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Equipment and Clothing Tips

Most people dress seasonally, i.e. waterproof pants, hat, and a long sleeve shirt over a short sleeve one in the winter/rainy season and short sleeve shirt and shorts or lighter pants in summer/non-rainy season

Layer, layer, layer! At most winter/rainy practices, you will start out cold and end up hot. You will want to have a few layers on so you can pare down throughout practice. This is especially important if your body temperature usually “runs cold.”

Choose synthetic fibers that wick away moisture. Water conducts heat away from the body 25 times faster than air because it has a greater density, therefore a greater heat capacity. So here's a tip for practices in the cold: wear a fabric that moves moisture away from your body (polyester) and not ones that loses insulation when it gets wet (cotton).

Shoes are definitely a personal preference. Some paddlers wear sneakers, some wear sandals, some wear flip-flops and some purchase rafting shoes. After the first couple of practices, you should have a better idea of what works for you.

Gloves are worn by many. Gardeners gloves (thin, with a grip) are a favorite, as are neoprene gloves. A lot of people cut off the fingers of their gloves. Again, this is a personal preference and gloves are not required.

Once the sun starts coming out (hard to imagine now!), you may want to have a hat or sunglasses as well as sunscreen. Some paddlers prefer not to paddle with a hat. As time goes on, you’ll figure out what works for you.

Please don’t feel pressured to buy a paddle immediately. Paddles and lifejackets are made available for use during practices through Dragon Sports USA. Also, ask to borrow paddles to get a feel for the length you think you’ll need. Keep in mind, that as your technique improves, you may need a different length of paddle.

A “butt pad” is used by many to help grip the seat of the boat. Some people use a mousepad, garden kneeler, or rug grip/cabinet liners for this purpose.

A team dry bag is available for incidentals such as keys and wallets during every practice.. If you plan on carrying additional items on the boat, you may want to purchase your own dry bag.

If you have long hair, you may want to tie it back.

You may also want to bring an extra change of clothes and a towel to keep in your car after practice. Some practices will leave you wetter than others.

Dressing for practice and figuring out what works for you during the different seasons will be a learning experience. Give it time and experiment.

What Should I Bring To Practice?

Great attitude. You will get wet. It’s a water sport.

Coast Guard approved PFD (Personal Floatation Device)/Lifejacket. (If you don't have one, one will be provided.)

Paddle (If you have one. If not, one will be provided.)

Water (plastic bottle with lid tight enough to keep out the yummy Willamette water)

Sunglasses or hat

Sunscreen

Gloves (if desired)

Water

Sweatshirt or jacket (when needed)

Butt pad (if desired)

Did we mention water?

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