In the bow of our double kayak, I generally wear a loose short-sleeve silk shirt with a collar and buttons in front. I get them in thrift stores for $2.00. They weigh 2 1/2 ounces, dry quickly, and seem to have a "self-cleaning" property. I never have to carry wet ones around because they dry so quickly, often on me. Over this I often wear the lightest loosest nylon anorak with a hood that I can find in the thrift store ($4.00). This is great for sun and insects and a little extra warmth. I don't care about a little splash - it dries right away. If I am getting a lot of water over the bow - and the bow of our kayak can be a really wet ride - I wear a zip front NRS paddling jacket. I can't do a trip like the EC without a zip front paddle jacket because I thing cooling off can be as important as keeping warm. Heat rashes can be terrible.
Below my spray skirt, if it is not too cold, I usually wear nothing. That way I don't get a rash from wet clothing and don't have wet clothing to dry. If it is cold, I'll wear cheap Bass Pro waterproof pants ($30.00). For gloves, I like the Walmart or BassPro fishing gloves ($3.00). I always paddle in bare feet, regardless of the temperature.
Now, I also have a long foam pad over the bottom of the kayak extending from the seat back to beyond the foot pegs. This gives me insulation and prevents blisters on the backs of my heels. The insulation, paddling continually, and good spray covers to built up some body heat keep me warm but not too hot. I can't recall ever being cold in the boat.
It's a different story the second I get out. Then, I have a fleece zip front jacket, and wind-proof pants and jacket in a sturdy small waterproof bag that I use as my thigh support. (That's all thrift store stuff.) That stuff has to go on quickly.
I've tried all the other fabrics, but I prefer silk and nylon worn loosely. It dries quicker than the other fabrics, is comfortable if worn loose, and is easily available in thrift stores.
NRS is wonderful for paddling jackets. If the zippers or coatings go bad, their customer service department replaces them right away.
the happy naked dance!!
