What to wear

At the beginning most people do not have a set of specialist paddling gear. This can be bought as you interest in the sport develops and your purse allows.

You need to avoid cotton and denim clothes as you will get wet and these materials hold the water and make you cold. Manmade fibres and wool are the materials of choice At a minimum you need a warm top, trousers and pair of old thin trainers that you don’t mind getting wet, together with a cheap nylon cag to keep the wind off.

• If you have a pair of neoprene or plastic beach shoes they will be fine
• If you have a wet suit, that’s fine but you still need a cag for the wind. However Long John type wet suits without arms are best for paddling

• Most importantly, bring a towel and a change of clothes as you will probably get wet.