Noyo Pacific Kayaking

If the water is too cold to swim in, you should wear a wetsuit (or dry suit) to keep you warm and to prevent hypothermia, particularly if you capsize. A neoprene hood or cap will also help you to retain body heat.

Full wetsuits may keep you plenty warm but I find them uncomfortable to wear while paddling. If you are going to wear a full wetsuit, you might consider wearing a Lycra "rash guard" to prevent chafing under your arms. I like to wear a farmer john suit while

paddling. It is like a pair of farmers overalls made of neoprene. Although a 3 mil (1/8 ") suit is fine for regular paddling in our area, I prefer a 6 mil (1/4") suit when fishing because I find I expend less energy fishing and it takes more insulation to stay warm. I take along a nylon-paddling jacket in case I start to get cold but it is usually too hot to wear.

Neoprene booties are the standard footwear. I like high top boots to keep the coarse gravel out and rubber soles so I can get out and walk around comfortably. Six mil boots will obviously keep your feet warmer than thin boots

Gloves? I am blessed with warm hands so I don't have to bother with gloves. If your hands get cold, you may need neoprene gloves. You might be able to cut out the tip of the index finger and thumb to preserve your sense of touch.