Here are the main items you need to keep yourself warm and comfortable while paddle boarding in the winter:

  • Wetsuit
  • Drysuit
  • Rashguard
  • Warm headgear
  • Booties or watersport shoes

A wetsuit is one of the most important items you’ll need while paddle boarding in the winter. This keeps you feeling warm while allowing plenty of movement during your time on the water.

If you’re preparing for the cold season of paddle boarding, but aren’t sure what wetsuit to buy, your search stops here. I’ve picked 5 winter wetsuits that are perfect for paddle boarders to brace the cold in. By checking out the below winter wetsuits, you’ll find yourself just as comfortable and warm paddleboarding in the winter as you were in the summer.

How Do Wetsuits Help Keep You Dry?

Believe it or not, the main duty of a wetsuit actually isn’t to keep you dry. Instead, they work to keep you wet inside of the suit. They will let water flow inside of your suit, then the tightness of the suit keeps the water inside.

This trapped water then becomes warm from your body heat. Wetsuits are designed to hold that warmer water longer and not allow easy drainage. This keeps you warmer overall.

Cold wind is a different challenge than cold water. This is why a lot of wetsuits also include something called “smoothskin neoprene” that works to block any wind coming your way. These wetsuits are thicker than most.

It’s also why some people use 2 layers in cold weather, an inside wet skin or rashguard with a wetsuit as the outer garment.

5mm is the minimum thickness you would want to wear in very cold weather. Many would jump straight to 7mm thickness for near freezing temperatures or scuba.

Once you find a suit that fits you perfectly, you’ll feel nothing but comfort, stability, and warmth as you head out on the waves ready to tackle any cold temperatures that may strike.

This makes it easier to move around in and can help your body feel less suffocated by the insulation of most other wetsuits.

What Else Should I Wear? Wetsuit of Drysuit?

When you head out on the water to paddle board, there are some extra items you’ll want to bring along. Some of these are recommended to have on hand for pure safety reasons, others are strictly for comfort. Here are a few items you should wear while paddleboarding during the colder seasons:

  • Rash Guard- Paddleboarding and forming a rash are not a comfortable combo. This is why a rash guard is highly recommended. They are available in both one and two pieces. Rash guards can help prevent you from developing any type of skin irritation while also keeping you dry and warm under your wetsuit.
  • Drysuit- Similar to a wetsuit, these will help keep you dry. Rather than insulating your body, they consist of waterproof material. Much like how a wetsuit will trap water, a drysuit traps air and warms it up using your body heat. Though they keep you warm, many people don’t find them as comfortable as wetsuits.
  • Headgear- As you paddle board, you may feel a cool breeze flow through the air, which can make your head and body feel a lot chillier. To help this, you can purchase a professional cap or hat designed to stay on your head no matter how fast or slow you decide to paddle.
  • Watersport Shoes or Booties- These vary from paddleboarder to paddleboarder. Some will choose to wear thick booties with aqua socks, and others will simply wear a layer of watersport shoes. Either way, they’re designed to keep your feet warm while staying steady on the board.

The Best Wetsuit to Wear in the Winter

With the right wetsuit, paddle boarding can become one of the best activities to participate in all season long. Make sure to keep in mind the type of paddle boarding you’re hoping to engage in as well as how long you’re spending on the water.

If your body can handle cold temperatures for a long time, look into a breathable wetsuit. If not, check out one of the more ventilating suits. Whichever one you choose should provide you with just the right amount of warmth and flexibility you need to crush the waves.

Tim Conner, M.D. started boating in 1974. He has been involved in recreational boating continuously since then. Dr. Conner has been active in boating and watersports safety education for decades.

He rode his first jet ski in 1997, and rejoined the personal watercraft arena in 2012 with a Sea-Doo GTX 155, followed by 2 supercharged SeaDoos. Scuba certification came in 1988, and he and the family have traveled the world snorkeling and scuba diving for decades. The family has recently taken up paddle boarding, with wakeboards and kitesurfing the next challenges for my adult kids. See the About page for more.