Are you ready for this cold winter water paddling? Or we can say that are you scared of heading down to the cold water with your favorite inflatable boat or stand up paddle board? The weather is getting colder and colder, but it doesn't mean that we must stop our water sports. No matter you are experienced paddler or not, the only thing that allows you paddle in the cold water is to be well prepared. So, before you inflate your inflatable kayaks or SUP boards, here are some important things you need to consider for safety reasons.

Important things that must be considered for paddling in winter:

1. The water is cold and you are very likely to get wet

Temperatures outside can be very low, and winter weather can also change very quickly. So you must consider that what would you do if you fall into the cold water or get wet by the rain. The clothing you choose for winter water paddling  must take into account the worst case. Dress as least three layers of clothes, dry layer inside, warm layer in middle, waterproof and windproof layer in outside. And bring extra change clothes for different weather conditions.

2. Wear your PFD at all times of course

No matter what the weather is, a life jacket or other Personal Flotation Device must be taken with you. In cold condition, a life jacket can be an insulating layer to keep you warm, and when you fall into the cold water, it can keep you afloat.

3. Know how to save yourself in the wild

Any thing can happen while you are paddling in the wild water in cold weather, so you need to learn some self-rescue techniques. This is different from practicing at home. You need to know how long can you swim in freezing cold water and bad weather, how to keep yourself warm when the body temperature is too low. Now you know why you should bring your PFD, and don't forget to bring a mobile phone for help.

4. Bring hot water and high energy snack

If you plan to paddle on the water for a few hours or a whole day, it's also very important to bring hot water in thermos to make you feel comfortable in cold weather, and high energy snack like chocolate to keep your energy up in cold temperatures. Pack them into your winter kayaking or SUP boarding backpack.

5. Bring an air pump if you can

One thing you should know is that your inflatable kayak or inflatable stand up paddle board air pressure will decrease in cold weather, so you may need to stop and add more air after several hours of paddling. It's recommended to bring a small hand pump to reduce the weight.

After you consider all of the above, if you are still not sure if you are well prepared, ask yourself a few more questions below:

1. How cold the weather will be?

You need to check the weather forecast to make sure the weather is good for outdoor kayaking or SUP boarding, and the cold temperatures are not bad for your winter clothes.

2. Do you have proper protection for your extremities?

I hope that you don't just prepare the right clothes for your body and forget your extremities. Most heat will be lost from your head, and your cold hands and feet will make you become a bad paddler. So you need to prepare a toque, gloves and proper cold water shoes either made of neoprene or synthetic fibers to keep your extremities warm and protected.

3. Does anyone know where you are going and when you expect to be back?

One of the most important rules for winter paddling is never go alone. You must have someone with you and keep an eye on each other. In addition, you should also tell your friend where you will go kayaking or paddle boarding and what time you expect to be back, so that they know when to call the police to search for you if you don't come back on time.

4. Have you planned a suitable route for cold weather paddling?

In cold conditions, you may not be able to paddle as far you you could in summer, so you need to make a reasonable paddle route. In addition, you will not like the wave of cold water, so choose the calm water for your winter paddling. And another safety rule is that don't get too far away from the shore.

Paddling in the freezing cold water can bring you a lot of fun and thrill, as long as you get yourself covered and protected. If you don't want to be scared by the cold weather, take out your inflatable kayak or iSUP board and make yourself prepared, invite a friend to enjoy an exciting winter paddling!