Dinghy Sailing: What to Wear to Stay Comfortable and Protected in the Water
Dinghy sailing is a very popular sport that people enjoy doing all year round in all kinds of weather scenarios. This raises several questions about what to wear.
Whether you're a seasoned sailor or a newbie getting into a dinghy for the first time, knowing what to wear for dinghy sailing is important for both comfort and safety. The right sailing clothing will not only offer protection from the elements but will also improve your performance and ensure that you have a pleasant experience. Let's take a look at the essential sailing apparel every dinghy sailor should have.
Sailing Wetsuit
Chances are you'll get wet while out on the ocean. Even if you don't overturn or fall in, waves and spray are common. And you can also feel cold even in the height of summer. So, a wetsuit is an essential sailing clothing piece to have.
Wetsuits are designed to trap a small amount of water between the wearer and the suit. The body heat then heats this layer of water, keeping the sailor warm. Since dinghy sailing necessitates movement on the part of the sailor, usually at a rapid pace, these suits are composed of incredibly soft and ultra-stretch materials that provide flexibility and maneuverability.
Wearing a full-length wetsuit with thicker neoprene is the best option when it is freezing outside. A sleeveless wetsuit or long john is a popular option when the temperature rises since they are made of thinner neoprene, which keeps you cool and gives you greater mobility.
Drysuits
During the winter, even the most hardcore dinghy sailors will opt to use a dry suit to protect themselves from the cold, wind, and rain. A drysuit is designed to fit more loosely and allows the wear to layer up with insulating base layers, keeping them fully dry and preventing water from entering. Even though drysuits are designed with comfort and mobility in mind, they're still more restricting than wetsuits, so you'll need to balance maneuverability and warmth.
Buoyancy Aid
You should always wear a buoyancy aid - regardless of your level of sailing experience. Sailing clubs generally insist on sailors wearing one so that if they fall overboard, they can stay afloat.
If you're learning with a sailing school, they will probably provide you with one. But as you start to sail on your own, you'll need to buy a buoyancy aid. All buoyancy aids are tested to provide 50N of buoyancy, so anyone you choose, even a low-cost one, will suffice. However, if you'll be using it frequently, you should consider investing a little more in higher-quality material, more adjustments, reflective piping, and pockets.
Tops and Smocks
Smocks and tops are helpful for dinghy sailing all year round. To keep the spray off or avoid wind chill in the summer, a top that is breathable, windproof, and waterproof is a perfect addition to a t-shirt. It can be worn as an extra layer of protection over a wetsuit on colder days.
With the wind keeping you cool out on the water, it's easy to forget that you're still exposed to the sun's dangerous UV rays. So, when it's sunny, a lightweight UV top or rash vest can be a great outwear choice.
Neoprene Boots
In dinghy sailing, neoprene boots play two important functions: One is to keep your toes warm and the other is to provide traction on a slippery surface while protecting against a variety of things to stub your toes on!
Different types of boots are available on the market and understanding their differences will help you choose the best one for your needs.
Hiking Boots
Laser boats require a lot of hiking, so a pair of hiking boots can be beneficial in this case. These boots offer increased support on the upper foot area and assist in better distributing the stress of your weight, making them more comfortable to hike in. However, the reinforcement on the upper foot area does result in decreased flexibility, so bear that in mind.
Skiff Boots
These boots are ideal for skiff sailing. Their lightweight and flexibility allow the foot to mold over the edge of the boat, allowing for more contact with the surface and offering a better grip. Boots with split toes also offer these features.
General Boots
For individuals who like dinghy sailing in a variety of methods, these boots are an excellent choice. They may incorporate some of the characteristics of the first two designs mentioned above, depending on the model you select.
Boots designed for sailing dinghy come in different thicknesses. For winter boots, you will require 5mm or more neoprene, which is thicker and warmer, whereas summer boots just need 2-3mm. There are other ways to fasten them, such as zip, velcro, and lace; select the one you think will fit you the best.
If you are on the water frequently, you should think about making an investment in a high-quality boot because the demanding performance requirements of dinghy sailing typically call for a more lasting boot. Certain boots feature protective rubber uppers for better grip on the toe straps, as well as rubber bottoms, toes, and heels for increased longevity.
Sailing Gloves
Sailing and dinghy can be quite tough on your hands. This translates to rope burns and blisters, not to mention how the cold affects your fingers. Ideally, you want a robust and insulating glove to protect your hands while you're out on the water. But it should also be lightweight enough not to limit your range of motion for chores that require a little more dexterity.
Polarised Sailing Sunglasses
When sailing on a sunny day, you'll want to make sure your eyes are properly covered. No, wearing your average pair of sunglasses won't do. Water glare, severe winds, and a lack of shade call for special sailing sunglasses.
A wide range of sunglasses designed for sailing is available on the market. In addition to choosing a style that you like, consider choosing a model with polarised lenses. This type of lens will lessen reflected glare from the surrounding water, keeping you from getting blinded while sailing. It's also smart to ensure that your sunglasses have buoyant features!
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