Paddle boarding is not just a summer sport. Equipped with the right accessories, paddleboarders don’t have to stay at home even in colder temperatures.
If you have a perfect drysuit, you can make the waters unsafe on a paddle board all year round without being in risk of health issues.
The main difference from regular every day or sportswear and wetsuits is that these full bodysuits are completely waterproof.
A number of different plastics are used in the manufacture of paddle boarding dry suits. You simply slip into the suit and seal it with a zipper. Water does not get in.
A SUP drysuit keeps you dry, but not warm. Therefore, additional layers of clothing must be worn under the drysuit. The number and thickness of the layers depends on the outside temperature and the weather. It’s best to go for a proper drysuit base layer.
The best SUP dry suits
Choosing a drysuit is not always easy. On the one hand, the selection of available models is quite large. On the other hand, a SUP drysuit is also quite a considerable investment. If you want to buy a drysuit, it is best to orientate yourself on our best list. The following buying guide offers more tips for selecting a drysuit.
- This suit is not an evolution but is the newest...
- Men
- High-density 4mm neoprene drysuit designed for...
- Semi-rigid boots turn inside-out for fast drying
- Bellowed 1000-denier Cordura pockets hold necessary...
- Glide Skin taped collar and smooth Aquastop wrist...
- Size - M - Average Height 5'7"-5'10" (170-178cm) -...
- The ultimate protection in our Verso Drysuit featuring...
- Feel comfortable and protected all day with the...
- Secure your key accessories in the PFD friendly zip...
- 100% CR Hyper-Compressed Neoprene
- Neoprene neck and wrist seals
- Kevlar Protective Shoulder Panels
- BDM Metal Dry Zip with Protective Cover
- Very light and highly breathable dry suit, approx. 850...
- DFX3 material: 3-layer / (outer material: 100% nylon,...
- Neoprene neck and arm cuffs, latex foot cuffs, extended...
- YKK zip/adjustable waist adjustment with Velcro...
- ✦【NEW TECHNOLOGY】 OEKO-TEX,160D P/Taslon Plain FD...
- ✦【COMFORTABLE AND WATERPROOF】: The neck and...
- ✦【EXTRA PROTECTIVE LAYER】: There is an extra...
- ✦【GOOD DESIGN】: Ergonomic avant-garde design,...
- 8/7/6mm mix of compression resistant and superstretch...
- Exclusive "Lavaskin" inner liner
- Revolutionary horizontal front zipper with internal bib
- Neck, Wrist and Ankle internal dams
- Size - M - Average Height 5'7"-5'10" (170-178cm) -...
- Special Edition Colour * The ultimate protection in our...
- Feel comfortable and protected all day with the...
- Secure your key accessories in the PFD friendly zip...
- Dry Fashion SUP-Advance Dry Suit - Waterproof,...
- DFX3 material: 3-layer system / outer material: robust...
- Sailing suit with YKK front zip / pleasantly soft...
- Inner pocket with zip, neoprene arm cuffs and latex...
- Three layers of advanced waterproof materials and...
- The neck and sleeves are waterproof seals made of...
- 100% fill tested & guaranteed to be dry.Lightweight...
- The flexible front zip is positioned to allow optimal...
What to Consider When Buying a Drysuit
For paddle boarding tours in cold water, a drysuit is enormously important. The best drysuits don’t have to cost a fortune, but you should still pay attention to the material, the quality of the zipper, and a few other features. These features and also the particular design can affect the overall price.
Fit
Wearing comfort is very important for dry suits for paddle boarders. Above all, the suit should not fit too tightly. Drysuits are not warming. For this reason, there must still be enough room under the drysuit for an undergarment.
Manufacturers offer their drysuits in different sizes and often as a version for women and men. When deciding on a size, it’s best to use the size charts provided by the vendors as a guide. Otherwise, simply choose the size that is closest to your normal clothing size.
The cuffs need to be tight so that they really don’t let any water in. However, if they are really too tight, you can widen them or cut them open yourself.
Material
SUP drysuits are made of waterproof materials. Most commonly, polyester, nylon, or Gore-Tex are used in manufacturing. Gore-Tex costs a little more, but is also very breathable. In comparison, nylon is much cheaper. SUP drysuits made of nylon are usually multi-layered, which makes for extra durability.
Waterproofness
The material makes a drysuit waterproof. However, for this to happen, the drysuit must also have waterproof seals at the wrists, neck and legs. Ideally, the seals are made of neoprene, as these seal particularly tightly and feel comfortable.
Zippers can be a weak point. However, most suits use a metal or hard plastic zipper that rarely gets stuck and has a long life. In practice, zippers with large cramps (large teeth) in particular excel, as they are less likely to snag.
Putting on and Taking Off
It is not difficult to put on a dry suit. There is a large zipper on the front or back. The suit can be put on through this zipper. A helper is usually not required for this.
Color and Design
Dry suits are usually one-piece suits that are available in different colors. When deciding on a model, it should also be noted that reflectors or bright colors are better perceived. Other water sports enthusiasts and boats will be able to spot you better from a distance.
Some SUP drysuits have socks already integrated into the drysuit. This is convenient because your feet stay dry without having to purchase SUP socks. One problem, however, is that if the socks are damaged, the whole drysuit is no longer waterproof. It’s best to wear shoes anyway.
Budget
Make sure you don’t go over your budget. But know that most drysuits cost around 500 £.
With or Without Booties
Both options are available. Know that for the models without booties you need adequate shoes for the cold season. In addition, there is always a small predetermined breaking point at the interface between the shoe and the suit, where water can enter.
Reviews
Are there already reviews for the model you have chosen? You can use them to get an even better idea of the dry suit you want.
Proven
By means of a review, in a blog or in the exchange of forum members you can very quickly come across proven products. They have already been tried by other paddle boarders. Rely on their expertise. Buy the tried and tested, especially in the beginning. You will definitely do well with it.
FAQ
What do you wear under a drysuit?
Drysuits keep the water out, but they can’t keep you warm. In low temperatures or adverse weather conditions, stand up paddlers need to wear additional clothing under the drysuit. Special drysuit underwear is best.
The best underwear is made of cotton, is very comfortable and keeps warm really well. The number and thickness of additional layers of clothing should depend on the outside temperatures.
What is the difference between a wetsuit and a dry suit?
The difference in the way wetsuits and drysuits work is most obvious in the English translation. Wetsuits are called wetsuits in English, while drysuits are called drysuits. Wearers of a wetsuit get wet.
Wetsuits are not waterproof, but are made of special fabric that allows a certain amount of water into the suit. The water can no longer escape. Within a very short time, the thin layer of water is warmed by the body temperature and forms an excellent insulation against the outside world.
A drysuit does not provide direct warmth, but only keeps the water out. Wearers of a drysuit therefore dress according to the onion principle. Several layers on top of each other keep you warm because the enclosed air heats up and in this way – completely dry – shields you from the outside world.
The number and thickness of the layers should be adapted to the air and water temperatures. The best option is a drysuit underlayer.
How to take care of a SUP drysuit?
For a long life of the drysuit, thorough care is important. After each use, the drysuit should therefore be rinsed with performance water. From time to time, the suit should also be cleaned in the washing machine. Please follow the washing instructions.
Furthermore, you should be careful when handling the zippers. Improper handling could otherwise cause damage to the zippers. You should also dry the drysuit properly after each use.
Conclusion
A SUP drysuit significantly expands your options. Instead of depending on good weather, with a drysuit you can throw yourself into the water all year round! Choose one of the drysuits presented here, and you won’t go wrong.
Hey dear team of stand-up-paddling,
a question about winter equipment:
I bought a dry suit with integrated latex feet, because it is important to me that the feet stay dry. in addition, i bought neoprene shoes 5mm, so that they stay warm.
Do you have experience with this: is the combination functional in practice or does it still get cold on the feet due to wet neoprene and therefore you would definitely need waterproof neo shoes?
Would be grateful for your feedback, best regards
Stephan
Hey Stephan,
Great that you also want to go paddle boarding in the winter. The combination is perfectly adequate. Maybe you also have in the booties if necessary still place for normal, warming socks….
The latex socks keep your feet completely dry and the neoprene of the shoes you mentioned is also very thick with 5 mm…that should definitely fit!
Have fun on the water and best regards,
Benjamin
Hi, thanks for the dry suit suggestions. I want to buy one and am not sure what else I need to paddle board on the lake in the winter without getting wet/cold. Can you answer this for me? And for specific product recommendations on Amazon I would be very grateful.
Hi Moritz,
besides the drysuit and the normal paddle board equipment you don’t need that much.
To put on underneath, normal sports clothes are actually enough in the fall and spring. I just waer long jogging clothes. In the winter, however, several layers / thicker clothing can not hurt here. Dry suit under layers are best.
Gloves you usually do not need. The movement actually keeps your hands warm. Very important, however, is a cap and shoes (eg neoprene shoes) or SUP socks are also practical. That’s it then. We have listed some suitable cloth here: Best Paddle Board Accessories (Must-have SUP Gear)
Best regards,
Benjamin