![\"cold](\"https:\/\/perfectpaddles.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/perfectpaddles_coldweather-300x200.jpg\")
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As we enter the middle of October...<\/p>\n
You might notice a few things beginning to change...<\/p>\n
The sun rises later, there might be a bit of a colder breeze at night, and the leaves are starting to change colors...<\/p>\n
Fall is on its way.<\/p>\n
But even with the changes, this is often the best time to get on the water...<\/p>\n
Whether it's spring in your area in the Southern Hemisphere, or fall in the Northern Hemisphere...<\/p>\n
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- The tourists have all gone home.<\/li>\n
- The weather is a pleasant temperature.<\/li>\n
- And outfitters are still open and willing to get paddlers on the water, enjoying time under the sun.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
And it's a great time to take advantage of our resources...<\/p>\n
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- Find outfitters in your area that are still open<\/a><\/li>\n
- Search our\u00a0knowledge\/resources section<\/a>\u00a0for helpful tips on paddling in changing weather<\/li>\n
- And\u00a0connect with a group of paddlers<\/a>\u00a0whom you can meet up with and paddle with at anytime<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
And with the new season, comes the necessity to change a few things about our paddling gear so we can continue doing what we love into winter and beyond!<\/p>\n
Join us as we do a quick rundown of what to wear (and what not to wear!) so that you can remain comfortable (and more importantly \u2013 safe) on the water all year long.<\/p>\n
*Side note: There are a few affiliate links to fantastic gear that will help you achieve year-round paddling. Using these links helps keep the Perfect Paddles lights on!<\/p>\n
Let's first start with...<\/p>\n
What not to wear...<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/perfectpaddles.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/perfectpaddles_fallpaddling-300x192.jpeg\")
<\/p>\n1. Don't Wear Cotton<\/strong><\/h2>\n
This might seem like an odd request at first glance.<\/p>\n
Don't wear the most popular fabric in the world?<\/p>\n
Yes.<\/p>\n
Why?<\/p>\n
Because cotton absorbs - sweat, rain, the water (if you happen to fall in). Everything.<\/p>\n
The absorption quality of cotton will keep the cool water close to your skin and will decrease your body temperature in a rapid fashion.<\/p>\n
And that can be a dangerous combination if you are cold water paddle boarding.<\/p>\n
Your next logical question should be, \"Then what should I wear?\"<\/p>\n
Well, let's take away the suspense and get right into it!<\/p>\n
![\"cold](\"https:\/\/perfectpaddles.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/perfectpaddles_coldweathersup-300x225.jpg\")
<\/p>\n2. First, Find Out Important Information<\/strong><\/h2>\n
What you should be wearing for cold water paddle boarding will differ depending on where you are located...<\/p>\n
And how cold the temperature gets in your area.<\/p>\n
It can also depend on whether you plan on flat water paddling or ocean\/river paddling.<\/p>\n
And it can depend on your skill level and the type of board you use.<\/p>\n
Also, it can depend on...<\/p>\n
Just kidding. That should cover it.<\/em><\/p>\n
Let's start with the easiest question - what's your location?<\/p>\n
Are you in southern California or northern Canada?<\/p>\n
But even more important - what are the water and air temperatures where you are located?<\/p>\n
With those two important pieces of information in mind, you can now begin to decide what to wear.<\/p>\n
![\"cold](\"https:\/\/perfectpaddles.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/perfectpaddles_coldweather1-300x200.jpg\")
<\/p>\n3. Dress For Immersion<\/h2>\n
One way to dress appropriately for colder weather is to make sure you can dress for immersion.<\/p>\n
This means wearing gear that will keep you warm if you happen to fall in...<\/p>\n
Or gear that you can safely immerse yourself underwater in case you get too warm paddling and want a safe way to cool off.<\/p>\n
By keeping this in mind, you can dress appropriately for both occasions and stay safe in the process.<\/p>\n
But what exactly does that look like? Let's answer that right now...<\/p>\n
4. The Right Suit<\/strong><\/h2>\n
- Search our\u00a0knowledge\/resources section<\/a>\u00a0for helpful tips on paddling in changing weather<\/li>\n
- Find outfitters in your area that are still open<\/a><\/li>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/perfectpaddles.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/perfectpaddles_wetsuitguide-300x193.png\")
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