Outrigger canoeing is a sport that demands both physical effort and smart preparation. What you wear and bring with you on the water can significantly impact your experience, from staying comfortable to ensuring safety. Whether you’re new to the sport or gearing up for a competition, having the right clothing and gear is crucial. In this guide, we’ll cover what to wear for different weather conditions, essential sun protection, and the safety equipment you need to be prepared for a successful paddling session.
Clothing for Comfort and Functionality
Warm Weather Paddling
In warm conditions, it’s essential to choose clothing that keeps you cool and allows freedom of movement:
Quick-Drying Tops: Opt for singlets, t-shirts, or rash guards made from moisture-wicking materials such as polyester or nylon. These fabrics help to keep you dry by wicking away sweat, providing comfort during extended paddling sessions.
Bottoms: Choose shorts, wetsuit shorts, or bike pants that dry quickly and offer a full range of motion. These allow you to paddle without restriction, ensuring efficiency and comfort in your strokes.
Cold or Windy Conditions
Paddling in colder or windy conditions requires thoughtful layering to stay warm while also ensuring your clothing doesn’t get waterlogged:
Thermal Base Layer: A long-sleeve thermal or rash guard is an excellent base layer to retain body heat and wick away moisture. These fabrics help to keep you dry and warm even if you get splashed.
Windbreaker or Waterproof Jacket: A lightweight, windproof jacket is essential for windy or rainy conditions. Make sure it’s made from materials that don’t absorb water, like nylon or polyester. Avoid wearing cotton or hoodies, as they tend to retain water, making you cold and uncomfortable.
Neoprene Pants or Leggings: Neoprene leggings or wetsuit pants are ideal for colder months. They provide insulation and flexibility, allowing you to stay warm without restricting your movement. If you're just starting out, and it isn't cold, you can wear a swimsuit or other shorts that when wet, don't absorb a lot of water.
Sun Protection: The Essentials
When paddling, you’re exposed to the sun for long periods, and while some gear is optional, sunscreen is a must for protecting your skin from harmful UV rays.
Sunscreen: Always apply a high-SPF, water-resistant sunscreen to all exposed areas, including the back of your neck, ears, and the tops of your feet. To avoid your hands slipping on the paddle, wash your hands with soap after applying sunscreen. Reapply sunscreen regularly during long sessions.
Hats: A wide-brimmed hat or cap with a neck flap provides essential sun protection. However, hats can easily blow off in windy conditions, so consider using a hat with an adjustable strap to keep it secure.
Sunglasses: Polarised sunglasses are highly recommended to reduce glare from the water and protect your eyes from UV rays. Make sure to use a strap to prevent your sunglasses from falling into the water.
Footwear: Stability and Safety
Your choice of footwear can enhance both safety and comfort, whether you’re launching, paddling, or landing.
Water Shoes: Aqua shoes or neoprene booties are ideal, as they provide grip on wet surfaces and protect your feet from sharp objects like rocks or shells in the launch area.
Barefoot Option: Some paddlers prefer going barefoot to feel more connected with the canoe. If you choose this option, make sure the launch area is free from hazards.
Safety Gear: What You Need to Know
Safety equipment is an essential aspect of outrigger canoeing. While paddling is generally safe, unpredictable weather, water conditions, or accidents can occur, and it’s crucial to be prepared.
Personal Flotation Device (PFD)
OC6 Canoes (Six-Person Canoes): In OC6 (six-person canoes), you generally don’t need to wear the PFD during regular sessions, but they must be stored in the boat for safety. The Bondi Outrigger Canoe Club typically provides PFDs that are kept onboard. These are a mandatory requirement for all paddling activities in case of emergency.
OC1 and OC2 Canoes (Single- and Two-Person Canoes): In smaller OC1 (single paddler) and OC2 (two paddlers) canoes, wearing a PFD is generally required, especially in races or in open water. Self-inflating PFDs are popular for these smaller canoes because they offer more freedom of movement. However, it’s important to note that some races don’t allow self-inflating PFDs, so always check race regulations in advance.
Additional Safety Gear
Leg Rope or Leash: If you’re paddling an OC1 or OC2, it’s essential to use a leg rope or leash to stay connected to your canoe in case of capsize. This ensures that you don’t get separated from your canoe in open water, especially in strong currents or windy conditions.
Whistle: A whistle can be a crucial tool for signalling in case of emergencies. It’s a small but essential piece of equipment to have attached to your PFD or kept within reach.
Lighting: If you paddle early in the morning or late in the evening when visibility is low, it’s important to have lights on your canoe. A waterproof torch or LED lights that mount to your canoe help ensure that you’re visible to other water users and can illuminate your path in low-light conditions.
Tailoring Your Gear for Training and Racing
Training Sessions
For regular training sessions, comfort and durability should be your top priorities:
Clothing: Wear durable, quick-drying clothing that you’re comfortable in for extended periods. Use your training sessions to experiment with different gear and find what works best for you.
Visibility: When training in busy waterways, wear bright or reflective clothing to ensure you’re visible to other water users, including boaters and jet skis.
Racing Events
For competitive racing, gear selection should focus on performance and compliance with race regulations:
Performance Fabrics: Wear fabrics that reduce drag and enhance movement, allowing you to paddle more efficiently. These materials are often lightweight and quick-drying, helping you stay comfortable during the race.
Team Uniforms: If you’re racing as part of a team like the Bondi Outrigger Canoe Club, ensure that you’re wearing the team uniform. It’s also essential to check if the race has any specific gear requirements, such as the type of PFD allowed.
Seasonal Considerations
Summer Paddling
In the hot summer months, your gear should focus on staying cool and protected from the sun:
Lightweight, breathable fabrics are crucial to prevent overheating. Consider wearing UV-protective clothing, such as long-sleeve rash guards designed to block harmful rays.
Apply and reapply sunscreen frequently, especially after getting wet.
Winter Paddling
For winter paddling, your focus should shift to staying warm and dry:
Thermal layers are essential to maintain body heat. A good quality thermal rash guard and neoprene pants will keep you warm without restricting your movement.
Waterproof jackets and pants help prevent rain and splashes from soaking your clothing, which could lead to hypothermia in colder weather.
Conclusion
Wearing the right gear for outrigger canoeing is key for ensuring comfort, performance, and safety on the water. From sun protection to thermal layers and safety equipment, each element of your attire contributes to an enjoyable paddling experience. Whether you’re training in the warm sun or racing in cooler weather, being properly prepared will enhance both your performance and enjoyment.
At Bondi Outrigger Canoe Club, we’re passionate about helping paddlers of all levels succeed on the water. If you have questions, feel free to reach out. We hope this guide helps you feel confident and ready for your next adventure. See you out there!