What to Wear Kayaking in Sydney

Dress for the Water, Not the Weather

The golden rule of kayaking clothing: you will get at least a little wet. It might be a splash from your paddle, spray from a passing ferry's wake, or your own enthusiastic paddling technique. Either way — dress for getting damp and you'll be comfortable all paddle long.

The good news? You don't need specialised kayaking gear. Most people already own everything they need for a comfortable paddle on Sydney Harbour. Here's your complete guide for what to wear kayaking in every season.

General Clothing Guidelines

What to Wear

• Quick-dry shorts or leggings — synthetic fabrics that dry fast and don't get heavy when wet. Board shorts, athletic leggings or quick-dry hiking shorts all work perfectly
• Moisture-wicking top — a rashie (rash vest), sports top or synthetic t-shirt. Long-sleeve rashies provide extra sun protection, which is valuable in Sydney's intense UV
• Shoes that can get wet — old sneakers, water shoes or sport sandals with a heel strap. You'll be walking on sand and rocks at the launch point, and your feet will get wet
• Hat with a chin strap — essential in Sydney's sun. Wide-brim hats work but can catch wind; a cap with a strap is the most practical option
• Sunglasses with a retaining strap — so they stay on your face during paddling

What NOT to Wear

• Cotton — gets heavy, cold and uncomfortable when wet. Cotton t-shirts and jeans are the biggest mistakes we see
• Jeans or denim — incredibly uncomfortable when damp and take forever to dry
• Heavy boots or leather shoes — they'll get wet, they'll be ruined, and they're hard to swim in
• Anything precious — if you'd be upset about it getting splashed, leave it in the car
• Dangling jewellery — necklaces and bracelets can catch on paddles and equipment

Season-by-Season Clothing Guide

Summer (December – February)

Sydney summers are hot and sunny. The water temperature sits around 22–24°C, so even if you get soaked, you'll stay comfortable.

What to wear:

• Swimwear or board shorts as your base layer
• A light rashie or sports top (long-sleeve for sun protection)
• Waterproof SPF 50+ sunscreen — apply generously 20 minutes before launch, then reapply
• Light, breathable fabrics in light colours

Summer tips:

• Our sunrise tours start before dawn when it's cooler — bring a thin layer for the first 30 minutes
• Afternoon sea breezes can feel cool on wet skin — morning paddles are warmest
• UV levels in Sydney summer can exceed 14 — treat sun protection as essential, not optional

Autumn (March – May)

Autumn offers the most comfortable paddling conditions in Sydney. Air temperatures are mild (18–25°C), water stays warm, and there's often barely a breath of wind.

What to wear:

• Light layers you can peel off as you warm up from paddling
• A long-sleeve rashie or light synthetic jacket
• Quick-dry shorts or leggings
• A thin windproof layer is useful for early morning starts

Autumn tips:

• Conditions are often so calm that you barely get wet at all
• March and April mornings are warm enough for summer-weight clothing
• May mornings can be cool — dress for the coolest part of your paddle

Winter (June – August)

Winter kayaking in Sydney is more popular than you'd think. The air temperature drops to 10–18°C, but the water stays surprisingly mild at 16–18°C. The key challenge is cold air on wet skin, especially during sunrise tours that start before dawn.

What to wear:

• Thermal base layer — a merino wool or synthetic thermal top provides warmth even when damp
• Windproof outer layer — a light windbreaker or spray jacket keeps cold air off your chest
• Quick-dry leggings or pants — full-length coverage keeps your legs warm
• Beanie — invaluable for early morning starts when it's 10°C
• Light gloves — neoprene paddling gloves or thin running gloves keep your hands warm on the paddle grip

Winter tips:

• The water is warmer than the air — if you fall in (rare), you'll actually feel warmer in the water than out of it
• Layer up so you can remove clothing as you warm up from paddling
• Post-paddle, change into dry clothes immediately — standing around in damp layers in winter is when you'll feel cold
• Read our best time of year guide for more winter paddling tips

Spring (September – November)

Spring is transitional — mornings start cool but warm rapidly as the sun rises. Layering is your best strategy.

What to wear:

• Similar to autumn gear — light layers that can be removed
• A rashie or sports top with a light jacket for the first 30 minutes
• Quick-dry shorts (October/November) or leggings (September)
• A thin rain jacket if there's any chance of spring showers

Spring tips:

• September mornings feel like late winter — dress warmly
• By November, you're essentially in summer conditions
• Wind can be variable in spring — a windproof layer gives you flexibility

What We Provide

All guided tours and self-guided kayak hire include:

• Life jacket — fitted to your size, mandatory on the water
• Kayak — stable sit-on-top design, comfortable for all body types
• Paddle — adjustable to your height
• Safety briefing — including what to do if you get wet (spoiler: you dry off)

You just need to bring yourself and appropriate clothing.

Sun Protection Is Non-Negotiable

This deserves its own section because Sydney UV levels are genuinely dangerous, even in winter. Key facts:

• UV index regularly exceeds 11 in summer — extreme by global standards
• Water reflects UV radiation, effectively doubling your exposure on the harbour
• Apply waterproof SPF 50+ sunscreen at least 20 minutes before launching
• Reapply if your paddle is longer than 90 minutes
• Cover up with a long-sleeve rashie, hat and sunglasses
• Check UV levels on the Bureau of Meteorology website before heading out

Sunburn on the water happens faster than you expect. Protect yourself every paddle, every season.

What About a Wetsuit?

You almost never need a wetsuit for kayaking on Sydney Harbour. The water temperature rarely drops below 16°C, and you're sitting on top of the kayak, not in the water. Proper layering with synthetic or merino fabrics keeps you comfortable in every season.

Ready to Paddle?

Now that you know what to wear, the only thing left is to get on the water.

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