55° to 70° Water Temperature
As water temperature drops from 70° to 55°, the rate of body heat loss increases. Heat loss will also be influenced by air temperature, strength of sunlight, and wind. Dressing decisions must account for all these factors.
Your skill level, and the exposure of the trip must also be taken into account. Pack extra clothing in a dry bag.
At the warmer side of this range, a pai
r of quick-dry shorts and a Rapidstyle Rash Guard or Kokatat Inner Core (left) will dry quickly, but offer limited insulation value. Dryness does equal comfort, but not safety if the water/air cools off.
For the colder side of this range, combine insulating and outer layers. A Rapidstyle Fuzzy Rubber Farmer John/Jane (right) and a paddling jacket like the Rapidstyle Microvent (below) with proper insulation are a good combination.
Under the Farmer Jane/John should be a quick dry shirt like the Rapidstyle Second Skin or Kokatat Inner Core shirt (above left). Both are made of quick-drying, hydrophobic fabrics. On cooler days an insulation layer between the Farmer 
Jane/John and paddling jacket can be added. Paddling pants can be added over the Farmer John/Jane for extra insulation.
|
Base Layer |
Insulation Layer |
Outer Layer |
|
Rapidstyle Second Skin |
Rapidstyle Fuzzy Rubber Farmer John/Jane |
Paddling Jacket |
|
Kokatat Inner Core Shirt |
Rapidstyle Sticky Buns Pants and Second Skin shirt |
Waterproof/breathable Dry Top |
|
|
Rapidstyle Metalite Pants & Tee |
Metalite Pants & Tee |
At this temperature you should carry extra items to put on if the weather changes. A storm cag and Rapidstyle Head Heater or Survival Hood are easy to put on while in the boat and can make a big difference when the weather deteriorates. A VCP Igloo and a stove are great group safety equipment for long or more exposed paddling.
Make sure you test whatever clothing combination you decide on.
Always dress so you would be happy to take a swim.
