Thanks for this Marybeth. Great overview. From personal experience, if going for a drysuit, it is worth spending a bit more on the version that has a front (male) or back (female) zipper. It is such a pain to have to pull the whole thing off for relieve yourself. I paddled for years with a cheaper suit and even avoided drinking to prevent the inevitable. Also make sure, when buying a drysuit, that you can bend your knees (when burping) without putting strain on the seams. Slightly too long for you is perfect. Stress on the seams will lead to failure within a few years. Expensive mistake. Awesome vid. Thanks again.
Thank you very much! I am a newbie and just started looking into this, I’ve bought a combination SUP recently and I live in Sweden so soon it will be cold here, and your video helps a lot! And also very inspiring!
Thanks for watching and commenting! I'm glad you found the video helpful. I hope you're enjoying time out on the water so far! 🤙🏼 If you end up getting into cold water paddle boarding check out my video on Winter Paddle Boarding Tips! th-cam.com/video/co2gPPf_KH4/w-d-xo.htmlsi=G_GNUaCnS8X_iEcp
I know you might not read this, but I’ve been following for some time now. I’ve become a somewhat decent paddler thanks to your advise and today I took my first dry suit, which was bought second-hand, to get new latex gaskets ❤ I’m excited to think I’ll have a tool to avoid seasonal depression this year, and I wanted to thank you!
Thank you for the follow up and kind comment ❤️ I'm so thrilled to hear you got a dry suit and are able to continue the season. I hope you have the best time! 🙌🏼❄️ If you haven't already watch my Winter Paddle Board Tips video th-cam.com/video/co2gPPf_KH4/w-d-xo.htmlsi=lEQeDGqVNmSx0VwU Let me know if you have any questions! 🤙🏼
Great video, your positivity is inspiring! I live in Ireland, our sea temperatures range from about 8° C to 16° C (46° F to 61°F). So not as cold as the Great Lakes where you are, but still cold enough to induce cold water shock and hypothermia, even in the Summer. I personally opt for a wetsuit, a hooded 5/4 chest zip with 5mm booties and gloves. And yes, as you say, you get really hot and sweaty in this gear (even on cold days) so I always have to jump off my board to cool down, which isn't too bad, in fact jumping in the sea and going for a swim is part of the fun. I wear a type 3 PFD (foam vest) which, as you say, insulates from the wind chill. And of course, an ankle leash as well. The hooded wetsuits with chest zip are so much better than the back zips with no hood, much less cold water flushing through the neck. Much harder to put on and take off though 😂😂 !! Although I would definitely like to upgrade to a dry suit in the future, they look to be really toasty!
Thanks for watching and for the kind words, Kevin! 🙏🏼 I love your attitude; fully agree that jumping off the board is half the fun! And the fact that you aren't afraid to gear up and still get out there when the temps are cooler! 🔥 Sounds like you have some great gear. Drysuits are great for layering for different weather and temps plus they are a lot easier to get on and off than a wetsuit, especially the thick hooded ones 🥵! Happy adventuring on and off the water! 🤙🏼
Favorite gear failure story with surfing as I drove like 2 1/2 hours as soon as I could leave work to go surf for like 45 minutes I’ve been looking forward to it for like a week. I want to go zip up my wetsuit and the zipper just came right over my head and disconnected 😂
Despite 30 years of paddling experience, I learned a lot from your video Marybeth, class info! I recently switched from neoprene to a drysuit, that was a good decision 😆 Cheers Eckie
Thanks so much for watching and for your kinds words, Eckie! I'm glad you enjoyed the video and learned a few things! Great to hear you made the switch and are enjoying the new drysuit. Happy adventuring 🤙🏼
For me a dry suit is much more comfortable, you can layer up or down depending on the water temperatures, they are easier to put on and take off and I find it a lot warmer than a wetsuit. However, a wetsuit is the way to go if you're doing something where you're always in the water like surfing as it's a lot less bulky.
Thanks for watching and for the kind comment, Chris! Thickness will depend on water temperatures. Check out this chart cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0360/4473/4523/files/xcel_surf_temperature_guide.jpg?v=1589478076 Depending on the water temps and general conditions I'd say you'll likely want 2mm to 4mm for spring and fall paddling.
This is SUCH a good video!! I've always avoided winter paddling, but I'm starting to reconsider. I LOVE that hooded roxy wetsuit and I feel I could get more use out of it? Could I use that suit on days when the air temp is very warm but the water is still cold (like spring?)?
Thank you for the kind words; I'm glad you found it helpful! Check out my latest video as it talks about getting started for cold weather paddling. th-cam.com/video/U_hqiqWEkDs/w-d-xo.htmlsi=9i7Q-FGXF0mm3QVV Wetsuits are much less expensive than drysuits; you can also use them in the winter time but you might find them chilly when wet and out paddling above the water. To help with this you could also get a paddling jacket or wear a shell over top. Just make sure your PFD fits over everything and it's not too bulky. If you surf or do other in water activities a wetsuit is a good combo. A disadvantage to wetsuits are you need different ones for different seasons as the thickness determines the warmth. You don't want to over heat or be cold. Absolutely, wetsuits are great for spring and fall paddles!
Thanks for watching and for the question. A proper fitting 6mm suit will be good for water temps 46F/8C and below. Fit not only plays a part but the construction, quality and your comfort will come into play too.
I'm struggling to find the ideal footwear to go with my drysuit. My neoprene booties are a bit tight to fit around the integrated socks with socks inside and they have a thin sole that's uncomfortable to walk with on rocks. I have tried sneakers and canvas boots but they get lots of sand inside and I fear it'll wear the socks up... In some sequences of this video it looks like you wear rubber boots with you drysuit, would it be a good solution instead of looking for wider and sturdier booties ?
I had the same issue! I bought neoprene booties one size up in order to fit my socks and drysuit. I use this system the most as it keeps your feet the warmest wet or dry (they are the ones I talk about here 9:55) I wear insulated rubber boots when the launch is muddy typically late fall/early winter or late winter/early spring. They work well but it's important remember they don't fully seal: if you dunk you won't be as warm. Hope that helps!
I’m in boston . Anyone else in boston area ? I do 20 min ice plunges in the morning and swim open ocean in winter. . If anyone wants to connect or knows a group that does winter paddle boarding give me a shoutout.
Thanks for watching the video. My gear is from all different places. Xcel Wetsuits booties are from Surf Ontario and the mitts are from Jack 'n Jills. The drysuit is from Level Six and the wetsuit is from Roxy. Surf the Greats and Frontenac Outfitters sell cold water gear you can check out too. Was there something specific you wanted more info on?
You never skip the basics which is soooo important with this kind of gear.
100% Cold weather and water paddling feels like a different sport and has so much more to it!
Thanks for this Marybeth. Great overview. From personal experience, if going for a drysuit, it is worth spending a bit more on the version that has a front (male) or back (female) zipper. It is such a pain to have to pull the whole thing off for relieve yourself. I paddled for years with a cheaper suit and even avoided drinking to prevent the inevitable. Also make sure, when buying a drysuit, that you can bend your knees (when burping) without putting strain on the seams. Slightly too long for you is perfect. Stress on the seams will lead to failure within a few years. Expensive mistake. Awesome vid. Thanks again.
Thanks for the kind and helpful comment! I agree with the front or drop zipper, although I still struggle using it when going to the bathroom 😅
I want to keep paddling through the winter. This is such good information. Thank you!! ❤
Awesome! 🙌🏼❄️ I’m glad the video was helpful!
Thank you very much! I am a newbie and just started looking into this, I’ve bought a combination SUP recently and I live in Sweden so soon it will be cold here, and your video helps a lot! And also very inspiring!
Thanks for watching and commenting! I'm glad you found the video helpful. I hope you're enjoying time out on the water so far! 🤙🏼
If you end up getting into cold water paddle boarding check out my video on Winter Paddle Boarding Tips! th-cam.com/video/co2gPPf_KH4/w-d-xo.htmlsi=G_GNUaCnS8X_iEcp
I know you might not read this, but I’ve been following for some time now. I’ve become a somewhat decent paddler thanks to your advise and today I took my first dry suit, which was bought second-hand, to get new latex gaskets ❤
I’m excited to think I’ll have a tool to avoid seasonal depression this year, and I wanted to thank you!
Thank you for the follow up and kind comment ❤️ I'm so thrilled to hear you got a dry suit and are able to continue the season. I hope you have the best time! 🙌🏼❄️
If you haven't already watch my Winter Paddle Board Tips video th-cam.com/video/co2gPPf_KH4/w-d-xo.htmlsi=lEQeDGqVNmSx0VwU
Let me know if you have any questions! 🤙🏼
Great video, your positivity is inspiring! I live in Ireland, our sea temperatures range from about 8° C to 16° C (46° F to 61°F). So not as cold as the Great Lakes where you are, but still cold enough to induce cold water shock and hypothermia, even in the Summer.
I personally opt for a wetsuit, a hooded 5/4 chest zip with 5mm booties and gloves. And yes, as you say, you get really hot and sweaty in this gear (even on cold days) so I always have to jump off my board to cool down, which isn't too bad, in fact jumping in the sea and going for a swim is part of the fun. I wear a type 3 PFD (foam vest) which, as you say, insulates from the wind chill. And of course, an ankle leash as well.
The hooded wetsuits with chest zip are so much better than the back zips with no hood, much less cold water flushing through the neck. Much harder to put on and take off though 😂😂 !! Although I would definitely like to upgrade to a dry suit in the future, they look to be really toasty!
Thanks for watching and for the kind words, Kevin! 🙏🏼
I love your attitude; fully agree that jumping off the board is half the fun! And the fact that you aren't afraid to gear up and still get out there when the temps are cooler! 🔥
Sounds like you have some great gear. Drysuits are great for layering for different weather and temps plus they are a lot easier to get on and off than a wetsuit, especially the thick hooded ones 🥵!
Happy adventuring on and off the water! 🤙🏼
Thanks for the tips! Safety!
Thanks for watching! ❄️👌🏽⛑
Great advice for us newbies about to take our first steps (strokes) Thank you :)
Thanks for watching and for the kind comment. I'm glad it was helpful! Happy wintery adventures ❄️🤙🏼
Good to know because I am allergic to latex. Rather allow some water in, if I fall, than having an allergy all the time.
Absolutely! 🙌🏼
Favorite gear failure story with surfing as I drove like 2 1/2 hours as soon as I could leave work to go surf for like 45 minutes I’ve been looking forward to it for like a week. I want to go zip up my wetsuit and the zipper just came right over my head and disconnected 😂
Whoa. What a story. That would have really sucked! Thanks for sharing!
Super fun
I’m really hoping for a cold and snowy winter! ❄️ 🩵
Despite 30 years of paddling experience, I learned a lot from your video Marybeth, class info! I recently switched from neoprene to a drysuit, that was a good decision 😆 Cheers Eckie
Thanks so much for watching and for your kinds words, Eckie! I'm glad you enjoyed the video and learned a few things!
Great to hear you made the switch and are enjoying the new drysuit.
Happy adventuring 🤙🏼
What was the main differences? I am thinking the same thing.
For me a dry suit is much more comfortable, you can layer up or down depending on the water temperatures, they are easier to put on and take off and I find it a lot warmer than a wetsuit. However, a wetsuit is the way to go if you're doing something where you're always in the water like surfing as it's a lot less bulky.
Ich wolte im Winter mit dem Kajak 🛶. Vielen Dank für die Infos ❤
Thanks for watching and commenting. I'm glad you found it helpful! Let me know if you have any questions.
Love your videos. What thickness would you recommend for neoprene leggings for spring/fall in Michigan? I don't plan to paddle in the winter. Thanks.
Thanks for watching and for the kind comment, Chris!
Thickness will depend on water temperatures. Check out this chart cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0360/4473/4523/files/xcel_surf_temperature_guide.jpg?v=1589478076
Depending on the water temps and general conditions I'd say you'll likely want 2mm to 4mm for spring and fall paddling.
Right on! 🙌🏽
Thanks for watching!
Now I got inspired….Thanks for the informative video
Thanks for the kind comment. I'm glad the video was helpful and inspired you! Happy adventuring!
This is SUCH a good video!! I've always avoided winter paddling, but I'm starting to reconsider. I LOVE that hooded roxy wetsuit and I feel I could get more use out of it? Could I use that suit on days when the air temp is very warm but the water is still cold (like spring?)?
Thank you for the kind words; I'm glad you found it helpful! Check out my latest video as it talks about getting started for cold weather paddling. th-cam.com/video/U_hqiqWEkDs/w-d-xo.htmlsi=9i7Q-FGXF0mm3QVV
Wetsuits are much less expensive than drysuits; you can also use them in the winter time but you might find them chilly when wet and out paddling above the water. To help with this you could also get a paddling jacket or wear a shell over top. Just make sure your PFD fits over everything and it's not too bulky.
If you surf or do other in water activities a wetsuit is a good combo.
A disadvantage to wetsuits are you need different ones for different seasons as the thickness determines the warmth. You don't want to over heat or be cold.
Absolutely, wetsuits are great for spring and fall paddles!
Good luck
Thanks ❤
Glad it was helpful!
What range of temp can one expect inside a 6mm suit +/-between skin and suit 👍
Thanks for watching and for the question. A proper fitting 6mm suit will be good for water temps 46F/8C and below. Fit not only plays a part but the construction, quality and your comfort will come into play too.
I'm struggling to find the ideal footwear to go with my drysuit.
My neoprene booties are a bit tight to fit around the integrated socks with socks inside and they have a thin sole that's uncomfortable to walk with on rocks. I have tried sneakers and canvas boots but they get lots of sand inside and I fear it'll wear the socks up...
In some sequences of this video it looks like you wear rubber boots with you drysuit, would it be a good solution instead of looking for wider and sturdier booties ?
I had the same issue! I bought neoprene booties one size up in order to fit my socks and drysuit. I use this system the most as it keeps your feet the warmest wet or dry (they are the ones I talk about here 9:55) I wear insulated rubber boots when the launch is muddy typically late fall/early winter or late winter/early spring. They work well but it's important remember they don't fully seal: if you dunk you won't be as warm. Hope that helps!
I’m in boston . Anyone else in boston area ? I do 20 min ice plunges in the morning and swim open ocean in winter. . If anyone wants to connect or knows a group that does winter paddle boarding give me a shoutout.
This is amazing! Well done on open ocean winter swims and cold plunges. I hope you find some buddies to adventure with!
Where do you bug all of your gear from?
Thanks for watching the video. My gear is from all different places. Xcel Wetsuits booties are from Surf Ontario and the mitts are from Jack 'n Jills. The drysuit is from Level Six and the wetsuit is from Roxy. Surf the Greats and Frontenac Outfitters sell cold water gear you can check out too. Was there something specific you wanted more info on?