Our product line allows you the freedom to mix and match products with added versatility for different paddling scenarios and conditions. We offer a multi-layered system of clothing that fits well, doesn't restrict movement and weighs as little as possible.

Dressing for paddle sports is largely a matter of common sense. What each individual decides to wear on the water is a balancing act involving safety, comfort and the risk one is willing to accept. Feeling comfortable and safe means you will enjoy the experience, and, after all, having fun is one of the best reasons to paddle!

As you look over the different products, try to focus on your intended use - both for now and into the future. Water temperatures, weather patterns and your present skill level should influence your decision. If you are unsure, seek out more information. Your local paddle sports dealer, an outfitter offering instruction or friends who paddle can be excellent resources.

LAYERING 1 2 3
The art of dressing for water sports is a matter of choosing the right tools for the job and using them properly. Kokatat garments are technologically sophisticated and make a complete system that balances heat loss with heat production and adjust to deal with conditions that can change by the hour or the season. Kokatat garments are the ingredients of a multi-layered system that fits well, won’t restrict your movement, and weighs almost nothing. Proper layering looks something like this:

1. MOISTURE MOVEMENT LAYER keeps the skin dry and decreases evaporative heat loss. Our InnerCore garments next to the skin wick moisture away from the body to the next layer.

2. INSULATION LAYER, such as the heavier weight OuterCore garments insulate against the cold. Conditions and your level of activity determine the thickness of this layer.

3. PROTECTIVE OUTER SHELL garments protect against incoming water, wind, or sun.

Now you are ready for the water! Before you warm up, you may need all layers to maintain your body heat. As you become more active, balance clothing layers to your body temperature to avoid overheating. You can use the ventilating features found on Kokatat apparel, remove a layer or replace it with a thinner one as conditions change.

DRESS FOR THE SWIM, NOT FOR THE WEATHER
Rain, sleet, spray, swims in the river and capsizes in the ocean affect everyone who participates in water sports. You’ll be safer, more comfortable and have more fun on the water if you have the right clothing for each paddling scenario. Being comfortable in all conditions comes down to one basic principle: maintaining a balance between the heat our bodies produce and the heat we lose to the environment. We highly recommend that you dress for the water temperature.

HEAT IS LOST TO THE ENVIRONMENT IN FOUR WAYS:

Radiation - Heat flows from a warmer object to a cooler one. Since your body is often warmer than the air, you lose heat when your skin is exposed. With the right clothing covering your body and a hat, you’ll probably be more comfortable.

Convection - Heat is lost through air movement. A cold, windy day will steal your heat and energy faster than a calm day. Windproof garments will cut convective heat loss.

Conduction - Heat is lost with contact with something cold and that loss is up to 32 times faster when that something cold is water. Conductive heat loss can be balanced with good insulation.

Evaporation - Heat dissipates when moisture leaves the body as vapor (perspiration). Even though it may be cold outside, if you are exerting yourself, you will sweat. As that sweat evaporates your body will get colder. You can manage that moisture with a good system of moisture wicking, hydrophobic insulation and breathable, waterproof clothing. By the way, cotton holds moisture, so it is not the best clothing to wear if you are trying to stay warm and dry.

HOW TO PUT ON A DRY SUIT
Trying on a dry suit for the first time can be awkward. An assistant who knows how a dry suit should fit would be advisable (your local dealer, a friend who paddles, etc.) Find something to sit on- a chair or bench is better than the floor. Remove rings, earrings, watches and other sharp objects that might tear a gasket. Take your shoes & socks off, step into each leg, pull suit up to waist and push feet through ankle gaskets or socks. Cinch the waist draw cord. Slide left hand all the way through the sleeve and gasket; follow with the right hand. With both hands, grab the opening of the neck gasket and stretch the gasket a bit while ducking into the suit and up through the neck gasket (this should be one motion). Do not pull the gasket over your head by pulling on the fabric or the base of the gasket. (Use the same care when removing.)

HOW TO JOIN OUR WHIRLPOOL BIB AND DRY TOP
Folded correctly our double skirted dry tops and the Whirlpool Bib join together to make a semi-dry suit. Please download the whirlpool bib and skirt folding instructions from the Self Repair Guides page.

TRIMMING IS NOT TABOO!
The neck gasket on your Kokatat dry suit is designed to be trimmed (Kokatat wrist gaskets are not designed this way). The neck gasket should fit tightly without being too constricting. If stretching the gasket over a form does not increase the comfort, trim the gasket one ring at a time until it is comfortable but does not allow water in when you are swimming (see gasket trimming instructions). Consult your dealer or Kokatat customer service if you have any questions, and remember, cut once and test before cutting again!