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Essential Gear for Cold Weather Paddling

Name: Level Six Canoe/SUP Pogies
Brand: Level Six
SKU: 677988043710
Price: 59.95 CAD
Availability: InStock

Hey there, Simon here from AQ Outdoors. Let’s talk about getting ready for spring paddling and time on the water when temperatures are still hanging on to winter.

At AQ Outdoors, our season never really ends. There are folks paddling the Kananaskis River year-round—yes, even down to minus eight or minus 10 degrees. The key isn’t bravado. It’s preparation. We dress for comfort and for safety, so that if we do end up in the water for an unexpected swim, we’re not suddenly facing the very real risks of cold-water immersion, because that can sneak up on you quickly.

Let’s break down how to gear up properly.

Navagate To:

Layering Components

The Base System
Foot Protection
Safety Gear

Gloves or Pogies?

Gloves
Pogies

Cold Weather Paddling Tips

Layering for Cold-Water Comfort and Safety

When I’m dressing for colder temperatures and longer days on the water, I’m thinking about one thing: layers.

The Base System

For my first layer, I wear a fleece onesie that’s relatively thick. On my upper body, I’ll add a base layer. On my feet, ski socks. That’s my foundation.

Over top of that goes the dry suit. That’s your primary line of defence against cold-water immersion. But we don’t stop there.

Protecting Your Feet

Dry suit socks are great, but they’re not invincible. Over those, I wear thin neoprene socks.

Why?

A: Extra thermal protection.
B: Protecting the dry suit socks from wear and tear.

Then I top it off with a solid pair of burly river shoes. If I end up standing in the water during a rescue—or for any length of time at all—I want to give my toes their best possible chance of staying warm.

Cold feet can ruin a day. Frozen toes can ruin more than that.

Built-In Insulation: Safety Gear

There are a few pieces of gear that quietly add insulation while doing their primary job.

Spray Skirt and PFD

A neoprene spray skirt adds a surprising amount of warmth. The tunnel that comes up around your torso creates another insulating layer.

Your PFD? Same deal. It’s not just for flotation, it’s also extra insulation around your core.

Head and Helmet

For my head, I wear a neoprene hood—just a half-cut one that covers the ears. Then I also wear a thick whitewater helmet with plenty of foam that offers natural insulation. Simple and effective solutions.

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Gloves or Pogies? Let’s Talk Hands

For years, I didn’t wear gloves. I just toughed it out. These days? I’m perfectly happy admitting gloves are a very good idea.

Waterproof Gloves

Right now, I’ve got NRS Maxim gloves. They are thick, waterproof, built for very cold water and they’re excellent for warmth.

The trade-off? You lose some feel on the paddle shaft. Some paddlers really don’t like that reduced sensitivity.

Pogies

An increasingly favourite option of mine is pogies.

Pogies attach to your paddle and create a neoprene sleeve that you slide your hands into. The benefit? You still grip the paddle directly—no bulky barrier in between.

They may not offer quite as much thermal protection as thick gloves or mitts, but they take the edge off the wind and keep most of the splash off your hands. For many paddlers, that balance of warmth and paddle feel is just right.

As always, your choice depends on the water temperature and the conditions that day.

$59.95

Shipping calculated at checkout.

The Level Six Canoe/SUP Pogies are specifically designed for holding a canoe or SUP paddle. These pogies are low profile, comfortable, and easy to put on and take off. They are constructed with our 2.5mm micro plush lined neoprene that makes them soft and supple. The Level Six Canoe/SUP Pogies are a great way to keep your hands warm and add to your paddling experience.

Features

Hole cut for the paddle
Pull tab at wrist base
Polyester-faced neoprene
Blind stitched and glued seams
Wide mouth opening to get your hands in and out easily
2 mm neoprene

Sizing

Size	Width (around)	Length
S/M	6-7.5" (15-19 cm)	6.5-7.5" (16.5-19 cm)
L/XL	7.5-9" (19-23 cm)	7.5-8.5" (19-21.5 cm)
XXL	9-10.5" (23-27 cm)	8.5-9.5" (21.5-24 cm)

Comfort, Mobility, and Smart Decision-Making

When dressing for cold-water paddling, the goal is to:

Stay comfortable with full freedom of movement.
You don’t want to feel claustrophobic or restricted in your rotation. That impacts performance—and enjoyment.
Be realistic about the consequences of a swim.
Cold water changes the equation.

Early in the season, when the water is cold and you might be a little rusty, stick to runs you’re very comfortable with. Lower the likelihood of a swim.

As the water warms up and your strength and confidence build, progress gradually through the grades. By mid- to late summer, you’ll be firing on all cylinders and ready to push into more challenging whitewater.

There’s no rush. The river will still be there.

Ready to paddle in cold weather

That’s the long and short of it—how we think about dressing for cold whitewater paddling at AQ Outdoors, whether it’s chilly air, icy water, or both.

If you have any questions, or can't find something you're looking for, feel free to pop by our Calgary or Edmonton location. We are always happy to help and chat with you about all of your paddling needs.

See you on the water!