Paddle boarding offers a fantastic way to enjoy the water year-round.
Whether you're gliding on a serene lake in the summer or navigating ocean waves in cooler months, choosing the right clothing is essential for comfort, performance, and sustainability.
Here's a season-by-season guide on what to wear when paddle boarding, along with insights into eco-friendly materials that are both functional and kinder to the planet.
Spring Paddle Boarding: Stay Warm and Flexible
In spring, the weather can be unpredictable, with chilly winds and cool waters.
This makes it essential to wear layers that keep you warm and dry, yet are flexible enough for paddling.
- Wetsuits made from natural rubber or Yulex, a plant-based neoprene alternative, are great eco-friendly options.
These materials offer excellent insulation, keeping your body warm without using harmful synthetic rubber.
- Wear wool or merino wool thermal tops underneath your wetsuit.
Wool is a sustainable, renewable resource that regulates body temperature and wicks moisture away, keeping you dry and comfortable.
- Quick-dry leggings or eco-friendly polyester/spandex blends, made from recycled materials, allow flexibility while maintaining durability.
They also reduce the need for harmful virgin plastics in production.
Eco-benefit: By choosing Yulex and recycled polyester, you reduce your reliance on petroleum-based fabrics, minimising carbon footprints and contributing to cleaner oceans.
Summer Paddle Boarding: Lightweight and UV-Protected
In the summer, the focus is on staying cool, dry, and protected from the sun.
The right eco-conscious gear can keep you comfortable while protecting your skin and the environment.
- Rash guards made from recycled polyester or organic cotton blends are excellent for sun protection (look for UPF 50+ ratings).
These materials are soft, durable, and fast-drying, which is ideal when you're in and out of the water.
- Opt for board shorts or eco-friendly swimwear crafted from materials like Econyl®, a fabric made from recycled fishing nets and other ocean waste.
This helps reduce marine pollution while providing a long-lasting, durable product.
- Don’t forget a wide-brimmed hat made from natural fibres like organic hemp or cotton for sun protection. These materials are biodegradable and renewable.
Eco-benefit: Econyl® and other recycled materials not only clean up ocean waste but also help reduce reliance on virgin plastics and harmful chemical processes.
Autumn Paddle Boarding: Layer Up for Warmth
Autumn brings cooler air and water temperatures, so layering becomes essential to stay warm without overheating during physical exertion.
- Wear a full wetsuit with thicker insulation (3/2mm or 4/3mm) made from Yulex or other plant-based neoprene alternatives.
These materials offer durability and elasticity, perfect for cooler conditions.
- Thermal tops and leggings made from merino wool or bamboo blends are great for layering under your wetsuit.
Both fabrics are eco-friendly, offering excellent heat retention and moisture-wicking properties.
- A waterproof jacket made from recycled materials like Repreve® (which is made from plastic bottles) is perfect for protecting against wind and spray without harming the environment.
Eco-benefit: Choosing biodegradable, renewable materials like wool and bamboo not only keeps you warm but also minimises environmental degradation by reducing microplastic pollution.
Winter Paddle Boarding: Stay Dry and Insulated
Winter paddle boarding requires the warmest gear to protect you from freezing temperatures, both in the air and water.
With the right clothing, you can paddle even in cold weather while staying eco-conscious.
- A thicker wetsuit (5/4mm) with integrated hoods, boots, and gloves made from natural rubber or Yulex provides maximum warmth and insulation.
These eco-friendly wetsuits are built to last, ensuring you don't have to replace them often, which reduces waste.
- Thermal rash vests and leggings made from merino wool or bamboo fleece are excellent base layers.
They regulate your body heat while keeping moisture away from your skin.
- Boots and gloves made from eco-friendly neoprene or natural rubber keep your extremities warm while being flexible enough for proper paddle control.
Eco-benefit: By choosing natural or recycled materials, you help reduce the environmental impact of petroleum-based neoprene, which is harmful to marine ecosystems.
The Best Eco-Friendly Materials for Paddle Boarding Clothing
When choosing eco-conscious paddle boarding apparel, look for these key materials:
1. Yulex: This plant-based neoprene alternative is great for wetsuits and offers the same warmth and flexibility as traditional neoprene but without the harmful environmental impact.
2. Recycled Polyester (RPET): Made from recycled plastic bottles, this material is perfect for quick-drying, flexible clothing like rash guards and leggings.
It reduces plastic waste and lowers energy use in production.
3. Econyl®: A regenerated nylon made from ocean waste, this fabric is commonly used in swimwear and board shorts.
It helps clean up marine pollution while offering long-lasting, durable products.
4. Merino Wool: A natural, renewable fibre that is excellent for thermal layering.
It wicks moisture, regulates temperature, and is biodegradable.
5. Bamboo: Bamboo fabric is soft, durable, and naturally antibacterial.
It’s a fantastic option for base layers, especially in colder weather.
Why Eco-Friendly Paddle Boarding Clothing Matters
Conventional clothing materials, like petroleum-based neoprene and virgin polyester, release harmful microplastics into the water, contributing to ocean pollution.
By choosing sustainable alternatives like Yulex, recycled polyester, and natural fibres, you can actively reduce your environmental impact.
- Water resistance: Natural rubber and recycled synthetics offer excellent water resistance without the harmful production processes of traditional materials.
- Durability and longevity: Eco-friendly materials like Econyl® and Yulex are built to last, meaning fewer replacements and less waste over time.
- Warmth and insulation: Merino wool and bamboo offer excellent thermal properties, keeping you warm without needing synthetic, chemical-heavy fibers.
Conclusion
Choosing the right clothing for paddle boarding is about more than just staying comfortable—it’s about making a positive impact on the environment.
Whether you’re paddling in the sun or braving colder waters, eco-friendly materials provide excellent performance while reducing your environmental footprint.
By making mindful clothing choices, you can help preserve the very waters you enjoy paddle boarding on.
Next time you're heading out for a paddle, remember: what you wear not only affects you but the planet, too.
