Best Wetsuit For Kayaking – Top 8 Wetsuits For Staying Warm On The Water

Kayaking is an incredible on-the-water activity; we can all agree on that. But it also leaves the paddler exposed to the elements – wind, water, and sun’s UV rays – all at once.

That’s where the best wetsuit for kayaking comes in as your first line of defense.

How do you pick the right wetsuit, though?

What thickness do you need? Should you go with a full-body cut or something a bit more open, like a Long John wetsuit for kayaking? And how tight should it fit, anyway?

Get all your answers – along with wetsuit reviews and recommendations – in this buying guide!

We may receive a commission if you click a link on this page and then go on to purchase something, but at no extra cost to you. Learn more here.

In A Rush? The Winner After 38 Hours Of Research:

Do I Need A Wetsuit For Kayaking?

Wait, isn’t a wetsuit something that a diver would wear?

Well, you’re technically correct. Does that mean that, as a kayaker, you don’t need to wear one, though? 

Nope. There are several reasons why you should consider wearing one as a paddler, too – and it comes down to the conditions you’ll be kayaking in, such as the air and water temperature. 

Many choose to wear it year-round as a form of general protection from the elements. 

But if there’s a risk of cold shock and hypothermia, wearing appropriate clothing becomes a matter of safety – and wetsuits becomes every bit as important as your PFD. 

Wetsuit or Drysuit When Kayaking in Cold Waters?

When To Wear A Wetsuit For Kayaking

One of the primary purposes of specialized paddling suits – wetsuits and drysuits alike – is to help maintain the paddler’s core body temperature in the water.

The plan is to stay inside your ‘yak, where you’re safe and dry – but we all know that taking an accidental swim is always a possibility.

And sure, that might not be that big of a deal on a sunny day when it’s 80 degrees outside. But when temperatures drop below a certain point or you’re paddling on a large body of water, the risk of hypothermia becomes real – and so does the need to wear a wetsuit.

As a general rule, you should wear a wetsuit for kayaking when the water temperature is low enough to affect your core body temperature if you capsize – think 60 degrees Fahrenheit and lower.

And while kayakers should always dress for the water, not the weather, don’t forget to factor in air temperature when deciding if you need to wear a wetsuit or not.

If the weather is warm but the water is cold, a sleeveless wetsuit might be a better choice. Also, when the water is warm enough but combined with air temperature falls below 120 degrees Fahrenheit, you need to wear a full-body wetsuit. 

How To Choose A Kayaking Wetsuit: Things You Need To Consider

Materials: Neoprene As The Go-To Choice

Most wetsuits for kayaking, from cheaper to high-end options, are made from the same material – neoprene.

Neoprene’s a form of synthetic rubber that features millions of microscopic air bubbles that give the fabric its insulating properties.

Unlike a drysuit that provides a waterproof outer layer with the warmth coming from the base layers worn underneath it. A wetsuit works by trapping a thin layer of water between your skin and the neoprene – a layer that acts as insulation – meaning that a wetsuit doesn’t prevent you from getting wet. What neoprene does is keep you warm despite the wetness.

There are some exceptions to this rule – not all kayak wetsuits are made of 100% neoprene. Some manufacturers will incorporate other materials, such as nylon and Lycra, into the mix.

Why?

Pure neoprene tends to get a bit stiff – especially when it’s on the thicker side. Nylon and Lycra can add a touch of flexibility to the suit, making it easier to put on and more comfortable for paddling – sometimes referred as ‘stretch neoprene’ 

Wetsuits are almost always lined with nylon, anyone who’s ever worn – or attempted to put on – a wetsuit on bare skin knows how little actual comfort that nylon or polyester provides, so it’s usually a good idea to wear something under your wetsuit; such as a swim brief, rash vest.

However, you’ll also find some winter kayak wetsuits that feature a fleece lining or base layer to add warmth, softness and make the suit more comfortable by preventing it from sticking to your bare skin.

Wetsuit Thickness Determines Warmth

The thicker the neoprene, the warmer the kayak wetsuit; it doesn’t get much simpler than that.

You see, neoprene is a closed-cell foam material – a type of synthetic rubber that’s essentially made of tiny air pockets that trap heat. So, the thicker the neoprene, the better the insulation it provides – and the warmer the suit.

You’ll find the information about the wetsuit’s thickness on the label, and it will typically look something like this:

4 (Torso) / 3 (Legs) / 3 (Arms)

Neoprene thickness, measured in millimeters, is shown as one, two, or three numbers. The numbers indicate how thick the neoprene is around the torso, legs – and if there’s a third number, the arms.

Keep in mind that most kayak wetsuits will be ticker around the chest area to keep your core temperature under control. As for arms and legs, thinner neoprene helps maintain flexibility and freedom of arm movement, which is essential for paddling. 

Design & Cut

When you think of a wetsuit for kayaking, your mind jumps straight to the full-body style, huh? 

But there are several other different cuts of kayak wetsuits, all designed with varying conditions in mind. You can choose among four styles of wetsuits for kayaking:

• Full Wetsuits – This style offers the most protection, covering the paddler’s entire body, except for the hands, feet, and head. You’ll need a full suit in colder climates and water temperatures below 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
  
• Shorty Wetsuits – The so-called “spring suits” are essentially the shorter version of a full-body wetsuit, featuring short sleeves and short legs. These are a better choice when you still require coverage but the weather’s too warm for a full wetsuit.
  
• Short John Wetsuits – Short farmer John or farmer Jane wetsuits are sleeveless and will only cover the torso and thighs, leaving the arms exposed. This style of one-piece kayak wetsuits is an excellent choice for warm climates.
  
• Long John Wetsuits – The long John cut also leaves the arms exposed, but unlike the short farmer John style wetsuits, it fully covers the legs, reaching down to the ankles. This cut strikes the perfect balance between insulation and mobility for kayakers, keeping the lower body warm while also allowing a full range of movement in the arms.

One-piece wetsuits are not your only option, though.

You can buy a wetsuit as a two-piece – some models are available as a separate wetsuit jacket and bottom – that allow you to choose the level of protection and what parts of your body you want to cover. 

Size & Fit: How Should A Wetsuit For Kayaking Fit? 

Okay, let’s get one thing clear:

Wetsuits have to be skin-tight to work. If it’s not, it can’t trap a layer of water – and, in turn, can’t keep you warm.

But there’s a fine line between skin-tight and uncomfortably tight to keep in mind when choosing the best kayak wetsuit.

How should a wetsuit for kayaking fit, then?

You don’t want the suit to be so tight that it gets uncomfortable and restricts movements – especially in the upper body. But it should never be loose, either, because you’ll constantly have cold water seeping in, making it harder to stay warm. 

Wetsuit Guide: Knowing The Right Fit

You don’t want anything pinching you, restricting movement, or causing chaffing – especially not around the chest, neck, bottom, and armpits.

It should feel like “second skin.”

The fastest way to test the fit is to squat down and lift your arms above your head. Seriously, it’s that simple. If you can’t do it, go up a size or two.

Now, for the good news:

Choosing the right size shouldn’t be that hard. Most manufacturers provide a sizing chart that helps you pick the right size based on your height, weight, and body measurements.

Zippers, Seams & Other Special Features

It’s a zipper – what’s there to talk about, right? 

You’re in for a surprise. Zippers play a more significant role than most kayakers might realize.

Getting in and out of a wetsuit is hard; the positioning of the main – so-called entry – zipper can make all the difference convenience-wise. A front entry zipper is a lot easier to manage on your own. 

How To Put On A Wetsuit | A Step By Step Guide

Also, unless it comes with a relief zipper – and most wetsuits for kayaking don’t – make peace with the fact that you’ll probably be peeing in your suit.

Seams are another feature to consider when choosing the best kayak wetsuit. It doesn’t seem like a big deal, but that’s because you haven’t experienced seams that rub against the skin with every stroke of the paddle.

There’s one heck of a difference between “regular” stitched seams and sealed – blind-stitched and glued – ones. The latter not only feel more comfortable on the skin but prevent water from seeping in and lowering your body temperature, too. 

Lastly, check if the suit comes with knee pads or similar reinforcements in high-wear areas. It’s a tiny detail that makes a big difference in the suit’s durability.

Top 8 Wetsuits for Kayaking Of 2021 – Reviews & Recommendations 

Best Wetsuit For Kayaking: Final Thoughts & Recommendations

The main takeaway from today’s discussion about kayak wetsuits is that you can’t expect this to be a one-size-fits-all type of recommendation. Choosing the best wetsuits for kayaking comes down to the conditions you expect to encounter on your paddling trip.

You want to get the right amount of thermal protection based on your paddling environment – it’s that simple.

I’m happy to recommend the Hevto 3mm Guardian (I) Warrior Wetsuit for temperatures ranging from 50 to 67 degrees Fahrenheit, though.

It’s a 3-millimeter full-body suit that strikes the perfect balance of comfort, thermal protection, and flexibility – without costing a small fortune.