Watersports in winter

Planning is everything! This is even more true for watersports activities in the winter than in the summer. Firstly, the weather and the wind conditions should be checked. Depending on the conditions, it may be advisable to postpone a planned day in or on the water. In addition, it is almost always advisable to have a change of clothes on board.  

An extremely important companion for watersports enthusiasts is a life jacket or rescue buoy. It should also be noted that it gets dark earlier in winter, which means daylight is limited. A reliable source of light in and on the water can be provided by a waterproof and preferably buoyant flashlight. This makes it possible to recognise obstacles at an early stage, but above all it makes you much more visible to other people and watercraft. A headlamp is even better, as it keeps both hands free.

Those who have eaten stay warm longer. That's why a hearty breakfast is the foundation for an energetic day outdoors. In a canoe or boat, it’s also a good idea to prepare hot drinks and healthy snacks. For sports such as SUP or surfing, you should plan enough breaks to regain your strength and warm up with a hot beverage or small meal on the beach. Our tip: ginger tea has a particularly warming effect! 

Those who think ahead like to pack a gas camping stove: these are small, handy and safe and perfect for quickly boiling water for tea or preparing a small meal. By the way, watersports enthusiasts are increasingly turning to freeze-dried food – so-called astronaut food, which is simply prepared by adding hot water and ready to eat in a wink. And it even tastes pretty good! Another advantage of the camping stove: since grilling game is prohibited almost everywhere and nature conservation rules must be observed, these mobile devices with their official permits and safety seals of approval are the best way to provide a little heat. Even athletes on land often build a windbreak and set up a real base camp to protect themselves against icy winds – and what’s good for them is also ideal for SUPers, canoeists and surfers. 

As a general rule your gear must be appropriate for the respective water temperature. Even on a relatively warm autumn or winter day, the water can be significantly colder. So it’s important to be prepared for frosty temperatures because the combination of wet, cold and potential wind can quickly chill you. It’s always better to have an extra layer on hand! Depending on the type of water sport, even small accessories such as a pocket warmer can be helpful.

A drysuit is a good choice in the winter months. First and foremost, these suits are intended to enable watersports in cool regions. They are available in various designs, depending on the type of sport. Together with warming thermal underwear or functional clothing, a drysuit keeps you dry and protects against the cold. If you plan to spend the day in a boat or canoe, for example, it makes sense to take along a cap, scarf and gloves, as well as a life jacket, in addition to the drysuit.