5 ESSENTIAL TIPS TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT PADDLING JACKET
Comfortable and adjustable cuffs.
Body temperature control without restricting paddling strokes.
Front opening high collar to keep you warm or allow ventilation.
Waist seal adjustable on top of spraydeck.
Choosing the right paddling jacket affects your comfort, ability to endure and therefore safety at sea.
Water temperature will most influence your choice.
A paddling jacket should be worn on top of a thermal baselayer to provide control over body temperature without restricting paddling movement. Choose between paddling jackets since other apparently similar spray tops may fail in our specific environment!
How to choose your ideal paddling jacket?
Here are 5 essential tips:
1 – Fabric and fit
A good paddling jacket combines water protection, body temperature control and allows for good ventilation on prolonged journeys if needed through an opening collar.
2 – Hood
A proper hood should be fully adjustable and close-fitting to allow full view when turning your head astern.
3 – Collar
Comfortable and soft around your chin. A tight neck seal should protect against water and keep your body temperature. An open collar should allow you to cool down rapidly in mild weather.
4 – Cuffs
Comfortable, adjustable and providing a good seal against water. Closing your cuffs shouldn’t restrict your paddling strokes.
5 – Fit and waist seal
A comfortable fit is what influences most your paddling performance. Waist seal should be adjustable on top of your spraydeck to provide sufficient watertightness.
