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What To Wear Under A Wetsuit for Kayaking: The 2025 Complete Guide

By: Dave Samuel
Updated On: July 30, 2025

I'll never forget the morning I learned the hard way about what to wear under a wetsuit. Picture this: 6 AM at Lake Travis, Texas. Air temp: 45°F. Water temp: 58°F. Me: standing in the parking lot in nothing but board shorts, trying to wrestle into a brand new 3/2mm wetsuit while a group of seasoned paddlers watched with barely concealed amusement.

Twenty minutes and several pulled muscles later, I finally squeezed into that neoprene torture device. But here's where it got worse – halfway through our winter kayaking session, the chafing started. Under my arms. Behind my knees. Places I didn't even know could chafe. By the time we finished our 10-mile paddle, I looked like I'd been attacked by an angry cheese grater.

That painful lesson taught me something crucial: what you wear under your wetsuit matters just as much as the wetsuit itself – especially when you're kayaking.

The Quick Answer: What Should Kayakers Wear Under a Wetsuit?

Here's what works best for most paddlers:

For Men:

  • Fitted swim briefs or jammers (not board shorts)
  • Compression shorts or cycling shorts
  • Rash guard top (short or long sleeve)
  • For cold water: thin thermal layers

For Women:

  • One-piece swimsuit or sports bikini (no ties or underwires)
  • Compression shorts or swim shorts
  • Rash guard top
  • Sports bra for extra support
  • For cold water: thermal underlayers

The Commando Option: Yes, some kayakers wear nothing. It's technically the "warmest" option since there's no barrier between your skin and the wetsuit's insulating properties. But unless you're changing in private or have ninja-level towel skills, this isn't practical for most kayak launches.

Why Kayaking Changes the Wetsuit Game?

Here's what makes kayaking different from surfing or diving when it comes to wetsuit underlayers:

The Sitting Factor

You're sitting for hours in a kayak cockpit. That means:

  • More pressure on your lower back and butt
  • Constant contact with the seat
  • Potential bunching of loose fabrics
  • Different chafing points than standing water sports

The Paddle Movement

Every stroke creates friction:

  • Under your arms (hundreds of strokes per hour)
  • Across your chest
  • Around your shoulders
  • At your waist where the PFD sits

The Entry/Exit Challenge

Getting in and out of a kayak while wearing a wetsuit is already awkward. Add the wrong underlayers and you're looking at:

  • Fabric bunching when sliding into the cockpit
  • Restricted hip movement
  • Difficulty with wet exits in whitewater situations

Best Swimsuit Options for Under Your Kayaking Wetsuit

For Men: Why Board Shorts Don't Work?

I see this mistake at every launch: guys showing up in their favorite board shorts under their wetsuit. Here's why this doesn't work for kayaking:

  1. The Bunch Factor: Board shorts have too much fabric. When you sit in your kayak, all that extra material bunches up exactly where you don't want it.
  2. The Chafe Zone: Those board short seams will rub you raw after an hour of paddling.
  3. The Wet Weight: Wet board shorts are heavy and stay wet forever. Not fun when you're trying to stay warm.

Better Options:

For Women: Finding the Right Balance

Ladies, you've got more options, but also more potential issues. After years of paddling with female kayakers, here's what actually works:

One-Piece vs. Bikini: Both can work, but it depends on your kayaking style:

  • One-Piece Pros: Stays in place, more coverage, no gap at the waist
  • Bikini Pros: Easier bathroom breaks (crucial on long paddles), less bulk

The Underwire Problem: Never, and I mean never, wear an underwire bikini under a wetsuit while kayaking. That wire will dig into your ribs with every paddle stroke. Trust me – I've seen paddlers have to cut their trips short because of this.

Top Picks:

Thermal Layers: When Your Wetsuit Needs Backup?

Sometimes a wetsuit alone isn't enough. If you're paddling in water below 55°F or doing winter kayaking, you need thermal protection under that wetsuit.

Understanding Wetsuit Underlayers

The best thermal layer under wetsuit setups I've tested:

Thin Neoprene Layers:

Synthetic Base Layers:

Pro Tip: In really cold water, layer thin neoprene shorts under your full wetsuit. It's like adding an extra millimeter of thickness right where you need it most – sitting on that cold kayak seat.

The Rash Guard Revolution

If there's one piece of gear that's changed my kayaking comfort more than any other, it's the humble rash guard. Here's why every kayaker needs one:

Long Sleeve vs. Short Sleeve

Long Sleeve Benefits:

  • Maximum protection from paddle shaft friction
  • Sun protection on your arms
  • Extra warmth in cold conditions
  • Better for multi-day trips

Short Sleeve Benefits:

  • Less restrictive for aggressive paddling
  • Cooler in warm weather
  • Easier to layer

My Top Rash Guard Picks:

Common Mistakes Kayakers Make

After years of watching people struggle at boat ramps, here are the wetsuit underlayer mistakes I see most often:

1. The Cotton Catastrophe

Never wear cotton anything under your wetsuit. That includes:

  • Regular underwear
  • Cotton t-shirts
  • Gym shorts
  • Socks (yes, I've seen it)

Cotton holds water, gets heavy, and sucks heat from your body. It's the fastest way to get hypothermia.

2. The Tie-String Terror

Anything with ties will haunt you:

  • String bikinis
  • Board shorts with drawstrings
  • Hoodies (seriously, don't)

Those knots become pressure points that'll have you squirming in your cockpit within minutes.

3. The Loose Layer Disaster

Baggy clothes bunch up. In a kayak, that means:

  • Fabric wads at your lower back
  • Bunching behind your knees
  • Material riding up into places it shouldn't

Everything should fit like a second skin.

4. The Wrong Wetsuit Fit

This isn't technically about underlayers, but if your wetsuit doesn't fit right, no underlayer will save you. A wetsuit should be:

  • Snug but not restrictive
  • No baggy areas (especially behind knees and under arms)
  • Able to accommodate your paddling range of motion

Temperature Guide: What to Wear When?

Here's my tried-and-tested guide based on water temperature:

Above 70°F (21°C)

  • Men: Swim briefs or nothing
  • Women: Bikini or one-piece
  • Optional: Short-sleeve rash guard for sun protection

60-70°F (15-21°C)

  • Base: Swimsuit
  • Add: Long-sleeve rash guard
  • Consider: Neoprene shorts for extended paddles

50-60°F (10-15°C)

  • Base: Swimsuit
  • Add: Full rash guard set (top and bottom)
  • Add: 1.5mm neoprene vest under wetsuit
  • Wetsuit: Minimum 3/2mm full suit

Below 50°F (10°C)

  • Base: Thermal underwear (synthetic only!)
  • Add: Thin neoprene layers
  • Wetsuit: 4/3mm or thicker
  • Consider: Drysuit instead for extended cold water paddling

Special Considerations for Different Kayaking Styles

Sea Kayaking

Long distances mean comfort is king:

  • Seamless construction to prevent chafing
  • Moisture-wicking materials
  • Consider leggings to wear under swimsuit for extra protection

Whitewater Kayaking

Safety comes first:

  • Nothing that could snag during a wet exit
  • Tight-fitting layers that won't shift during rolls
  • Extra padding in high-impact areas

Recreational Kayaking

Flexibility for changing conditions:

  • Easy on/off options for temperature regulation
  • Sun protection for exposed skin
  • Comfortable for sitting long periods

Fishing Kayaking

All-day comfort priorities:

  • Extra padding where you'll be sitting
  • Pockets in rash guards for small items
  • Quick-dry materials for when you're handling fish

The Female Kayaker's Dilemma: Addressing Specific Concerns

Ladies, let's talk about the unique challenges we face:

The Bathroom Break Reality

On a 4-hour paddle, nature will call. Your underlayer choice affects how complicated this gets:

  • Two-piece options make things easier
  • One-piece suits mean more undressing
  • Plan your layers accordingly

The Support Question

A good sports bra under your wetsuit can make the difference between comfort and misery:

Monthly Considerations

Without getting too detailed, plan ahead:

  • Dark-colored underlayers
  • Extra supplies in your dry bag
  • Quick-dry materials

Changing at the Launch: Practical Tips

Let's be real – most of us are changing in parking lots. Here's how to do it without giving the locals a show:

The Towel Technique

  1. Large towel around waist
  2. Swimsuit on underneath clothes
  3. Remove lower clothes under towel
  4. Wetsuit bottom half on
  5. Quick upper body change

The Car Door Method

  • Open both doors for a changing room
  • Face away from the parking lot
  • Use your gear bag as a privacy screen

The Changing Robe Solution

Caring for Your Wetsuit Underlayers

Your under-wetsuit gear takes a beating. Here's how to make it last:

After Every Paddle:

  1. Rinse in fresh water immediately
  2. Hang dry in shade (sun destroys elastic)
  3. Don't leave wet in your gear bag

Weekly Maintenance:

  • Wash with wetsuit shampoo
  • Check for worn spots or thinning fabric
  • Replace when elastic loses stretch

Storage Tips:

  • Completely dry before storing
  • Hang, don't fold
  • Keep away from heat sources

Making the Investment: Budget vs. Premium

You don't need to spend a fortune, but here's where to prioritize:

Worth the Splurge:

  • Rash guards (comfort and durability matter)
  • Thermal base layers (warmth is safety)
  • One really good swimsuit

Save Money On:

  • Basic swim briefs/shorts
  • Secondary layers
  • Backup pieces

The Verdict: My Personal Setup

After years of experimentation, here's what I wear for different conditions:

Warm Water Setup (Summer in Texas):

Cold Water Setup (Winter Paddling):

All-Season Backup:

Always in my dry bag:

FAQ Section

Can you wear nothing under a wetsuit while kayaking?

You can, but I don't recommend it for kayaking. Unlike surfing where you're standing, kayaking means hours of sitting and repetitive arm movements. Without a barrier layer, you'll get chafing in places that'll make your next paddle miserable. Plus, changing at busy boat ramps becomes awkward real fast.

What kind of swimsuit is best under a wetsuit for kayaking?

For men, fitted jammers or swim briefs work best – avoid board shorts. Women should choose one-piece suits or sports bikinis without ties or underwires. The key is minimal seams and a snug fit that won't bunch when you're sitting in the cockpit.

Do I need thermal underlayers for cold water kayaking?

In water below 60°F, absolutely. A thin thermal layer or neoprene shorts can make the difference between a great paddle and hypothermia. For water below 50°F, consider multiple thin layers or switching to a drysuit entirely.

Why do my legs go numb when kayaking in a wetsuit?

This usually means your wetsuit or underlayers are too thick or bunching behind your knees. The constant pressure from sitting cuts off circulation. Try thinner neoprene behind the knees or make sure your underlayers aren't bunching up.

Can I wear Under Armour under my wetsuit?

Yes! Under Armour and similar athletic compression wear works great under wetsuits. Just make sure it's synthetic (not cotton) and fits snugly. Their HeatGear line is perfect for warm water, ColdGear for winter paddling.

How do I stop my wetsuit from chafing when kayaking?

Wear a rash guard (essential for the underarm area), use Body Glide on problem spots, ensure proper wetsuit fit, and choose seamless or flatlock-seam underlayers. The repetitive paddling motion makes chafing worse than other water sports.

Should my wetsuit underlayer be tight or loose?

Tight, always tight. Loose fabric bunches up, creates pressure points, and defeats the wetsuit's thermal properties. Your underlayers should feel like a second skin – snug but not restrictive.

What do female kayakers wear under wetsuits?

Most wear a one-piece swimsuit or sports bikini as a base, often adding a rash guard for chafing protection and neoprene shorts for extra warmth. Avoid underwires and ties that create pressure points during long paddles.

Can I wear regular shorts under my wetsuit?

Please don't. Regular shorts (especially cotton) absorb water, bunch up, and create serious discomfort when kayaking. Invest in proper neoprene shorts, compression shorts, or swim jammers designed for water sports.

Do you wear a bathing suit under a wetsuit?

Yes, most kayakers wear some type of swimsuit under their wetsuit. It makes changing easier, provides a hygiene barrier (especially with rental wetsuits), and helps prevent chafing during long paddles.

The Bottom Line

What you wear under your wetsuit can make or break your kayaking experience. The right underlayers keep you warm, prevent chafing, and let you focus on what matters – enjoying your time on the water.

Start with the basics: a good-fitting swimsuit and a quality rash guard. Add thermal layers as conditions demand. Avoid cotton, loose fits, and anything with ties or underwires. And remember, comfort in a kayak is different from other water sports – what works for surfing might be miserable for paddling.

Take it from someone who learned the hard way: invest in proper wetsuit underlayers before you hit the water. Your skin (and your paddling partners who won't have to listen to you complain) will thank you.

Now get out there and paddle – comfortably!

Note: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. All product recommendations are based on personal experience and testing on the water.

PaddleRoundThePier is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk & Amazon.ca.

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