Year round, sun gloves with UPF 50+ rating provide protection against UV damage, with the added bonus of helping to protect your hands not just from rubbing and blistering but also from barnacles and oyster shells - a slip or trip that might otherwise be a trip-ender! As sun-gloves we recommend Sea To Summit Eclipse Gloves, NRS Skelton Gloves and Kokatat Lightweight Gloves. The Skelton Gloves are slightly longer in the wrist and give a good covering (mind the gap!). The Kokatat gloves are made of durable and hardwearing fabric.

When the environment is colder, you may want gloves with more warmth insulating properties. Neoprene gloves are one option - make sure the material across your palm is not too thick - so you can still find your holy-moly-crap strap in the event of a wet exit! Also you do not want to increase the diameter of your grip - this will stress your forearms (so don’t use your gel-filled cycling gloves). Alternatively you can use paddling mitts, or pogies, that velcro to your paddle shaft and you can slide your hands in and out. The NRS Guide Gloves are a great option for cooler weather - neoprene keeps your hands warm but they are also fingerless to maintain dexterity.