The single biggest thing that decides whether a first paddle is a great memory or a chilly, uncomfortable one is not your paddling skill. It is what you wore. The Santa Cruz coast is cool almost year round, the water stays cold through the summer, and a little spray goes a long way when you are sitting low on the water. The good news is that dressing right is simple once you know the rules, and we hand you the core gear when you arrive.
Here is exactly what to wear kayaking and what to bring for a trip out of our Santa Cruz Harbor or Elkhorn Slough locations, whether you are renting on your own or joining a guided tour.
Dress for the water, not the forecast
The most useful habit to build is dressing for the water temperature instead of the air temperature. Monterey Bay water sits in the low to mid 50s Fahrenheit through much of the year, and it does not warm up the way inland lakes do. Even on a bright, still afternoon, a splash across your lap or a hand dipped in the water is a quick reminder that the bay is cold.
That is why we tell every first-timer the same thing: plan to get a little wet, and dress so that a little wet is no problem. If you would be miserable stepping into a cold pool in what you are wearing, change before you launch.
Layering keeps you comfortable
Layering is the key to staying comfortable on the water, because conditions shift as you paddle. Mornings tend to be calm and overcast, the marine layer often burns off midday, and wind can pick up in the afternoon. Build your outfit so you can adjust.
Start with a base layer of synthetic fabric or wool, never cotton. Cotton soaks up water, holds it against your skin, and pulls heat out of you as it dries. A snug synthetic shirt or a light wool top is a far better first layer.
One material to avoid completely is denim. Jeans are the worst possible thing to paddle in. They turn heavy the moment they get wet, they are uncomfortable to sit and move in, and they take forever to dry. Reach for quick-drying synthetic pants, board shorts, or leggings instead.
For the middle layer, fleece is your best friend. It keeps you warm even when it is damp, dries quickly, and weighs almost nothing, which makes it close to ideal out on the water. Add a fleece over your base layer, then finish with a windbreaker or a splash jacket that cuts the breeze. On calmer, brighter days you can peel back down to your base layer, and on cooler mornings you will be glad you brought the extra warmth.
You do not need any specialized gear to enjoy a paddle. Most first-timers stay perfectly comfortable in synthetic layers topped with a splash jacket, so focus on staying warm and dry rather than tracking down special equipment.
What to put on your feet
Bare feet and flip-flops are the two most common footwear mistakes we see. You want something that stays on your feet, protects them from rocks at the launch, and does not mind getting wet.
Closed-toe shoes matter for another reason too. Our closed-deck kayaks have rudder cables and foot pedals running along the inside of the hull, and a solid pair of shoes protects your feet and toes as you brace against the pedals and steer.
Neoprene booties are the ideal choice and keep your feet warm in cold water. If you do not have them, closed-toe water shoes or an old pair of sneakers you do not mind soaking will work fine. The goal is traction and protection as you step in and out of the boat, plus a little warmth. Skip anything that slips off easily, because the launch is exactly where a loose sandal disappears.
Do not forget your hands
Hands take a surprising amount of wear on the water, and they are easy to overlook. A pair of paddling gloves solves three problems at once. They keep the paddle shaft from raising calluses on a longer trip, they shield the backs of your hands from the sun that reflects up off the water, and they keep your fingers from getting so cold that gripping the paddle turns painful. We sell paddling gloves at our shop, so if you forget yours or do not own a pair, you can pick some up before you launch.
Sun protection, even when it is gray
Coastal light is deceiving. Even under an overcast sky, sun reflects off the surface of the water and reaches you from below as well as above, so it is easy to come home surprised by a burn. Foggy, gray mornings are the biggest trap, because the flat light convinces you that you do not need protection. A quick habit that helps is checking a UV index app on your phone before you launch. It tells you how much sun is actually coming through the fog, which is often far more than it looks. Pack sunscreen and reapply it, since paddling and spray wear it off faster than you expect. A hat with a brim and a pair of sunglasses with a retainer strap round out the kit. The strap matters more than it sounds, because sunglasses that fall in do not come back.
What to bring with you
Beyond what you wear, a few small items make the trip smoother:
A dry bag is the one accessory worth borrowing or buying. It keeps your phone, keys, and an extra layer dry no matter how much spray comes over the bow.
Water is easy to forget and easy to underestimate. The effort of paddling plus the salt air adds up, and it is smart to bring more than you think you need in a container that can take a splash.
A small snack is a nice touch on longer trips, especially if you are bringing kids.
A change of clothes left in the car is the finishing move. Dry layers and warm socks waiting for you at the end of a paddle turn a good day into a great one.
Leave behind anything you would hate to lose in the water, and keep valuables to a minimum.
What we provide, so you do not have to
You do not need to arrive with a boat full of gear. Every rental and guided tour comes with the essentials: your kayak or paddleboard, a paddle, a properly fitted life jacket, and a spray skirt where appropriate. Our staff will get you sized and set up before you launch and walk you through the basics if it is your first time.
We also keep splash jackets and splash pants on hand and are happy to lend them out on request. If you would like an extra layer against the spray on a cool morning, just ask when you check in.
That means your job is simple. Show up dressed in layers you can move in, wear shoes that can get wet, and bring the small extras above. We handle the rest.
A few notes by location and activity
At the Santa Cruz Harbor, you can rent kayaks or stand-up paddleboards, and the protected harbor water is a friendly place to learn. If paddleboarding is your plan, aim for a morning launch. The water is usually calmest early in the day, which makes balancing far easier before the afternoon wind arrives. Standing up means you feel the breeze more than a seated kayaker does, so calm conditions are your friend.
At Elkhorn Slough in Moss Landing, we offer kayaks, and the calm, sheltered water is one of the best wildlife paddles in California. You will likely share the channel with sea otters rafted together, harbor seals lounging on the banks, and shorebirds working the mudflats. The same clothing rules apply, and because the slough is quiet and shaded in places, layers keep you comfortable the whole way.
Ready to get on the water
Dressing for a paddle really does come down to a few simple choices: layer with synthetic or wool, wear shoes that can get wet, protect yourself from the sun, and bring a dry bag with water and a warm change of clothes waiting in the car. Do that, and the cold water and coastal breeze become part of the fun instead of a surprise.
When you are ready, book your kayak or paddleboard rental or guided tour at our Santa Cruz Harbor or Elkhorn Slough location. Come dressed and ready, and we will take care of the rest.
