Ready to Swim? Protect Yourself with Must-Have Safety Gear

Many paddlers are putting up their boats for the winter. Kayaks hanging from the rafters, canoes under the deck, SUPs against the wall and some inflatables under the bed. A lot of the folks we know are still paddling. They’re seeking out those last day trips and final excursions to favorite camping spots. It is the “season of the sticks,” as Noah Kahn sings - the between-time of boats to skis.

There is no snow in the mountains, but the air temperature rarely reaches 70 this late in the year. The water temperatures are dropping, which leads us to consideration of the 120 rule: if the combined air and water temperature adds up to less than 120 degrees, you need to guard against hypothermia.

The easiest way to do this is to stay dry. Easy enough unless you swim. Water zaps heat away from your body faster than air, but if you come out of the water wet and the air isn’t warm enough, your body temperature continues to drop. This is uncomfortable at best and dangerous in the worst case.

Mustang Survival - Men's Hudson CCS Dry Suit

The safest solution is a breathable dry suit, a one-piece outer garment with integrated socks and sealed at the wrists and neck. You can add the layers underneath to stay comfortable while paddling and be protected if you capsize. They aren’t cheap, but they allow you to paddle safely until the water freezes and you can be the first one out in the spring – potentially two extra months of paddling each year. We have some from Mustang Survival that have a comfortable neoprene wrist cuffs and an adjustable a neck seal.

Do we need to remind you to wear your PFD? 90% of boating fatalities occur between October 1 and Memorial Day because people fall into the water without their PFD. It’s like a seat belt. You can’t predict when you will need it. As you continue to enjoy those last paddling adventures of the season, remember that safety should always come first. Investing in proper gear like a breathable dry suit and always wearing your PFD can make the difference between a memorable trip and a dangerous situation. Cooler water and air temperatures and unpredictable weather mean that preparedness is key. With the right clothing and safety equipment, you can extend your paddling season comfortably and confidently, making the most of these beautiful transitional months while staying safe on the water.

An adventurer in a dry suit and life jacket climbs onto a snow-dusted paddleboard, surrounded by a tranquil, mountainous landscape.