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Victoria Cold Water Paddling
Ross Bay photo: Black Diamond Images
Victoria, Vancouver Island, BC Page
Deciding What to Wear for Cold Water
Greg Miller:
Wetsuits are essential all year, even in the summer because of the cold water. Surfskis are very wet, but with the right gear it is very comfortable. I can attest that winter paddling is much warmer than winter cycling in Victoria!
Greg's Favored Kit for Victoria Paddling:
Water temperatures remain cold all year - around 11 deg C or 52 deg F in summer, and summer air temps are often 15-20 deg C (60-70 deg F) on the water even when it is much warmer on land.
For these (summer) conditions my favourite kit is Giantfish's new Bibtights, a One-Piece Suit with a Closure-Free 1mm Vest Top with 3mm Bottoms, along with the 1mm Race top. This combination puts 2mm around your core and 3mm on your legs and bottom which may sound like a lot for summer conditions, but is necessary whenever there are even small waves. The race top comes in a hi-vis orange which is great to improve visibility on the ocean.
The great thing with the Giantfish gear is the ability to adjust and layer. I will use the 2.0mm Neoprene Thermal Top when air temps become cooler or during really big days. I add a rash guard as a base layer when needed, and/or a light vest shell (I use a cycling vest). When it gets towards winter and the conditions are big I will use the Mocke Gust Paddling Jacket over the Giantfish gear.
When air temps get into the single digits in celsius (under 50 deg F) in big conditions I go to a 3-4mm full wetsuit.
Somewhat Modified Comments From Greg Nov. 2024:
I recommend the Giant Fish BibTight, which is like a farmer john with a 1mm Vest on top with 3mm Bottom. I use this with the GiantFish 2.0mm Neoprene Thermal Top when it is below 60F or so, and the 1mm top when it is above 60F.
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I also have the GF 3mm pants which are good but for cold water I prefer the bibtights which eliminates the cold blasts to the torso.I will layer up with a cycling vest or when needed the Mocke gust jacket.
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I used to go to my 4-3 full wetsuit below 50F or less (again wave and wet), but this season the giant fish bibtight + giant fish 2mm top + Mocke jacket has been perfect.
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I will go to the 4-3 suit when it gets to 40F or so and in wet conditions.I dress to be as warm as possible for safety and find the giant fish options to provide a fantastic range of being comfortable but not too hot.I am basing this on water temp of 48F, wave, wet conditions, and the wind chill of out and backs, and in a surfski.
Accessories: 3mm booties in summer, 5mm in shoulder seasons, and 7mm in winter
My hands get cold easily and I spend much of the year using pogies. I have tried many different types and have found the best is the Brača-Sport Pogies which I find will keep my hands warm but not too hot in an impressive range of conditions. These pogies are super small and unrestrictive, and won't cling to you like the others that I have tried.
I use a merino beanie under a vaikobi hi-vis cap for much of the year as well, and will add a neck gaiter / tube when needed. In big conditions I will wear a 2mm balaclava for safety but rarely pull it on.
PFD, along with VHF, flare, and cell phone - always!
