What to wear - Paddleboarding!

[Twynklebell]

Have just signed up for a paddleboarding session in June and literally no idea what to wear that a) will be practical and b) won't make me look completely like a large beached whale on a paddleboard.

Any suggestions - I don't want to spend mega bucks - I'm probably ok for t-shirts so its the bottom half thats the issue.

Will they supply wetsuits? Likely hood they’ll ask you to wear a bouyancy aid. It’s very likely you’ll get wet!

I would want a wetsuit on…. Find out if they offer them? If they do, then because they’re used I would wear a t-shirt and leggings underneath.

Take a fleece and waterproof jacket incase of windchill.

Take a full change of clothes, and trainers you don’t mind getting wet.

Have fun… I’m a paddleboard instructor and happy to answer any other qs

Yeah you'll need to wear a wetsuit

You do not need a wetsuit. I wear a rash vest and lightweight gym leggings. You’ll get warm because it’s quite a work out. Depending on where you will be getting in and out of the water, some kind of water shoes would be helpful. Towels and a set of dry clothes to change into because they will want you to fall off so they can teach you how to get back on again.

if you like it and end up doing it regularly, Lidl often have good quality, cheap tops and leggings specifically for paddle sports.

Depends how cold it is and how often you think you may fall in. If its a booked activity they probably will lend you a wetsuit and make you wear bouyancy aids etc. If its just a friends paddleboard etc rather than an organised activity leggings and a t shirt will do but make sure you have something warm and dry for afterwards.

I’ve never worn a wetsuit paddleboarding - leggings/board shorts and a rash vest is good. Maybe wear/take bikini bottoms just in case they want you in a wetsuit (but I’ve never seen one worn for actually paddling - you’d boil and wear it stripped to the waist most of the time anyway). They will probably have you in a life vest so something that will stop it rubbing is essential.

If it’s sunny (actually, even if it’s cloudy!)!make sure you wear a fuck tonne of sunscreen, I had brutal sunburn on the back of my knees last time I went. A cap is a good idea, but maybe one you don’t mind getting wet.

Surf shoes and always a wetsuit- you will fall in lots if its your first time and you stand up!

In the middle of summer I wear board shorts and rash vest over a bikini. Lots of sun screen and sunglasses and a sun hat (there is absolutely no shade when you're out on the water!). You can wet your hat to cool down if you need to.

I also always wear a buoyancy aid because I wear lenses and less likely to get head in water if you fall in!
At the beginning/end of the season I wear wetsuit shorts and a thin wetsuit jacket (decathlon). I tend to dress for the water temperature as if you get too hot you can always go for a swim.

Shoes - wetsuit boots if it's chilly or waterproof sandals or barefoot. I've managed to cut my feet on a sharp rock launching the DC so I usually wear sandals and once I'm on the board take them off and Velcro them around the lashing. Put them back on before landing.

I've a small waterproof bag I clip to the front lashing with glasses, keys, phone, towel.

You won't necessarily fall in on your first few goes, I didn't but I'm quite cautious and knelt
down when it felt too unstable, but you should plan to.

Get a glasses strap if your sunglasses are expensive!

Depends on location, my first lesson was on the sea and wetsuits were definitely needed but the instructor provided them, we were told just bring a swimsuit.
Inland or smaller lakes tend to be warmer, but cold water shock should never be underestimated.

Don't overthink what you might look like, it's really good fun and I promise you no one else gives a shit. I've seen very overweight people SUP and I just think great good for you.

Yesterday I gave instruction to an 80+ year old bloke, we had a fab time on the water, it's a wonderful hobby, all ages shapes and sizes.

If it’s a place with decent quality boards and flat water it’s pretty unlikely you’ll fall in. For safety reasons though it’s best to wear something light and easy to swim in in case you do. Leggings and a t shirt and then a sweat shirt or fleece if it’s chilly. You balance better bare foot so don’t worry about shoes.

Swimming costume, water shoes and a wetsuit

Thanks all - will get myself some leggings I think and some cheap trainers.

Fully expect to fall in :)

They should provide the buoyancy kit. T shirt, leggings and light lace up shoes will be fine unless it's in the sea, then I'd say wetsuit.

Don’t get cheap trainers, they’ll fall apart after a couple of uses. Get some kayak shoes from Decathlon, cheaper than trainers and will actually do the job: https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/kayak-sup-shoes-in-1-5-mm-neoprene/_/R-p-30077

I'm not an expert by any means and I've never fallen in 🤷‍♀️. I wear normal clothes that I don't mind getting wet (just in case!)

I usually wear leggings/cycle shorts with sports bra and t shirt (not baggy, just in case- but yet to fall in!).

So long as you're happy for them to get wet, and it's not something baggy that will drag you down if you do fall in, there's no rule that says you have to wear a wetsuit (I have one, it currently doesn't fit 😂)

I recommend a waterproof phone case with a strap and a dry bag- mine are from Amazon, I have a little dry bag for things like card, keys, lip balm etc. I have a larger one for longer trips- for food etc.

Also I have neoprene shoes that have a grippy bottom, but prior to that I just used my crocs (in sport mode so they won't fall off!).

If you have any concerns at all about falling in the best thing to do is deliberately get off your board and in the water, it takes the fear away and you're then prepared for getting wet.
Playing around on the water is like being a kid again.

I went paddle boarding on a river and there weren’t lessons or wet suits or buoyancy aids we just hired the boards and got going. I think I wore a tshirt and shorts, and took a change of clothes (we all fell in).

I went paddle boarding on a canal and wore leggings and an old T-shirt. We were chained to the board so I think that was the buoyancy aid and only one person fell in. I did take a change of clothes in case.

There’s a difference between being a seasoned paddler and a beginner. A beginner is likely to spend a lot more time IN the water than those who have mastered it.

It’s good practice to have a go at falling in, so you know how to self rescue. Getting back on one in the middle of a lake is harder than you think

Well don't do what I did, a thick, wollen coat in case it is cold, wellingtons (as there is a risk of water ingress), mittens and a hot water bottle (see item one).

Gym leggings and a t-shirt will be fine if it's warm. I went paddle boarding two weeks ago in Scotland - neoprene leggings, rash vest, fleece - bikini instead of underwear. But that would be too much in June!

I wore gym kit. Didn't fall in when doing it in the river (where I REALLY didn't want to fall in), but when I've done it at the beach, I fell in loads (but was wearing swimwear). Basically something that can stand getting wet, dries quickly and take a change of clothes.

Falling in is part of the fun lol