My Immersion Ensemble
Since the number one cause of fatalities in sea kayaking and kayak touring is exposure to cold water I think a review of possible immersion clothing options could be useful. This review is by no means the full anthology on the subject. I will share my current paddling ensemble with you. My hope is you will find what options work for you, your skill level and your environment. Please read the "Dressing for Immersion" reflections for some additional information and considerations.
Knowing the different ways we can lose body heat (conduction, convection, radiation, evaporation and respiration) is an excellent foundation for making quality decisions when it comes to dressing for immersion. The details of heat loss will be a future discussion. In the mean time check "body heat loss" on a goggle search. We also have a detailed discussion on the subject in our USK Video Volume 2 - Capsize Recoveries and Rescue Procedures. In addition, knowing that the most vital areas to protect from heat loss are the armpits, trunk and groin area will help you in your dressing choices.
Here you see my paddling clothing which can be mixed and matched for whatever conditions I choose to paddle in. The trick is picking the right combination for the very dynamic nature of weather. Listening to your weather radio before and during your paddle is very helpful for clothing decisions. It is an excellent idea to carry extra clothing if weather conditions are unstable. Even with the best forecast unexpected changes do occur, so extra clothing kept in a dry bag in your kayak is usually a good idea.
For paddling in formal occasions in very warm tropical waters or those with a skin cancer death wish I recommend the bathing suit and neoprene tie and visor. Seriously, for those with fair skin (or any one who wants to keep their skin) there are a number of very light weight clothing options with excellent protection from the suns rays.
When I paddle in Hawaii I usually wear a lightweight pair of shorts that dry quickly and are comfortable to wear while sitting all day in a kayak. I prefer a silk weight white short sleeve top but Hadley uses a long sleeve top for greater sun protection. A visor, sunglasses, lots of sunscreen and footwear finish the tropical paddling set.
During the Summer when I paddle in the Southern California area or in the Southeast I like to wear my neoprene shorts and a short sleeve pile top. If the wind picks up I put on my short sleeve paddle jacket. If the water is on the warmer side I may choose to wear my silk weight top.
If I plan to spend more time in the water in the conditions just mentioned I would put on a neoprene top with my neoprene shorts. Having separate neoprene tops and shorts gives me different options as compared to a one piece. My neoprene top is sleeveless so I have full mobility for paddling. The two piece set is not as warm as a one piece but it is easier for a quick nature call.
My wetsuit collection is used most often. I have a number to choose from. Here you sea a shorty with half sleeves and half legs. Next to it is a full, one piece suit. I have used this one piece (custom fit) suit often when teaching in Alaska. This was my winter garb until I could afford my drysuit. I also have a sleeveless shorty (short john) for distance paddling. A full farmer john is also good for distance paddling or standing in cold water and not getting leg cramps.
My shorty is great for surfing. Of course, remember to wear your helmet. My surfing suit goes from mid arm to mid thigh. Since surfing is usually a short paddle burst the restriction to my arms is not a problem. However, I would not recommend wearing this suit on a long paddle. My chaffed armpits were sore for over a week. A rash guard may have helped but I cannot say for certain because I didn't want to experiment in case it didn't work.
When I need to paddle in cold water and don't want to wear my drysuit, I use my short john or farmer john with a paddle jacket or dry top. Definitely my dry top when it is the spring run off on the river or when I competed in the World Surf Kayaking Championships in Northern Scotland. That water was cold. This is also my So. Cal Winter paddling attire if I am doing a lot of rescue practice. Under the neoprene I use a variety of shirts depending on my anticipated immersion time and activity planned. I use different thickness' of polypro and/or pile.
As a side note I had to show an example of what I call a Pacific Northwest Paddling unit. This is what I have seen quite often when I have come across other paddlers when I kayak in the NW. I am not saying everyone paddles this way but I have seen it more than I thought I would. Polypro long tops and bottoms, a pair of shorts and calf high rubber boots. When I would ask about capsizing the answer I received was "I don't plan to go over." I think this ensemble would not fare well for cold shock.
For the full winter get up let me introduce who my kayak buddies refer to as Buzz Light-year. I wear this in stormy winter conditions. I have a Gortex drysuit with pile underneath, hard soled wetsuit booties, neoprene hood and a pair of Poggies. If you get a drysuit get one made with Gortex. Be sure to have a convenience zipper and extra tough fabric over the knees and seat bottom.
Now you have it, my immersion ensemble. I have paddled in a wide range of weather conditions across North America and overseas. With the clothing you have just seen I have managed to put together outfits that have kept me warm and functional when I paddled in these different places. In order to "somewhat" perfect my ensemble I had to make some mistakes which left me chilled or over heated. However, I quickly remedied the situation.
As you try your different options you will have uncomfortable days but in the end you will find options that will work for you. Keep in mind, we all have different comfort zones, cold & heat tolerances, insulating layers and clothing availability. Therefore, use advice from others as a starting point for you to create your own immersion ensemble.
Pictures seen above were taken from the USK Video "Capsize Recoveries & Rescue Procedures"
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