Hey All. As a relative newcomer to Paddle Boarding I've yet to experience a winter paddling in victorian waters. Would appreciate some advice on what type of wetsuit/clothing/etc. I should be looking at getting to keep me warm on and in the water. I'm also a windsufer who sails all year round so know what to expect in as far as temps go etc. but need some advice on type of suits, thickness, etc. or special clothing or anything else I might be needing. What do most people wear in winter while paddling?

If your surfing a good 3/2 sealed even in mid winter is usually enough as your not immersed in the water all the time. If your beginning and fall off a lot then a 4/3 might be the go.

Simondo said...

Fair question DJ. For flat water, same stuff I would ride a mountain bike with. Board shorts, and a T-Shirt, or an extra layer as required.

For surfing, the real trick is stay up above the board for long periods, with only short visits into the water. So you should survive with exactly the same suits as you windsurf with. 3/2 wettie should be plenty. Not even overly important to be sealed, once you are competent.

If you're not surfing, I suggest tracking down a pair of neo-fleece leggings that the canoe and kayakers wear and some wetsuit booties to deal with the cold water lapping around your ankles. Then you can just wear a t-shirt or long sleeve top as desired, but best not to get too restrictive and warm around your shoulders and chest IMO.

try a Sharkskin top and long paddling pants. they're a polarfleece style lining with a windproof outer. better flexibility than a wetsuit and you won't get as cold once you are wet.

the climate control option with the chest zip is great if you start to get a bit warm. you can also wear it under a wetsuit if it's really cold and you spend a lot of time falling in.

i sell heaps of it at this time of year to divers, paddles, surfers and swimmers. www.sharkskin.com.au

*while i sell this product at work, i only suggest it cos it's good. there are a few places in Vic that sell it so you can have a good look at it.

If you havn't surfed a winter before I'd say 4/3,
but can also depend on the length of session 1 to 1 half hours might get away with 3/2,
2 to 3 hours you get colder the longer in the water so may need 4/3,
also I surf alot at Dawn so wouldn't use anything less than 4/3 for me during Vicco Winter.

Bnaccas said...

camo hosk said...

If you havn't surfed a winter before I'd say 4/3,
but can also depend on the length of session 1 to 1 half hours might get away with 3/2,
2 to 3 hours you get colder the longer in the water so may need 4/3,
also I surf alot at Dawn so wouldn't use anything less than 4/3 for me during Vicco Winter.

Don't you have a couple 4/3's so you never have to get into a wet wetsuit?
4/3's are for pussies!

You back in Melbourne Cam? Early one tomorrow?

Thats just a rumour made up by Rosscoe,
I still put em on when there slightly damp at the ends of the arms and legs,

still away looks fun on the reports down there this morning.

from my short experience of a vicco winter...

the cold water isn't the main problem...

it's the wind chill..... i had a stitched 3/2 with a few holes in it..warmer in the water



got to love WA,, still in boardies and rashy for a few more weeks yet...