So long summer…
…and hello to cracking sunrises and properly epic sunsets.
Loads of paddlers hang up their boards when the kids go back to school, and that's not a problem. There's no rule saying you have to SUP when it's chilly. But if you pack everything away in September, you're missing some of the best paddling of the year.
As the sun sits lower in autumn and winter, the sunrises and sunsets change. The light stays golden for longer and the clouds get more dramatic - perfect for that picture moment. Quiet beaches, glassy mornings and sunsets that make the South Coast look like it's showing off. You don't get that in August.
There is a catch. You need to rethink your kit. It's easier (and cheaper) than you'd think. Here's what we'd wear, from the feet up.
What to wear for winter paddle boarding
Boots. Cold feet ruin a paddle faster than anything. Neoprene booties aren't about keeping water out. They trap a thin layer that your body warms up. They're relatively inexpensive and make a massive difference.
Wetsuit, dry suit or dry top? This is the bit worth getting right. Go too thick and you'll overheat on a mild October afternoon. Go too thin and you'll be miserable by December. Our favourite middle ground is a dry top that you can layer underneath as the temperature drops. It's one piece of kit that works across both seasons.
Gloves. Numb fingertips turn a lovely paddle into a grim one. Gloves don't need to break the bank. Just pick a pair you can grip a paddle in and wear from autumn right through winter.
Hat. On calm flat water, a neoprene beanie is a nice-to-have rather than essential. Keep a warm hat in your dry bag anyway, because once the sun drops, it gets chilly fast.
Top tip: dress for the water temperature, not the air. A bright November day can feel mild on the beach, but the sea will still be cold if you take a dip.
The winter paddling safety checklist
The same rules apply all year round, but winter gives you less margin for error:
- A good buoyancy aid. Always! However calm it looks.
- The right leash for the water. Use an ankle leash on open flat water. On rivers and moving water, use a quick-release waist belt so you can detach from your board.
- Your phone in a waterproof pouch, kept on you rather than on the board or in your dry bag.
- A dry bag for spare layers, a snack and that hat.
- Tell someone where you're going and when you'll be back.
- Watch the clock. If you're out for a sunset paddle, darkness follows quickly this time of year, so plan to be back on the beach before the light goes.
Warm up afterwards
The best bit of a winter paddle is getting warm again. Get out of wet kit quickly, into something dry and cosy, and grab a hot drink. That's exactly why we made the FatWrap changing robe: which has a beautifully warm recycled fleece lining, a waterproof outer, and room to get changed on a windy beach without an audience.
Keep paddling this winter
We've been paddling the South Coast since 2012, and some of our favourite sessions have been on crisp winter mornings. If you're not sure what kit you need, or whether your setup is up to it, just drop us a message. We're always happy to help, whichever board brand you paddle.
