"What Should I Wear as a New Boater?"
27/01/2026
Wear the Right Clothing
Choosing the correct clothing is a very important part of boating. Being comfortable and warm in the winter or cool in the summer is essential. Not only does it ensure you can operate in the ever-changing conditions you might find yourself, it will also help you to concentrate on the task in hand.
Layers are the key to keeping warm in the winter. Layers are made up of Base Layers (Wicking), Mid-Layers (Insulating) and Outer Layers (Shielding).
Think of the onion effect, where you add a layer to trap heat or remove a layer to expel excess heat. 'Top Tip', try to remove a layer before you start sweating and add a layer before you start shivering. Keeping dry is the key to keeping warm. Hats, gloves and scarves are also good ways to keep those exposed areas warm.
The opposite is true for those warmer months, where ventilation and evaporation ensure you maintain the correct core temperature. A lightweight full-length top and a pair of quick dry trousers will ensure you are protected from the wind and sun, but also allow for quick drying as your temperature increases through activity.
Footwear needs to be sturdy and supportive, but flexible enough to move around narrow or small spaces. Trainers are generally suitable, but do remember that they are likely to get wet, so ensure you have something suitable for evenings or downtime.
Finally, a Windproof/Waterproof layer (available and issued for all of our training courses, dependent on weather) will ensure that your clothing remains dry.
For more information go to our "10 Essentials for RYA Competent Crew" page.
