Socks & Sock Systems for Whitewater, Sea Kayaking, Surf Skis, SUP, Rafting, Canoeing, Kayaking & Fishing

Who would have thought I’d become an expert on paddle sports socks and layering systems?

One thing comes first: never wear cotton outdoors. “Cotton kills” exists for a reason. Once cotton gets wet, it stays wet, gets cold fast, and robs your body of warmth. Your old everyday Bonds socks are out straight away — and the same goes for cotton jocks and underwear as well, before woollen and fleece underwear it was considered bad luck to wear underwear during paddle sports.

I’ve been paddling since 1996, and one thing I’ve learned is that I do not like wet feet.

In the height of summer, when the water is warm, I’ll sometimes skip socks altogether. You can look a bit funny wearing dry pants or a dry suit in summer! But if the water is dirty — and most rivers and bays can be a little suspect — I still prefer some protection from pollution. Most of the time I just wear my Astral Designs Hiyaks for almost every paddle sports application.

Continue for more information in our East Coast Kayaking Blog.