During a warm summer's day, clothing is optional for those of you who are brave, but for the rest of us, wearable gear is required for comfort. This is especially true for the fall season in Canada. However, deciding on what to wear can be a challenge. While you're outdoors and on the water on a crisp autumn day, you're also exercising. You don't want to paddle out and freeze or sweat excessively once you really get moving. So what should you wear paddle boarding this fall in a moderate climate? Let's review!

4 Essential Things to Wear When Stand-Up Paddle Boarding in the Autumn

Windbreaker

Start with a zip-up windbreaker for protection against expected and unexpected gusts and bouts of rain. While you may be wearing a wetsuit, it's ideal for keeping it dry for greater comfort and warmth. The windbreaker will help you do that if it rains. If you get too hot, simply unzip it and tuck it into your pack (more on this below). 

Note: Never put the hood up on your windbreaker, even in the rain. Doing so significantly reduces your peripheral vision, which you need for keeping an eye out for watercraft and other mobile obstacles.

Lifejacket or PFD

Safety is Sea Gods' top priority, and we want it to be yours too. When deciding what to wear paddle boarding for any time of the year, there is nothing more important than a lifejacket or personal floatation device (PFD). In fact, this is especially important in the autumn because when your body is cold (and wet), it's more likely to cramp up which can put you in danger when in the water. We have already provided a guide for what you need to know about personal floatation devices (PFDs) and life jackets for paddle boarding. In addition, we have put together a helpful breakdown of why we trust Mustang Survival's PFDs to protect our valued ISUP owners on their paddling adventures across Canada.

Dry Bag Backpack

In the introduction, we stated that it can be a challenge deciding what to wear paddle boarding in the autumn in places with a moderate climate. It's easy to wear too little or too much. While it's better to err on the side of caution, wearing too much can make for an unenjoyable paddling experience. This is why you should bring along a water-resistant dry bag backpack. Wearing one (or tethering it to SUP tie-downs) will allow you to put on and remove layers (windbreaker, neoprene vest, etc.) as needed. View more on the Sea Gods dry bag backpack. 

Do you have any questions about what to wear paddle boarding this season? Feel free to contact us anytime. 

3/2 Wetsuit - For the Avid Paddleboarder

From October through until the cold snap of winter you'll want to wear a 3/2 mm neoprene wetsuit. If you tend to get cold feet (literally), you may also consider neoprene booties. 3mm is ideal, but you can get away with 2mm early in the season. We know that some of you pride yourselves in being able to handle the cold and may opt for board shorts and a rash guard, but you're doing your body a disservice if you do.

A neoprene wetsuit keeps you warmer in and out of the water. It retains body heat which helps stave-off hypothermia (dangerously low body temperature) which some soaked paddlers don't realize they're experiencing until it's too late. But there are other reasons for paddle boarders to rock a 3/2 wetsuit. It can protect your skin from unexpected sunburn on a clear autumn day, and can also protect your skin from bumps and scrapes should you slip from your board. Climbing back onto the perch is much easier for your arms, belly, chest, and legs when wearing a wetsuit. Moreover, few paddlers realize that a wetsuit also provides more buoyancy, which means that it will be easier for you to float should you fall in. Lastly, another unexpected benefit is that a wetsuit delivers automatic compression to muscles and joints, which allows you to function better for extended periods of time.

Happy Autumn Paddling SUPers!