Kayaking In The Rain – Tips, Safety & Must-Have Gear

Kayaking when its raining might not be your idea of a perfect outing, but with some planning and preparation, you can still have a great time despite the inclement weather. Rainy day kayaking offers a unique experience, from the soothing sound of raindrops to the tranquility of being out on the water when fewer people are around.

However, it’s crucial to take the necessary precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. This includes:

• Choosing your location wisely and planning your route in advance
• Packing the right gear, such as dry bags, bilge pumps, spray skirts, and an emergency kit
• Equipping your kayak with navigation lights for increased visibility
• Dressing appropriately in warm, waterproof layers
• Following general kayaking safety guidelines

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the tips, safety considerations, and must-have gear for kayaking in the rain. We’ll cover:

• The benefits and challenges of rainy day kayaking
• Essential safety considerations and risk assessment
• Recommended gear and clothing for staying dry and comfortable
• Tips for planning your route and navigating in low-visibility conditions
• Strategies for dealing with unexpected weather changes and emergencies

By the end of this article, you’ll have a better understanding of how to prepare for and enjoy kayaking in the rain while prioritizing safety and comfort.

Can You Kayak In the Rain

The short answer is yes, you can kayak in the rain! Kayaking in the rain can be a thrilling and memorable experience, offering a unique perspective on the environment around you. It might not be for everyone, but for me, it’s one of my favorite times to kayak.

However, it’s important to approach this activity with the right mindset, preparation, and safety measures.

When kayaking in the rain, you’ll need to dress appropriately to stay warm and dry. Wear waterproof or quick-drying clothing, such as a rain jacket, pants, and boots. Don’t forget to bring a change of clothes in a dry bag, just in case. It’s also crucial to wear a life jacket at all times, as the rain can make the water surface more challenging to navigate.

Before setting out, check the weather forecast and be prepared for any changes in conditions. If there’s a risk of thunderstorms or strong winds, it’s best to postpone your trip.

Additionally, let someone know your planned route and expected return time, so they can alert authorities if you don’t return as scheduled.

While on the water, be extra cautious and aware of your surroundings. The rain can reduce visibility and make it harder to spot potential hazards, such as rocks or submerged objects. Take your time, and don’t hesitate to turn back if the conditions become too challenging.

Despite the challenges, kayaking in the rain offers a range of benefits that make it a worthwhile experience for adventurous paddlers.

The Benefits Of Kayaking In The Rain

I know what you’re thinking: 

“Why would I go out with all the rain outside? Everything’s gray, dull, and wet. Oh, and the mud. I will be scraping mud from my shoes, car, and boat for the rest of the week.”

I get where you’re going with that – but you’re missing the point. 

Kayaking in the rain can provide a unique and rewarding experience for those willing to brave the elements. Here are some of the benefits of kayaking in the rain:

1. Solitude and tranquility: Fewer people venture out on the water during rainy weather, which means you’ll likely have the waterways to yourself. This can create a peaceful and serene atmosphere, allowing you to connect with nature in a more intimate way.
2. Enhanced sensory experience: The sound of raindrops hitting the water, the fresh scent of the air, and the cool sensation of the rain on your skin can heighten your senses and make for a more immersive kayaking experience.
3. Improved skills: Kayaking in the rain can help you develop your paddling skills and adaptability. Navigating through varying water conditions and reduced visibility can enhance your technique and make you a more well-rounded kayaker.
4. Unique photography opportunities: Rainy weather can create dramatic skies, misty landscapes, and vibrant colors, providing excellent opportunities for stunning photographs. Rainbows, dramatic-looking clouds, close-up shots of raindrops, reflections on the water – you get the idea. Just be sure to protect your camera gear from the moisture.
5. Connection with nature: Embracing the elements and experiencing the raw beauty of nature in the rain can be a profound and transformative experience, fostering a deeper appreciation for the outdoors.

I could continue talking about this until the heat death of the Universe, but I’ll leave you with this: 

Even if you are not a fan of rainy weather, give it a try at least once. I promise it’s worth it!

Safety Considerations: Is It Safe To Kayak In The Rain?

Generally speaking, yes, kayaking in the rain is safe. That does not mean that there are no risks involved, though. I mean, kayaking has some inherent risks in the best of conditions, let alone in adverse weather. 

Besides, you were probably going to end up wet anyway, and, in that sense, the fact that Mother Nature decided to send rain clouds your way won’t make much of a difference. 

Of course, there’s a significant contrast between feeling a few raindrops on your skin and getting caught in a full-blown thunderstorm. Plus, there’s an increased risk of hypothermia; cold and wet are the main ingredients in this recipe for disaster. 

My point is: 

Severe weather conditions should never be taken lightly. And if you plan on kayaking in the rain, it’s imperative that you prepare for it and take the necessary safety precautions. 

Know Your Limits & Ability 

Rainfall can lead to higher-than-usual water levels and more powerful currents, which amount to more challenging water conditions. 

Even a relatively tame and slow-moving river can turn into a hard-to-navigate nightmare, riddled with debris and dangerous rapids. And don’t get me started on the waves and currents you may face in open waters. 

That is to say: 

You should be aware of and respect your skills and abilities. Be realistic about what you can – and cannot – handle in terms of river difficulty, and adjust the route accordingly. Now’s not the time for you to push your limits. 

That’s particularly true if you do not have the skills needed to maintain control over your kayak in choppy waters. 

On a related note, know when to call it quits: 

There’s no need to take unnecessary risks for the sake of staying out on the water longer. If the conditions take a turn for the worse or there are signs of an approaching storm, it’s better to turn back or seek shelter in the area. 

Be Prepared For Emergencies 

I would generally advise you to always be prepared for potential emergencies, even on perfectly sunny afternoons. You never really know when things might go south, so it’s vital to be prepared for – well, everything – and expect the unexpected, especially in wet weather. 

Now, “being prepared” implies a few things: 

For starters, it means knowing how to handle an emergency – performing a self-rescue following a capsize or figuring out your exact location after getting lost, for example. That’s not all, though. You also need to keep a well-stocked and easily accessible emergency kit onboard. 

On that note, your emergency kit should contain the following: 

• First-aid kit 
• Noise-making device (whistle) 
• Hand flares 
• Communication devices (smartphone and/or VHF radio) 
• Lightweight tarp (for building shelter) 
• Waterproof GPS device 
• Firestarter 

Remember: 

It’s better to have a piece of equipment and not need it – than to need it and not have it.

Pay Attention To Lightning And Thunder 

You need to keep in mind that when you’re out on the water, you are exposed to everything that Mother Nature may throw your way. 

Not just heavy rain – but lightning and thunder, as well. 

That is why it’s so important that you know how to “read the weather” – besides just checking the forecast, that is – and recognize the signs of an approaching storm in time. 

Otherwise, you could find yourself in a bit of a pickle: 

idiot kayak fisherman caught offshore in a thunderstorm (near death experience)

Here are a few warning signs you shouldn’t ignore: 

• A sudden drop in temperature 
• Darkening sky and large cumulus clouds 
• Sudden changes in wind direction and speed 

Ideally, you should head back to shore as soon as you notice a thunderstorm approaching. Seek shelter on dry land and wait until the weather clears up again. 

What if there’s no time to head back, though? 

Well, in that case, you might have to ride out the storm on the water. 

Here’s how to stay safe if you can’t get to shore in time: 

• Position yourself so that you’re as low in the kayak as possible 
• Break down and store your kayak canopy and fishing rods 
• Head to an area with little to no obstructions to minimize the risk of collision 
• Avoid contact with any metal objects on the kayak’s deck 
• Wait at least half an hour after the last flash of lightning before proceeding 

Understand The Risk Of Hypothermia 

Every single time you go out for a paddle, you face the possibility of ending up in the water if the kayak flips or capsizes.. That is just a part of being a kayaker. While capsizing is rarely fatal in and of itself, the combination of being wet and exposed to cold temperatures could make things go from bad to worse pretty fast – and put you at risk of hypothermia. 

And with rainy weather and strong winds, that risk becomes even higher. 

Why does cold water exposure have such a devastating effect on the human body? 

You need to maintain a stable core body temperature of around 37°C; even the seemingly small variations in the core body temperature can have a profound impact on how your body functions and how you feel and perform. 

Since water can draw heat from the body up to 25 times faster than air, it’s hard for the body to sustain a stable core body temperature when exposed to water, which translates to a higher risk of hypothermia. 

Watch Your Step 

“What do you mean, watch your step? I will be spending my time in the water, kayaking – I’m not going on a hike here.” 

I agree; you will spend most of your time on the water. But that doesn’t mean that there won’t be some walking involved: 

For one, you’ll need to carry the ‘yak to and from the water. And two, if you happen to encounter any hazards, obstacles, or dangerous sections of the river, which is a real possibility after heavy rainfall, you will need to navigate around them on land. 

In an ideal scenario, you would research your kayaking location beforehand and get there with a rough idea of the suitable entry and exit points along that paddling route. But if you come across something unexpected, you may have to improvise and come up with plan B on the spot. 

And that’s where the whole “watch your step” thing comes in: 

It is important to remain alert and take each step carefully, especially if it’s been raining for some time and the surrounding terrain is slippery and muddy. 

Unfortunately, you won’t see a “Slippery when wet” warning sign anywhere in nature. One wrong step is all it takes for you to end up with a twisted ankle – or worse. 

Follow General Kayaking Safety Guidelines 

Kayaking in the rain obviously calls for some specific considerations – but the basics of kayaking safety still apply here. 

You need to keep in mind that accidents happen regardless of the weather conditions. And sure, in most cases, they are preventable – but only if you come prepared and follow general kayaking safety guidelines. 

With that said, here are some safety rules to keep in mind every time you hit the water – whether it’s raining or not: 

• Wear a properly-fitting PFD at all times. 
• Dress appropriately, especially if you’re kayaking in cold weather. 
• Check your equipment before each outing to ensure that everything’s in usable condition – and that you know how to use said equipment correctly, of course. 
• Master the basic kayaking safety maneuvers and skills, including self-rescue techniques, on-the-water navigation, and reading the weather and water conditions. 
• Do not consume alcohol while you’re on the water. 
• Don’t go kayaking alone; there’s safety in numbers. 

Preparing For A Rainy-Day Kayaking Trip

I go by the old saying: 

“There’s no such thing as bad weather – only bad preparation.”

I mean, if you can go paddling in near-freezing weather, a bit of rain won’t be a big deal. Staying safe out there should be a top priority, though – and preparation is key. You can’t really enjoy the rain – on land or in a kayak – unless you’re dry, comfortable, and safe.

So, with that said, here are some tips you should follow to avoid putting yourself at unnecessary risk when preparing for a rainy-day kayaking trip.

Planning Your Route

Rainy weather is really not the best time to wing it and see where the road – or, rather, waterway – takes you. Take the time to plan your route; it will make everything else so much easier – and a lot safer, too. 

First and foremost, identify suitable take-in and take-out points. Ideally, both locations should be easily accessible and within walking distance from your vehicle since you will need to carry your kayak to and from the water. 

Oh, and while I’m at it, watch out for extremely muddy terrain and slippery rocks. 

If you’re thinking of making this a round-trip, do note that kayaking upstream can be even harder following heavy rainfall due to the higher-than-average water levels and strong currents. So, that is one more thing to keep in mind when planning your route. 

And lastly, look for points along your route where you could seek shelter if the weather becomes too much to handle. 

Create A Foat Plan

Even if you take every possible precaution, there’s still a possibility that something will go wrong – and when it does, a detailed outline of your trip can help others locate you and potentially save your life. 

Float Plan 101 – What is a Float Plan? Why You Need One? What Information Should Be Included?

That’s why you should always notify a friend or family member about the upcoming trip and file a float plan. Specify who’s going, where you’re going, when you’ll be back – and, most importantly, what they should do if you don’t check in as scheduled.

If anything bad does happen, you’ll know that someone is looking out for you, even if they’re not physically there with you. 

Check The Water Conditions

Heavy rainfall can cause higher-than-usual water levels – and, in some cases, even flash floods. Even more so, the increase in water levels could turn moderate Class II rapids into raging Class III or IV whitewater – often riddled with all sorts of dangerous debris. 

On that note, do keep in mind that heavy rainfall also tends to flush a lot of debris into the water, which can start accumulating – and potentially form something called a strainer. 

These river strainers trap large objects while allowing water to pass through, meaning you could get pinned against the barrier, unable to fight the relentless water pressure. And if that happens, the chances are you’ll drown.  

Most importantly, watch out for low-head dams. These things are called “drowning machines” for a reason: 

The recirculating current that forms below the dam is powerful enough to pull you under, pin you against the wall, and even render your life jacket ineffective, making it impossible to escape. 

Since these low-profile barriers sit under the surface of the water, they are virtually impossible to spot – especially when the water levels are high due to rain. And, to make matters worse, they’re often left unmarked. 

That’s why it’s so important to plan your route and get familiar with the waterway before heading out – and, if needed, cross certain areas on foot, just to be on the safe side. 

Increase Your Visibility

If you’ve ever been caught outside during heavy downpours, I’m sure you’re aware of how much it can impact visibility. Heck, it’s hard enough to keep your eyes open – let alone figure out where you’re going.

In that sense, paddling on a rainy day is not that different from paddling at night. 

“See and be seen” is the golden rule of kayaking in conditions of limited visibility, which means a kayak light will be a must-have. Not only will it help you keep an eye on your surroundings, but it will also ensure that your ‘yak remains visible to others.

“See and be seen” is the golden rule of kayaking in conditions of limited visibility, which means a kayak light will be a must-have. Not only will it help you keep an eye on your surroundings, but it will also ensure that your ‘yak stays visible to other water users. In addition to using a kayak light, wearing bright colors or clothes with reflective properties can further enhance your visibility during heavy rain. 

Dress Appropriately & Pack The Right Gear 

When deciding what to wear for rainy day kayaking, you’ll need to take both the weather and the water conditions into account. When it comes to kayak rain gear, staying dry and warm should be your top priority – so, the basics of dressing appropriately are more or less the same: 

• Base layers – Such as a long-sleeve shirt and full-length underwear made of moisture-wicking materials.
• Waterproof paddling jacket – Not only will it shield you from the rain, it will protect you from the wind.
• Splash pants (the lower-body equivalent of a raincoat) 
• Kayaking shoes – Neoprene booties coupled with waterproof socks to help keep your feet warm and dry. 
• Neoprene gloves and headwear – Ensuring your head and hands stay warm and dry not only increases comfort but can also help prevent hypothermia.

That said, your choice of clothes also depends on the season: 

• If you’re kayaking in early spring, late autumn or in the ice cold water of winter, wear a dry suit paired with a few layers of insulation for warmth 
• If you are kayaking during a summer shower, you can’t go wrong with a wetsuit.  Wet suits offer a decent level of  protection from the elements, but their effectiveness is temperature dependent. To stay safe kayaking, they should be only worn when the water temperature is greater than 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

The best advice I can give you, though, is to always dress in layers. It’s much easier to add – or remove – layers depending on the changing weather and keep your core body temperature at an optimal level.

Kayaking Rain Gear Recommendations 

You’ll notice that most of the items listed below are already considered essential kayaking gear – but I’ve added a few pieces of gear that can make a lot of difference on a rainy day, too. 

Here are my gear recommendations for kayaking in the rain: 

• Dry Bags – You might be okay with getting wet, but your equipment, especially electronic devices, probably shouldn’t. These bags are designed to be 100% waterproof and will be crucial for keeping your valuables dry. 
• Bilge Pump – You’ll need a way to get rid of the excess water before it fills up your ‘yak – unless you’re fine with sitting in a puddle, that is. 
• Spray Skirt – If you’re going kayaking in whitewater, a spray skirt will be a must. It’s hard to keep the water out of the cockpit, even when it’s not raining, but it becomes practically impossible when rain is involved. 
• Tarp – Any rectangular piece of waterproof fabric will do – provided that it is large enough to serve as a makeshift shelter but small enough to be stored on your kayak’s deck when it’s not in use. 
• Communication Devices – You should carry at least one communication device – a VHF radio, an emergency beacon, or a smartphone – with you. 
• Waterproof GPS Device – Navigating unknown waterways can be a bit tricky, especially when you have the weather working against you. 
• First Aid Kit – Make sure that it is in a waterproof bag and that it contains everything you could need to treat minor injuries, pain, inflammation, and allergies. 

Making The Most Of Your Trip – Top Tips For Rainy Weather Kayaking

The fact that it’s raining does not mean you will have to cancel your trip altogether – or spend the day hiding in a tent. 

There’s actually a lot you can do to make the most of a rainy day kayaking trip. 

The key thing here is, of course, that you stay warm and comfortable and actually enjoy the time you spend outside in the rain. So, I’d just like to remind you of a few essentials that will definitely improve the overall experience: 

• Bring your favorite hot drinks – tea, coffee, or hot chocolate, for example – in an insulated bottle (thermos). 
• Pack some “outdoors-friendly” snacks, such as energy bars, canned soup, or trail mix, in weather-proof containers. 
• Remember to take breaks to warm up and eat. You can set up a tarp to provide cover on land. 
• Dress in layers to regulate your temperature more efficiently; you can add or remove one layer at a time as the weather changes. 
• Pack a spare set of dry clothes and, preferably, a towel; if you happen to get wet, you will have something to change into before heading home. 

Now, for the whole “making the most of a rainy day kayaking trip” thing – I’ve got some ideas: 

• Plan a little picnic under a tarp; you’ll still get to spend time outdoors – but you’ll be out of the rain. 
• Use the opportunity to work on new paddling techniques, like rolling and bracing. I mean, you’ll be wet anyway – so, what’s the harm? 
• If you’ve got your fishing gear with you, cast a line and try to catch some fish; maybe you can cook it once the weather improves. 
• Explore nearby waterfalls; they’re stunning, especially after heavy rainfall when they’re in full swing. 

And don’t forget to jump in a puddle or two. Make your inner child giggle! 

Oh, and if you have a knack for photography, this is your chance to take some once-in-a-lifetime shots. Here are some tips: 

• Bring a waterproof case for your smartphone (if you are using a camera, get a rain cover or waterproof housing) 
• Keep a microfiber cloth on hand for wiping your lens 
• Play with shutter speeds (a slower shutter speed is great for long-exposure photos, while higher speeds will allow you to photograph splashes) 
• Use medium to high ISO settings to compensate for low-light conditions 

Why I LOVE PHOTOGRAPHY in the RAIN (and how it improves your photos)

Kayaking In The Rain: Quick Summary 

Kayaking in the rain might not be your idea of a perfect outing – but that does not automatically mean that it can’t be a fun experience. With some planning and preparation, you can still have a great time – despite the inclement weather: 

• Choose your location wisely, plan your route, and inform someone about it 
• Pack the right gear (dry bags, bilge pumps, spray skirts, emergency kit, GPS device, and communication devices) 
• Equip your kayak with navigation lights 
• Dress appropriately and opt for warm, waterproof layers 
• Follow general kayaking safety guidelines 

Had a memorable rainy-day kayaking experience you’d like to share with the community? Drop us a message, here! And if not – well, now’s the time to start planning your next outing!