What to Wear Kayaking or Paddleboarding in North Wales

One of the most common questions we get before a session is, “What should I wear?” It’s a good question, and the answer is simpler than you might think. You almost certainly already own everything you need. There’s no specialist kit to buy and no expensive paddling wardrobe required. Just a few sensible choices, and you’ll be ready to get on the water.

Before we get into the detail, here’s the one rule that covers everything else: dress for the water, not the air. On a warm June day in Llangollen, the air might feel perfectly comfortable in a t-shirt and jeans, but the canal and the River Dee are colder than they look, and you will get wet. Dress as if you’re going to end up in the water because there’s always a chance you will.

What Ty Nant Provides

The good news is that Ty Nant Outdoors provides all the technical safety equipment for every session. That means wetsuits, cags (paddling jackets), buoyancy aids, helmets, paddles and, for the Chirk Aqueduct and Tunnel SUP Tour, your board. All of it is included.

Heading onto the River Dee for a Discover Whitewater session? We’ll provide all the specialist kit you need, including a wetsuit, cag, buoyancy aid and helmet.

For canal-based sessions, including the Aqueduct Intro to Kayaking and the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct Canoe Tour, you may not need a wetsuit at all during warmer weather. In many cases, comfortable clothing that can get wet is all you’ll need underneath your buoyancy aid.

What to Wear on a Canal Session

Canal sessions such as the Aqueduct Intro to Kayaking, the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct Canoe Tour and the Chirk Aqueduct and Tunnel Canoe Tour take place on calm water. They’re relaxed, family-friendly and, on a warm summer day, about as accessible as paddlesports gets.

In warm weather, wear clothes you’re happy to paddle in and comfortable getting wet. Swimwear underneath is ideal because it dries quickly and won’t weigh you down if you end up in the water. Avoid cotton where possible. Cotton holds water, becomes heavy and can make you cold. A lightweight synthetic base layer or rash vest is usually a better choice.

Bring a light layer you can take off. On the Llangollen Canal, you can be sitting in the shade one minute and in full sunshine the next. Having an extra layer in your bag gives you flexibility throughout the session.

What to Wear on a River or Whitewater Session

River sessions are a different experience, and that’s exactly what makes them exciting. On Discover Whitewater at Mile End Mill on the River Dee, you’ll be learning to control your kayak on moving water and, if things go well, running rapids. You will get wet, and the River Dee is colder than it looks, even on a warm day.

For river sessions, Ty Nant provides a wetsuit and cag, so the main question is what to wear underneath. A swimsuit, swim shorts or a synthetic base layer is all you need. Nothing fancy. The wetsuit provides the insulation, and avoiding cotton underneath will help you stay comfortable throughout the session.

Bring a full change of clothes for afterwards. Warm layers, dry socks and comfortable clothes can make all the difference at the end of the day.

What to Wear on a SUP Session

Stand-up paddleboarding requires a little more freedom of movement than kayaking. You’ll be standing, shifting your weight and constantly adjusting your balance. Clothing that is too restrictive across the shoulders or legs can make the session harder than it needs to be.

On the Chirk Aqueduct and Tunnel SUP Tour, Ty Nant provides a wetsuit and cag if conditions require them. During summer, many paddlers are comfortable in swimwear and a rash vest. Choose clothing that dries quickly and allows you to move freely.

Sun protection is also important. You’re standing upright on open water, and sunlight reflects off the surface. Sun cream, sunglasses and a lightweight hat are all worth bringing on bright days.

Footwear: The Non-Negotiable

Whatever session you’re doing, canal, river or SUP, you need sturdy closed-toe footwear that can get wet. Old trainers are ideal. Wetsuit boots also work well.

Flip-flops are not suitable, and neither are bare feet. This is a safety requirement, particularly on river sessions where secure footwear is essential. Bring an old pair of trainers and expect them to get wet.

What Not to Bring

A few items are best left at home:

• Cotton clothing such as jeans, hoodies and standard t-shirts
• Denim, which becomes heavy and uncomfortable when wet
• Jewellery, watches or anything valuable that could be lost
• Expensive footwear you don’t want getting wet

Your Quick Packing Checklist

Everything you need should fit into a small day bag:

• Swimwear or a synthetic base layer
• Sturdy closed-toe footwear
• A change of clothes
• A towel
• Sun cream
• A light extra layer
• Water bottle and a snack

That’s it. Ty Nant takes care of everything on the water. You just need to arrive with the right clothing and a sense of adventure.

Whether you’re paddling across the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, exploring the canal by canoe, trying stand-up paddleboarding or taking on the River Dee, there’s a session to suit you.

If you have any questions about what to bring for a specific activity, get in touch. We’re always happy to help.