Winter paddling can be a magical experience. The crisp air, the quiet stillness of the water, having the waterway to yourself and the stunning scenery can be truly breath-taking. But it’s important to stay warm and dry to make the most of your time on the water. That’s where neoprene long johns and long janes come in. Neoprene is a synthetic rubber that is known for its insulating properties. It traps a thin layer of water next to your skin, which is then warmed by your body heat. This creates a barrier against the cold water and keeps you warm, even in the coldest conditions.
Long johns and long janes are made of neoprene and cover your legs and torso. They come in a variety of thicknesses, from 1mm up to 3mm, so you can choose the right level of warmth for the conditions. These differ from wearing a full wetsuit. Not only does the long john/jane increase how much flexibility you have in your arms but also gives you the flexibility of being able to layer to your own needs, but more on this later!
Benefits of Wearing Neoprene Long Johns and Long Janes for Winter Paddling:
- Warmth: As mentioned above, neoprene is an excellent insulator and will keep you warm in cold water.
- Comfort: Neoprene is soft and flexible, so you’ll be able to move freely and comfortably in your long johns and long janes.
- Protection: Neoprene can also help to protect you from scrapes and scratches.
- Buoyancy: Neoprene can provide a bit of extra buoyancy, which can be helpful if you fall in the water.
Choosing the Right Neoprene Long Johns and Long Janes for Winter Paddling:
- Thickness: The thickness of your long johns and long janes will depend on the water temperature and how cold you tend to get. For cold water paddling, you’ll want to choose a thicker neoprene.
- Style: Long johns and long janes come in a variety of styles, including ones with and without feet and hoods. Choose a style that you find comfortable and that will suit your needs. We here at TheSUPCO prefer Prolimits’s airmax 1.5mm zodiac suit. Not only does it have ventilation panels on the legs but also gives you plenty of room at your shoulders for those big river days!
Tips for Using Neoprene Long Johns and Long Janes:
- Make sure your long johns and long janes fit snugly but not too tightly. You don’t want them to restrict your movement. As a female paddler myself, I tend to size down one or two sizes from my day-to-day sized clothing!
- Layer up on top of your long johns and long janes to stay warm in very cold conditions. Add layers such as a Vaikobi V-dry performance smock. With 5k waterproof and breathable fabric its designed for performance. Keeping all the heat in, you need a cool off! Don’t worry the jacket has an oversized front vent for a fast-cooling effect!
- Take off your long johns and long janes as soon as you get out of the water to avoid getting chilled, wash them in warm water with a Mystic wetsuit cleaner, to increase the longevity of your kit!
With the right neoprene long johns and long janes, you can enjoy winter paddling in comfort and safety. So don’t let the cold weather keep you off the water!