Top TipsWatersports in Winter

Got a paddleboard, kayak, or canoe from Santa this year and desperate to try it out? Or are you keen to dive into the world of open water swimming? You don't have to wait for the sun to come out to hit the water. Watersports can be just as enjoyable in the winter, as long as you're prepared with the right kit. Scotland is home to some of the most impressive coastlines, lochs, and views in the world - so why wouldn't we take advantage of it all year round? Whether you're a seasoned paddleboarder, or just dipping your toe into openwater swimming for the first time, follow our top tips below to help wave goodbye to your down jacket and hello to your wetsuit this winter!

Safety First

1. Get the right training:

If you are new to the world of watersports, making sure you have as much information and education as possible about your activity of choice is a great way to ensure that you get the most out of it. We recommend that you get specialist training and advice from a professional or governing body to get you started. This can help you feel safer / more confident out on the water and avoid any potentially dangerous situations. You might want to consider joining a club or society in your local area who can offer you qualified support and even get you involved with you to your local water sports community.

Open Water Swimming: The Scottish Swimming website is equipped with a Club Finder Tool to help you find your local swimming club who can offer direction and suggestions for beginners and those looking to get into open water swimming.

Canoeing & Kayaking: Visit the Scottish Canoe Association website to find training and safety course providers in your local area. Their website also features a series of handy videos offering comprehensive advice on a range of subjects from stand up paddleboarding (SUP) to sea kayaking, as well as a series of easy to digest PDFs that include checklists to make sure you have everything you need for your next paddle.

Paddleboarding: The BSUPA offer ‘ready to ride’ lessons which introduce basic SUP techniques and the fundamentals of location selection to help you avoid any negative or dangerous experiences. Use their Online Portal to find your local BSUPA school or club and book a session with a partner school directly.

2. Plan your trip:

Taking the time to put a plan in place is a great way to ensure that your watersports excursion runs as smoothly as possible. This could include anything from researching a suitable location to putting together a kit list and plotting out a route. Once you have everything mapped out, make sure you share the details of your trip with someone, particularly where you are heading and what time you expect to return.

3. Take a friend:

No matter where you decide to go or what you decide to do, it is recommended that you always take a companion with you if possible. If someone else is there, they can raise the alarm if you get into difficulties or vice versa. It really could be a lifesaver.

Source: Red Paddle Co

Check the Forecast

It may sound obvious, but make sure you check the weather forecast before you head out. Weather conditions are inevitably more changeable in the winter, so you'll want to choose a day where the weather will be on your side for the duration of your adventure. Four key things to check for are:

1. Tide times:

If you're heading to the shore, make sure that you check the tide times before you set off. Tide times and heights very throughout the month and you can easily get caught out if you haven’t checked. The Met Office have a dedicated Forecast Page for coast and sea which also features tide times. Alternatively, there is Admiralty EasyTide, the UK government’s tidal prediction service which provides free access to 7 day tidal predictions for more than 600 UK port locations.

2. Weather:

Make sure you check the weather forecast before setting off and if you are planning a longer outing it’s a good idea to receive regular updates as things can change quickly. Most importantly, be prepared to change your plans or even cancel your trip altogether if conditions are unfavourable. Whilst this might be disappointing, there will be plenty of other chances to get out on the water.

3. Wind speed:

You'll want to make sure that the wind speed is low so that the water is calm, especially if you're a beginner. Generally, anything under 12 mph is suitable for safe paddling.

4. Sunset:

Make sure to give yourself plenty of time to get back to shore if you head out onto the water later in the day to ensure that you that you avoid paddling or swimming in the dark.

Source: Red Paddle Co

Get Geared Up for the Cold

A Wetsuit:

There's only one thing for it when you're venturing out in the water in winter: neoprene. This insulating material will become your best friend from November through March and even beyond. Check out our Wetsuit Buying Guide to help you find the right wetsuit for you.

Neoprene Gloves:

They'll keep your hands warm when wet and are pretty much an essential for winter paddling or swimming. Opt for a pair of gloves with grips to keep a firm grip on your paddle if kayaking or paddle boarding is your thing, for example these Palm gloves.

Neoprene Socks or Boots:

Your feet will be first to feel the cold when you step in the water, so make sure you're prepared with a pair of neoprene socks or wetshoes, which will help reduce some of that painful winter chill. Check out these thick winter-specific Heat Tech socks from Zone3, with grips on the sole to prevent slipping.

A Dry Bag:

Drybags are essential for watersports all year round, but even more so in the winter when you'll want to take additional safety items with you. This Exped 4-pack will keep your belongings dry wherever the adventure takes you.

A First Aid Kit:

Accidents can easily happen out on the water, so you should always carry a first aid kit just in case. From bandages and plasters to antiseptic wipes and painkillers, a well-stocked first aid kit is sure to prove useful and will give you peace of mind that you are prepared to treat any minor injuries. Check out the Waterproof First Aid Kit from Lifesystems, which is the ideal companion for canoeing, kayaking and rafting expeditions.

A Whistle:

A whistle is an essential piece of safety kit that can be used to alert people to your location and warn others of potential danger. The Hurricane Whistle from Lifesystems is one of the loudest whistles available and is designed to perform in all weather conditions, making it a great choice for your watersports expeditions.

A Communications Device:

It’s important that you always have a reliable means of communication close at hand when you’re out on the water so you can raise the alarm if you encounter difficulties and require assistance. The Garmin In Reach Mini 2 is a compact satellite communications device that offers GPS functionality, 2-way-communication and interactive SOS capabilities. Plus, with its IPX7 water resistance rating, you won't have to worry about it dying if it gets wet. Alternatively, you can always invest in the Trekmates Phone Pouch to keep your mobile phone safe and dry.

Source: Red Paddle Co

Drying Off

It's just as important to prepare for coming out of the water as it is for going in it. Getting yourself warm and dry as soon as possible can make a huge difference to your winter paddling experience. Here are a few tips to get you started:

1. Pack plenty of extra clothes, including socks and a hat, to change into as soon as you can once you're out of the water. A blanket and hot water bottle wouldn't go amiss either!

2. Invest in a drying robe! Slip it on as soon as you get onto land and it will make the thought of falling in and getting wet a lot less daunting.

3. Take a thermos with a hot drink in it to sip as you travel home to help heat yourself back up after your chilly adventure.

Source: Red Paddle Co

Winter weather doesn't mean we have to write off watersports, it simply means we have to plan ahead a little more. Whether you're heading out on your paddleboard, kayak, or canoe - we hope that this guide has given you the confidence to get out there and make the most of it, even when it is a bit chilly outside. Be prepared, stay safe, and enjoy the adventure!