Wetsuit for SUP and other must haves for practicing SUP in Autumn and Winter

Little "traffic", absence of noise, and the pleasure of almost solitary contact with nature: paddling during the cold season is one of the most beautiful and relaxing experiences, but to do it in complete safety it is essential to equip yourself with the correct accessories, starting with the wetsuit for SUP.

High-performance clothing that keeps body temperature constant and does not allow water to penetrate is essential if you want to go out in autumn and especially in winter, but it is not the only element to take into consideration.

FROM SUP WETSUIT TO SOCKS: HOW TO FIGHT THE COLD

“The thicker the better, right?”.

Yes and no …. The above principle is particularly relevant for sports like surfing, where constant contact with water is a given. However, in stand-up paddleboarding, where you spend more time out of the water, the same doesn't hold true. A neoprene SUP wetsuit is specifically designed to be worn "wet," allowing water to enter the neoprene. Your body temperature then heats the water, which in turn keeps you warm.

At the same time, the part of the body that remains out of the water stays cold, with no chance of warming up because the suit doesn't retain heat and is continuously pierced by the wind. In addition, a full SUP wetsuit also tends to limit your movements, making your paddling less fluid. The best solution might be a halfway solution, such as the Long John—which covers the legs fully but not the arms. This is a good compromise in terms of temperature, mobility, and cost.

We recommend investing in top-quality products when it comes to footwear. Paddling in cold seasons involves constant contact with water often below 10 degrees Celsius, so having comfortable and well-insulated neoprene boots is essential to prevent post-excursion pain or numbness.

The same goes for your hands, although here the main hazard is cold air, not so much water. Pairing your SUP wetsuit with the right gloves is crucial for maintaining circulation in your fingers and, consequently, your body temperature. Additionally, gloves provide a good grip on the paddle, making movements easier and preventing blisters, which can become quite problematic during a long excursion.

BEYOND SUP WETSUITS AND ATTIRE: WHAT YOU SHOULD NEVER LEAVE AT HOME

When it comes to Stand-up paddleboarding, it is always important to “cover one’s shoulders”, both physically and metaphorically. This is especially necessary in Autumn or Winter, where it is more difficult to find support in case of need while we are out and about with our board.

Never ever go out without your life jacket and leash: the former is important because, in the event of a fall in cold water, it provides important buoyancy support (trust me here … even if you are an expert swimmer, the cold water can really play nasty tricks); the latter will always keep the board close to you.

In addition, if you want even greater safety, you can purchase a buoyancy aid: these are small bags or pouches which, once opened, inflate automatically, becoming proper floating boards.

If you have any doubts or would like personalized advice on the world of SUP, do not hesitate to contact us: we will be happy to help you!