SUPing in autumn? With these clothes, it's possible
25.10.2023
Translation: machine translated
The water temperature is dropping, but that doesn't mean the stand-up paddle season is over. On the contrary: with the right clothing, you can even really enjoy autumn on the water.
There's something magical about autumn. Mysterious mists alternate with subdued sunlight and the trees by the water are dressed in red and yellow. It's the perfect time of year for stand-up paddling. The air is cooler than in summer and, with cooler temperatures, paddlers aren't sweating as quickly.
Let's say it straight away: safety is paramount. So you need to dress for the water temperature, not the air temperature. A lifejacket is essential. If you see me without one in the photos, it's because I didn't want to hide the clothes I'm showing under a lifejacket.
Well warm on the water
When the sun and clouds alternate and the water temperature of many Swiss lakes is still above 14 degrees Celsius, I love resorting to a 'Farmer-Jane' or 'Farmer-John' wetsuit (better known as a long John in our neck of the woods). It's a neoprene wetsuit that looks like a farmer's overalls and offers a lot of freedom in the shoulders and arms. This means that paddling is not restricted and the wetsuit doesn't get in the way of your movements. I've tested the Prolimit SUP Neo Long John and find it really good.
Source: Stefan Munsch
What do I like about it? With 1.5 millimetres of neoprene, it's pleasantly warm in autumn temperatures, but not thick enough to make me sweat even with moderate exertion. Thanks to the relatively thin and very supple neoprene, the suit offers great freedom of movement. Nothing gets in the way or tightens, even when I'm doing the movement that technically good paddlers adopt to make a long, efficient paddle stroke.
The wetsuit has another advantage: in addition to its good fit and beautiful colours, it's made from limestone neoprene and is therefore petroleum-free. Limestone neoprene has a higher cell density, which makes it warmer than petroleum-based neoprene for the same thickness in millimetres. The fact that the suit has been bonded without solvents is an added bonus for the environment.
Source: Stefan Munsch
The interior also convinced me: the suit is lined with a layer of fleece. This means it's pleasant to the touch, even warmer, doesn't stick when you sweat and is easier to put on and take off than neoprene without a fabric lining.
Source: Stefan Munsch
With this thermal T-shirt, you stay flexible
The SUP Top Convertible shirt, also from Prolimit, is a lightweight, warm top made from synthetic material. It's really well thought out. With its closed zip, the windproof and slightly water-repellent surface of this thermal T-shirt keeps the torso warm.
What did I like most? That the long-sleeved T-shirt is really made for SUP. In fact, when it gets really hot after a few kilometres and some effort, you can unzip it. The mesh insert provides ventilation and keeps you cool.
Source: Stefan Munsch
Because the T-shirt expands thanks to this insert and doesn't open like a jacket, there's no floaty side to get in the way when you're paddling. What's more, with this T-shirt alone, you're well equipped for your paddle session and you don't need to put on a T-shirt underneath.
A stylish hoodie for paddling
If it's cooler, but a drysuit is still too warm, an extra layer of neoprene over the wetsuit is a good solution. I tested the Prolimit hoodie, which I really liked, if only for its style.
Source: Stefan Munsch
I was also won over by it on the water. Made from Limestone neoprene, it's soft and flexible, allowing great freedom of movement in the shoulders and back.
The sweatshirt is water-repellent to a certain extent and protects against cold wind. The hood comes into play when it rains or a strong wind picks up. Even after your SUP session you can stand by the water for a while with the sweatshirt over your shoulders and chat about training with your colleagues, without getting cold.
Stay dry and move freely
As soon as temperatures continue to drop and a thin neoprene wetsuit no longer offers sufficient protection against cold water, it's time to don a drysuit. And I'm talking about special breathable wetsuits for paddleboarding, because wetsuits for diving or motorcycling just don't cut it. For SUP athletes, there are high-performance wetsuits from Drydor, which I've been wearing for years and with which I've already successfully completed international races such as the Glagla Race in January on Lake Annecy. I've now tested the Prolimit Nordic SUP Suit, a variant less focused on race performance, but more affordable.
Source: Stefan Munsch
The finishes on the suit are good, the four-layer material is lightweight and feels robust enough for normal paddling on calm waters. Inside, all the seams are well bonded. The neoprene cuffs on the hands and feet are soft and elastic, but close well.
Source: Stefan Munsch
Source: Stefan Munsch
The front zip and neoprene collar make it much easier to put on than other drysuits where you have to put your head through a latex collar. This is an advantage at first glance, but it also has a small disadvantage, as the water test showed.
The fit is loose, which is perfect for a leisure suit, as it means you can wear thick clothing underneath. There's an elasticated waistband to tighten the wetsuit a little more at the waist. I really like the neoprene stretch panel on the back. It stretches when you lean forward, allowing a full range of movement, even when you're sprinting with maximum body flex. The chest pocket is also a nice touch. You can slip keys or your mobile phone into it; previously packed in a waterproof cover for added security.
Source: Stefan Munsch
Of course, I also wanted to know how the wetsuit performed in the water, even though one of the aims of stand-up paddling is to stay on the board. Without a moment's hesitation, I jumped into the water. I have to say that SUP wetsuits aren't designed to stay in the water for long, and all the ones I've worn so far have let some water into the wetsuit. The same applies to the Prolimit Nordic SUP Suit. However, the neoprene neck collar was a little loose. The area around the neck, shoulders and upper back was therefore damp. By folding the neoprene collar inwards, I was able to reduce the amount of water on the next jump. Otherwise, I stayed dry in everything else in my wetsuit.
Source: Stefan Munsch
This is where you have to make a choice: if you're looking for a very waterproof suit, a version with tight latex cuffs at the neck, hands and feet, which are harder to put on, might be the one. Latex cuffs are more fragile and tear more easily.
If you're looking for a comfortable, easy-to-put-on wetsuit with a front zip and neoprene collar, you may get a little wet if you're in the water for a short time. Of course, this also depends on your neck size. In my case, the collar was a bit loose, but it may be different for you. Nevertheless, it's important to wear thermal clothing under your wetsuit. They keep you warm, even when wet. What's more, a lifejacket gives you buoyancy, so that ideally the ruff only comes into brief contact with the water and the water only penetrates the suit a little. With the Prolimit Nordic SUP Suit, you're well protected, even in colder temperatures.
I put on the poncho and lay down the wet clothes
Source: Stefan Munsch
The paddle session is over and now it's time to change quickly and discreetly. For this, I appreciate Prolimit's poncho, which I also think of as my mobile changing room. It's warm and lined with terry cloth. It's also windproof, so I don't get cold after paddling. I've also worn it before after swimming in the lake in cool temperatures and really enjoyed its warmth.
Scorecard: well-thought-out clothing dedicated to paddling
Being properly dressed on the water when temperatures drop is not just a question of comfort, but also safety. Here, manufacturer Prolimit offers amateur paddlers good quality, well-thought-out clothing. The wetsuit is ideal for anyone who wants to paddle in calm water in their spare time. For athletes, whitewater or downwind paddlers, there are specialised models, but also considerably more expensive.
I'm impressed with Prolimit's neoprene and thermal garments because they really meet the needs of paddlers. of the material and the cut of the garments, on the other hand thanks to details like the mesh panel on the thermal T-shirt, which allows the insulation to be adapted flexibly. In any case, you'll see me wearing Prolimit SUP clothing on the lake. I'm already looking forward to the beautiful autumn atmosphere on the water.
Header photo: Stefan Munsch
Siri Schubert
Senior Editor
Siri.Schubert@digitecgalaxus.chResearch diver, outdoor guide and SUP instructor – I love being in, on and around water. Lakes, rivers and the ocean are my playgrounds. For a change of perspective, I look at the world from above while trail running or flying drones.
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