsuit-like outer layer. It keeps you warm and keeps the wind off. If you fall in, you get warm again pretty quickly and most importantly keeps your temperature from falling when you finish and are standing around wet on a 9 degree morning. Maybe a little difficult to peel off afterwards but that is a minor issue.

I've used it in several overnight Hawkesbury Canoe Classics and over several winters. I wouldn't go the long sleeve option as it would be too hot. I generally layer it with a couple of thermals - usually just one underneath though as it keeps the forearms warm and you can roll up the sleeves of the thermal so you don't get too hot once you're moving.

Before that I managed comfortably with just a couple of thermal layers in Sydney so you don't have to go to that extreme.

It is also good to have a beanie, neoprene gloves and boots and some explorer socks. Cold mornings are particularly hard on the feet I find. You don't need to rush out and get these all now though - you can get by on a cheap beanie and a couple of thermals.

With the feet, just standing on the grass before the session will bring your temperature down so wear shoes/thongs for as long as you can before you start off. It is very nice to have a fleecy in the car to slip into after the session too.

Mary, I posted a similar question a little while ago and got some good, helpful responses. Search 'Winter' in the Stand Up Paddleboard forums.

I bought a cheapish sealed 4/3 and a sleeveless vest with hood to wear underneath and I never get cold in Tassie water anymore. I just roll the hood down which keeps my neck warm and gives a perfect seal from icey water. I think total outlay was about $230

billboard said...
I bought a cheapish sealed 4/3 and a sleeveless vest with hood to wear underneath and I never get cold in Tassie water anymore. I just roll the hood down which keeps my neck warm and gives a perfect seal from icey water. I think total outlay was about $230

good thing to BB, im sick of seeing you paddle round in this getup all summer.

what the

Boardshorts up here

Re: Manly Winter

I found the conditions at Manly reasonable last year. When you do get a cold southerly it is very protected. I can hardly remember wearing my steamer prone surfing. Most of the time my 3 mm longjohn was fine. Then due the fact the water kept warm on sunny days especially SUPing I just wore a shortjohn. Given though I probably spend a lot less time imersed and we did have some really nice water and weather.

With the long sleeve lightweight vest under either it was warmer and easier to paddle than my spring suit or steamer. A rash shirt also gives a little more warmth under either.

The other great thing with the john is that if you decide to go for a paddle around the harbour over to the Quarantine Station or up to the Spit Bridge on a warm winters day, you won't get too hot. The zip down the front of my NRS comes in handy in these conditions. If you Google the NRS site they have both the Ultra Jane wetsuit and woman's hydro skin on the clearance rack. I was stoked with their quality and service. To work out if they are going to fit ho through the reviews.