What to look for when choosing your watersports kit

There’s nothing like that exhilarating feeling of being on the water, but it’s crucial to have the right equipment to keep you safe. With so many options to choose from, it’s important to get the right kit for you. Not sure where to begin? We asked Doug, a Senior Instructor at Calshot and lover of all things watersports, for his advice on the essentials and what to look for.

What to look for in a wetsuit

Wetsuits are essential for keeping you warm while you’re on the water. The water temperature fluctuates throughout the year, so the thickness of the wetsuit is the first thing you’ll need to consider. When looking at wetsuits, you’ll often see they’re categorised by two numbers, like 4/3mm. The first number refers to the thickness of the wetsuit around your torso, and the second number refers to the thickness around your arms and legs. If you’re planning to be on the water in colder months, you might choose to go for a long 5/4mm wetsuit, while in the summer you might prefer a 2mm “shorty”. If you’re looking to buy one, a 3/2mm or 4/3mm wetsuit is a great option for most of the year here in the UK.

The next thing to think about is making sure your wetsuit fits you properly. Your wetsuit should fit closely, so trying it on before you buy it is really important. The thickness of the wetsuit can affect how it fits, so be aware that your summer and winter wetsuits might need to be different sizes.

What to look for in a personal floatation device

Personal floatation devices (PFDs) like buoyancy aids are essential for water safety, even if your activity doesn’t involve being in the water or you don’t anticipate falling in. All PFDs sold in the UK must be approved by the International Standards Organisation or have CE certification, so keep an eye out for that if you’re buying one. Buoyancy aids are measured in newtons (N), which is a measurement of force. Usually, buoyancy aids are between 50N-70N, which is ideal for watersports and helps keep you afloat when in the water without being unnecessarily bulky.

When choosing a buoyancy aid, consider what activities you’ll be using it for. If you’re doing a paddlesport, go for a PFD that’s cut away around the shoulders and arms to allow for more movement. If you’re windsurfing or wingsurfing, opt for a close-fitting PFD so it doesn’t get in your way. Some buoyancy aids also have high-impact protection for higher speed sports.

What to look for in protective gear

Depending on what you’re doing, you might need a helmet or aqua shoes. Depending on what you’re doing, you might need a helmet or aqua shoes. Helmets aren’t necessary for all watersports, but they offer important protection for high-speed activities where you might collide with your rig. The key thing when choosing a helmet is that it fits well and is comfortable – if it’s not comfortable, you won’t wear it! Make sure your helmet is specifically designed for watersports as they’re designed to drain water and to resist damage from saltwater and UV rays.

A lot of beaches have stones and shells, so aqua shoes or boots will offer your feet a bit of protection getting into the water. While trainers do offer some protection, they won’t keep your feet warm. If you’re doing an activity that involves foot straps, like windsurfing or winging, avoid shoes with extra rubber on the sides and soles as you might lose feeling, so consider thinner boots.