Paddle Board Clothing, What to Wear When Paddle Boarding

Written by Shayle Follows

With paddle boarding becoming increasingly popular and people enjoying it so much they are even investing in their own boards, so we have put together an article all about paddle board clothing, so you are fully prepared!

So you are considering investing in some paddle board clothing. Maybe you have invested in your own board and can’t wait to start. This article covers what to wear when paddle boarding in Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter. So you can make the most out of your board and time on the water.

Paddle Board Clothing

Paddle Board Clothing

Paddle boarding is a great way to spend time on the water any time of the year. However, you must prepare, be mindful of the area you’re paddle boarding, check weather forecasts, and wear appropriate paddle board clothing. Late Spring – early Summer is the best time to learn to paddle board, as you can wear fewer layers. If you fall in a lot, you won’t be weighed down by layers making it easier to climb back onto your board.

What to wear whilst paddle boarding during Summer

What To Wear Paddle Boarding Summer

A day paddle boarding is most tempting during the Summer, and it’s a great way to have fun and cool off if you jump in the water. Always think about how long you want to spend out on the water. You are more vulnerable to sunburn as the sunlight will reflect up from the water. Protect yourself with suncream, carry layers for longer trips or paddling afternoon to evening. Carry a dry bag, and make sure to take drinking water with you.

Here are 4 items of paddle board clothing to wear during the Summer;

1. Women’s Swimsuit

Paddle Board Swim Suit

We love this swimsuit to keep your arms covered from the sun when paddle boarding in the summer. It’s lightweight enough to stay cool but protects you from UV rays. You can get full swimsuits or swim tops in this range. We love the fun, bright colours.

Asvivid Womens Swimwear Swimsuit Zip One Piece Rashguard Surf Suits Color Block Swimming Bathing Suits
  • Women One Piece Color Block 1/2 Zip Front Swimsuit
  • Summer Beach Color Block Long Sleeve Rashguard Swimwear
  • Fashion Round Neck One Piece Surf Suit Provide a Slimming Fit

2. Mountain Warehouse Men’s UV Top

Mountain Warehouse Men's UV Top

We love this fast-drying top. It is perfect for covering up and protecting yourself from the sun on those hot summer days out on the water. The fabric has a sun protection factor of SPF 50+. It’s ideal for wear in and out of the water. It is soft and comfortable to wear under a wetsuit or as part of a swimming costume.

Mountain Warehouse Mens UV Rash Vest - Lightweight, Quick Drying & Stretchy T-Shirt with UPF 50+ & Flat Seams - for Autumn, Winter, Beach, Swimming & Water Sports Bright Orange M
  • Quick Drying - Thanks to the fabric composition, water dries quickly making it great for holiday wear and washing
  • Stretchy - Comfortable to wear and for full freedom of movement
  • UPF 50+ - With sun protection factor treatment of 50+

3. Dakine Surf Hat

Dakine Surf Hat

Surf hats are a great way to protect yourself from the sun whilst on the water. This hat has an adjustable chin strap, so you don’t have to worry about it slipping or losing it. It also features removable neck protection, which stores inside the hat and protects from the sun up to SPF 50+.

Dakine Indo SURF HAT, Black, XXL
  • Floating cap for use in the water
  • UPF 50+
  • Flip up brim for paddling

4. Premium Waterproof Bag

Premium Waterproof Bag

Taking a waterproof bag with you is sensible if you’re going out on your paddle board for a considerable amount of time. Especially on hot days, you can pack water, suncream and other bits you may need to protect you from the sun and the heat. We love this premium waterproof bag. It’s strong, rip and puncture-proof, and easy to use and carry around. It is a great option to keep your essentials dry and protected.

Premium Waterproof Bag, Backpack, Sack with phone dry bag, adjustable Padded Shoulder Straps, Perfect for Kayaking/Boating/Canoeing/Fishing/Rafting/Swimming/Camping/Snowboarding (blue, 30 L)
  • 100% WATERPROOF DRY BAGS SET GUARANTEED keeping all your gear protected no matter what the conditions! from being plunged into white water on an extreme kayak run, hiking in torrential rain or at the beach, your gear is protected & safe.

What to wear whilst paddle boarding during Spring/Autumn

What To Wear Paddle Boarding Autumn Spring

As the seasons change, add a few more layers to your summer paddle boarding clothing to stay warm and comfortable. Adding an extra layer for your upper body, some neoprene shoe boots, or a light waterproof jacket will give you protection, depending on the outside temperature and elements. We find body warmers or a gilet paired with a lightweight, long sleeve top is a perfect outfit for paddle boarding during the Spring and Autumn seasons.

Here are 3 clothing items perfect for paddle boarding during the Spring/Autumn.

1. Premium Mountain Warehouse Opal Women’s Padded Gilet

Womens Gilet

Wearing a lightweight gilet is excellent during the colder Spring and Autumn months. This Mountain Warehouse women’s padded gilet is lightweight, waterproof and easy to take off if needed. It’s easy to roll up and pop in your dry bag.

Mountain Warehouse Opal Womens Padded Gilet - Lightweight Ladies Body Warmer, Water Resistant Sleeveless Jacket with Front Pockets - For Light Rain, Autumn, Winter Black 10
  • Water resistant - Treated with Durable Water Repellent, droplets will bead and roll off the fabric
  • Lightweight - Great for travelling, comfortable to wear and easy to pack
  • Microfibre Insulation - Provides excellent heat retention & comfort, a synthetic alternative to down

2. Mountain Warehouse Mens Padded Gilet

Mens Gilet
Wearing a lightweight gilet is excellent during the colder Spring and Autumn months. This Mountain Warehouse men’s padded gilet is lightweight, durable, waterproof and easy to take off if needed. It’s easy to roll up and pop in your dry bag.

Mountain Warehouse Seasons Mens Padded Gilet - Water Resistant Gilet, Body Warmer, Lightweight Jacket, Easy to Store Coat - For Autumn Travelling, Walking Black L
  • Water resistant - Treated with Durable Water Repellent, droplets will bead and roll off the fabric
  • Side Pockets - two convenient side pockets
  • Microfibre Insulation - Provides excellent heat retention & comfort, a synthetic alternative to down

3. Men’s Long Sleeve Quick Dry Shirt

TACVASEN Men's Hoodies UPF 50+

These hoodies are great clothing for Spring and Autumn paddle boarding. They offer extra warmth as well as keeping you covered from the sun. They feature SPF 50+ sun protection and are lightweight and dry quickly. You can use them to layer up or alone with a gilet for extra warmth that won’t weigh you down on the water.

TACVASEN Sun Protection Shirts for Men Walking Tops Long Sleeve Hoodies Lightweight UV Protection Tops Summer Rash Guard Navy Blue
  • UPF 50+ protects your skin from the sun's harmful rays, keep you cool all the day
  • Low profile thumb holes help keep sleeves in place & trap warm
  • Hoodie designed for the outdoors activities, lightweight and breathable, uv sun protection

What to wear whilst paddle boarding during Winter

What To Wear Paddle Boarding Winter

Winter paddle boarding clothing depends on what you plan to do. If riding waves is your plan, a full-length wetsuit is advisable and neoprene boots. If you plan to go for a paddle, you can wear thermal base layers, a waterproof top and waterproof trousers. Being active in the Winter will help keep you warm, so don’t overdress; thinner layers regulate your temperature easier when you are on your paddle board.

Here are 3 clothing items perfect for paddle boarding during the Winter

1. Adult Full Length Thermal Stretch Wet Suit

Paddle Board Clothing

This long-sleeved full-body wetsuit is perfect for winter swimming and paddle boarding. The wet suit is made of 3mm thick neoprene, which is soft and stretchy, providing excellent thermal insulation. The back zipper is designed with a long tape so that you can put on or take off the wetsuit easily on your own.

ZCCO Ultra Stretch 3mm Neoprene Wetsuit,Front Zip Full Body Diving Suit,one Piece for Men Women-Snorkeling,Scuba Diving Swimming,Surfing (Men, Men's X-Large)
  • -MATERIAL: made of ultra stretch neoprene 3mm thick.
  • -ZIPPERS: four small zipper at the arms & legs to make it take off or put on easily comparing to other wet suit.
  • -WATERSTOP SEAL: smooth skin neoprene inner at the collar, arm and legs to stick your skin tightly & make sure that much less water come inside.

2. ArcticDry Xtreme Thermal Women’s Wetsuit

ArcticDry Xtreme Thermal Womens Wetsuit

This 3mm neoprene wetsuit for women is a long-sleeved full-body wetsuit perfect for winter swimming and paddle boarding. The wet suit is made of 3mm thick neoprene, which is soft and stretchy, providing excellent thermal insulation. The back zipper is designed with a long tape so that you can put on or take off the wetsuit easily on your own.

ArcticDry Xtreme Womens Full Length 3MM Wet Suit (X-Large)
  • FULL LENGTH WOMENS WETSUIT - The ArcticDry Xtreme Outdoors Neoprene Wetsuit for Women is the perfect swimming wetsuit for Wild Swimming, SUP Paddleboarding, Surfing, Diving & Snorkelling.
  • PREMIUM SCR NEOPRENE - Our ladies wetsuit is made from high grade, durable 3mm Scr Neoprene, providing solid thermal insulation between you and the cold water.

3. Women’s and Men’s Water Shoes

Paddle Board Shoes

These water shoes are a great option throughout the seasons, particularly in Winter. They are lightweight, compressible, and made from anti-slip material, giving you extra grip. Anything that makes you less likely to fall into cold water, the better!

SIMARI Water Shoes Womens and Mens Quick-Dry Aqua Socks Barefoot for Outdoor Beach Swim Surf Yoga Exercise, 193 Stripe Black, Size 38, SWS001
  • COMFORTABLE: Upper fabric is smooth and elastic that made of a diving material with breathable and quick-dry ability. Like socks, it makes you feel great soft snugly in wearing.
  • PROTECTIVE: The sole’s texture design inspiration is from mango, and it’s made of TPR materials with excellent non-slip ability that help you keep balance in slippery place and it also can protect your feet from hot beach, grit on land or in water.

Of course, you don’t need all the gear to get started. A swimming costume, shorts and a lightweight jacket or top are perfect in the warmer months to practice your technique. Most importantly, cover up from the sun and be safe. These paddle board clothing ideas are perfect when you plan to spend more time on the water, don’t forget to wear a lifejacket or buoyancy aid if needed, and have fun!