Top Kayak Swimwear Brands in USA that Will Keep You Comfortable and Protected on the Water

Introduction

Kayaking is a great way to get outside and enjoy nature while getting some exercise. When kayaking, it’s important to wear the right gear to ensure you’re comfortable and protected. While most kayakers focus on their footwear or life jackets, many forget about the importance of wearing the right swimwear. Wearing the right swimwear can make your kayaking experience more comfortable and enjoyable.

In the USA, there are many swimwear brands to choose from, but not all of them are created equal. In this post, we will discuss the top kayak swimwear brands in the USA and give you tips on how to choose the right swimwear for your needs.

Criteria for Choosing the Top Kayak Swimwear Brands

When it comes to choosing the top kayak swimwear brands, there are several factors to consider. Here are some of the main criteria that we used to choose the top brands:

Comfort and fit: A good kayak swimwear brand should offer suits that fit well and feel comfortable, even during longer paddling sessions.
Durability and quality of material: Kayaking can be tough on swimwear, so it’s important to choose a brand that offers durable, high-quality materials that can withstand the wear and tear of paddling.
Sun protection: Spending extended periods of time on the water means prolonged sun exposure. Therefore, it’s important to choose a brand that offers sun-protective swimwear to safeguard against the sun’s harmful UV rays.
Quick-drying fabric: Another important factor to consider in choosing kayak swimwear is the speed at which it dries. Wet clothes can be uncomfortable and heavy, making it difficult to paddle efficiently. Therefore, quick-drying swimwear can be a game-changer for any kayaker.
Affordability: Finally, price is a factor that must be considered when choosing a kayak swimwear brand. Top brands can often come with a higher price tag, but it’s essential to balance quality with affordability.

Top Kayak Swimwear Brands in the USA

After analyzing and putting the above criteria into consideration, the following are the top kayak swimwear brands in the USA today:

NRS

NRS is a premium brand that offers high-quality swimwear suitable for the demanding requirements of kayaking. The brand provides a range of wetsuits, shorts, and rash guards suitable for men and women designed for comfort and durability.

Comfortable and Secure Fit
Durable Material that can withstand wear and tear
Excellent Sun Protection
Fast-Drying Material
Moderately Priced

Kokatat

Kokatat is another well-known brand in the kayaking world. They provide high-quality, durable, and comfortable kayak swimwear made from high-grade materials, such as neoprene, nylon, cotton, and Gore-Tex. Their suits offer excellent sun protection and can withstand harsh kayaking conditions.

Comfortable and Durable Material
Maximum Sun Protection
Fast-Drying Material
Pricer compared to other brands

Patagonia

Patagonia is a prominent outdoor clothing brand. They offer a range of swimwear suitable for kayaking. Their products are made from high-quality, eco-friendly materials, designed to provide comfort and maximum sun protection, and their suits are perfect for those looking for a brand that prioritizes environmental consciousness.

Comfortable and Durable Material
Maximum Sun Protection
Fast-Drying Material
Sightly higher in price

Tips for Choosing the Right Kayak Swimwear

Here are some tips to help you choose the right kayak swimwear for your needs:

Consider the temperature and weather conditions: Choose the appropriate swimwear depending on the conditions you will be kayaking in. Wetsuits and full-sleeve rashguards are ideal in colder temperatures, while short-sleeve rashguards and board shorts are great for hotter conditions.
Choose a suit that fits well and feels comfortable: Having a suit that is too tight or too loose can affect your movement and freedom, making kayaking more difficult. Choose a suit that fits well and feels comfortable during paddling and other movements.
Choose a suit that offers sun protection: Kayaking is an activity performed mostly under the sun; thus, it is essential to choose a suit that offers maximum sun protection to keep you safe from harmful UV rays. Look for suits with a high UPF rating and wide coverage on your arms, legs, and neck.
Look for a suit with quick-drying fabric: Paddling can be wet, and having wet clothes can be uncomfortable, leading to a slower and less enjoyable kayaking experience. Therefore, you must look for a suit with materials that dry quickly, ensuring you stay comfortable and dry.
Consider your budget: Top brands often come with a higher price tag. Therefore, it is essential to find the right balance between affordability and quality when choosing the ideal kayak swimwear for your needs.

FAQ

What material should I look for in a kayak swimwear?

Look for swimwear made of quick-drying and durable materials like nylon, polyester, or spandex blends.

How important is sun protection in kayak swimwear?

Sun protection is essential; choose a suit that has UPF protection.

Can I wear regular swimwear for kayaking?

While you can wear regular swimwear, it’s recommended to choose swimwear specifically designed for kayaking.

How can I ensure a comfortable fit?

Check the sizing chart and read reviews from other customers to ensure a comfortable fit.

What’s the best way to care for my kayak swimwear?

Follow the care instructions on the label, rinse after each use, and avoid using bleach or fabric softeners.

What should I consider when buying a kayak swimwear for cold water?

Look for suits made of thicker material and with added insulation to keep you warm.

Can I wear a wetsuit for kayaking?

Yes, you can wear a wetsuit for kayaking, especially in colder weather.

How much should I expect to spend on kayak swimwear?

Prices vary depending on the brand and features, but expect to spend between $50 and $200.

Can men and women wear the same kayak swimwear?

Some brands offer unisex options, while others have men’s and women’s specific styles.

Should my kayak swimwear be tight or loose?

Your kayak swimwear should fit snugly but not be too tight or restrictive.

Real experience

As soon as Jane got her shiny new kayak, she knew she had to get a proper swimwear to wear while she paddled through the tranquil waters of her local river. With so many options to choose from, she scoured the internet to find the perfect swimwear that ticked all the right boxes – one that was comfortable, made of durable material, and helped to block the sun’s harsh rays.

After some research, she narrowed it down to three brands: NRS, Kokatat, and Patagonia. She carefully selected a few of her favorites from each brand and ordered them online. When they arrived, she eagerly tried them on and tested each one out on the water.

The NRS swimwear was the most comfortable and had the perfect amount of stretch, allowing her unrestricted movement while she paddled. The Kokatat swimwear was the most durable and felt sturdy enough to last her for years. The Patagonia swimwear had the best sun protection with its UPF 50+ rating, giving her peace of mind while under the sun.

After much consideration, Jane decided to keep the NRS swimwear as her go-to choice for kayaking. It fit her snugly without feeling too tight, dried quickly after getting wet, and helped her stay cool even on the hottest of days. She loved it so much that she even recommended it to her kayaking buddies.

With her new swimwear in tow, Jane could now focus on enjoying her kayaking adventures and taking in the serene beauty of the river.

Conclusion

When it comes to kayaking, choosing the right swimwear can make all the difference in ensuring that you have a comfortable and enjoyable experience on the water. The above-listed brands are among the top kayak swimwear brands in the USA, offering a range of suits designed for all kayaking conditions, including durability, sun protection, and fast-drying fabrics. Therefore, it is essential to consider your budget, the weather conditions, comfort, and other factors when choosing a suit suitable for kayaking.

By keeping the above tips in mind, you can make an informed decision that will help you stay comfortable, safe and get the most out of your time kayaking. Whether you are paddling for fun, fitness, or on an adventure, choosing the right swimwear will ensure that you are comfortable and protected while on the water.