feet

Make sure you have either wool socks or neoprene socks on your feet, then wear a pair of neoprene or rubber boots. Neoprene or rubber dinghy boots will keep your feet warm and give you a good grip on the boat.  For newer sailors, use an old pair of sneakers that you don't mind getting wet.  If it's really cold and wet, you can wrap plastic bags over your socks and then slip on your shoes.

legs

Moving up the legs you want to either wear a base layer (fleece or wool) with water-resistant spray pants, neoprene pants, wet suit bottoms, or a dry suit (for extreme conditions). Those are all materials that are still warm while they are wet.  Newer sailors can wear rain pants over a warm base layer to make sure that their bottom half stays dry and warm.  Water-resistant snow pants are an option as well. 

top

On top, you want to be wearing the same thing as on the bottom.  Either fleece or wool base layers, neoprene, and a water-resistant layer to keep you dry and warm. A wet suit or a dry suit are options for more experienced sailors.  New sailors should use non-cotton base layers with a rain jacket.

HEAD & HANDS

The last two things are your head and your hands. Most of your heat is lost from your head, if you're cold wear a hat! Neck gaiters help keep your neck and face warm in the wind.  One of the first things to get cold is your hands. Gloves dipped in rubber from the hardware store work great for providing warmth and grip.  In really cold conditions, waterproof gloves with an insulating layer are highly recommended. 

Life jacket

The most important (and required) gear you wear is a life jacket.  Life jackets must be US Coast Guard Approved Type III and can not be modified in any way.  We recommend easily adjustable, sailing-specific lifejackets with thin shoulder straps and a pocket in front.  For newer sailors, we have extra life jackets you may use.  Life jackets must be worn at all times when on the water.  

accessories

Sunglasses (polarized) help see the wind on the water and protect the eyes from UV.  Get a strap to keep sunglasses secured from falling into the water. Sailors should apply sunscreen, even on overcast days. Experienced sailors should get a waterproof watch with a countdown timer.  Attach a loud plastic whistle to your life jacket in case you need to get help. A duffel bag to carry all your gear and a towel to dry off are a must.

summary  

• Neoprene is your best friend.

• Wool and fleece are the way to go, cotton is rotten!

• Staying dry is staying warm, wear water-resistant layers

Don't let warm spring weather fool you, the water is cold. Make sure you are prepared and make sure you bring a towel and a dry set of clothes to change into after practice. Label everything with your name in case it is left at the Boathouse.  We have way too many boxes of lost and found items.