Can I Use My Kayak in the Winter?
If you live in a warmer climate, this question is likely an easy answer. But, if you live in the northern half of the United States where temperatures dip, snow flies and lakes freeze over, is it safe to use your kayak in the winter?
You're probably considering two factors: How dangerous is to be on the water when air temps are in the 20s-40s and the river temps are somewhere in that same range, and can my rotomolded kayak even withstand those kind of temperatures? You might actually be surprised to learn that the biggest precaution is protecting yourself, not the kayak.
Fishing kayaks in particular are perfectly capable of handling frigid temperatures and "cold floats" on a river. However, there are exceptions and there are situations that can make your kayak more vulnerable to cracks and splits. Let's look into precautions that both you and your fishing kayak need to consider if you want to venture out for some winter floats this upcoming season.
For more cold water facts and things to watch out for, check out our comprehensive cold water safety tips.
5 Key Factors to Consider for Winter Kayaking
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Cold Water Safety
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Wear a Dry (or Wet) Suit: In cold water, even if the air temperature is mild, hypothermia is a serious risk. A dry suit keeps you dry and provides insulation when paired with proper thermal layers underneath. Wet suits provide thermal protection by a thin layer of water & the suit itself, but you don't stay dry.
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Always Wear Your PFD: Always wear a life jacket. Non-negotiable in any circustance. Cold water can impair your ability to swim and stay afloat. Regardless of how well you can swim, most people who fall into cold water drown from "cold water shock." This immediate danger is nullified by wearing a proper lifejacket in addition to your cold water protection.
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Thermal Layering: Dress in layers with moisture-wicking base layers, followed by insulating layers that trap warmth. Ensure they are breathable. It is a delicate balance because too many layers that don't breathe can cause you to sweat which will have a negative effect on your body heat. Make sure you bring enough layers that can be added or removed as temperatures of the day fluctuate and your activity level naturally generate body heat.
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Kayak Preparation
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Stability: Make sure your kayak is stable in choppy, cold water. A sit-on-top kayak might expose you more to cold air and water, so many winter anglers prefer sit-inside kayaks with more protection from the elements. For fishing kayaks, it becomes more important to have outer lays that repel water (gloves, dry suit, facemask and footwear).
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Paddle Leashes & Gear: Make sure all your gear is secured, and consider using paddle leashes to prevent losing your paddle in case you capsize. Paddle leashes become even more important as the temperatures decrease and you can't afford to be separated from your paddle.
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Gear Storage: Utilize dry bags. Bring extra clothes, matches and if possible a satelite-capable radio if you will be paddling remotely. If you'll be in cell range, use the dry bag or another means to ensure you phone stays functional in the event of a capsize or water incident.
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Dealing with Ice: Check the local waters to ensure they're not frozen. You may need to navigate icy conditions near the shore, which could damage your kayak or make launching difficult. Bring a pole with cleats or a paddle with a serrated section to break up ice you may encounter.
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Weather Awareness
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Check the Forecast: Winter conditions can change quickly. Make sure you’re aware of the weather, including wind and storms, as these can drastically affect your safety. Have a temperature threshold and stick to it. Be mindful of the "feels like" temperatures and not just the air temperature. Wind presents difficulties even in warm weather, but can cause frostbite and windburn if not taken seriously in the winter. Windier conditions produce a higher liklihood of capsizing as well. Use the summer and fall months to learn more about what your wind thresholds are and take even more precaution as temperatures dwindle.
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Days are Shorter: Simply put, your window of time to be on the water in the winter is considerably shorter in the winter. You have to start later and be off the water sooner. Plan your trip accordingly to avoid being on the water after dark.
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Emergency Plan
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Buddy System: If possible, kayak with a friend in case something goes wrong. Since this is not always possible, the following items and to-dos are even more important:
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Communication Devices: Have a waterproof VHF radio or mobile phone in a waterproof case for emergencies.
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Float Plan: Create a float plan and share it with someone. Stick to your plan. If you'll be in cell range and use an iPhone, use the Share My Location function with someone who knows your float plan. Check in regularly if possible as well.
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Take Breaks to Stay Warm
- Bring warm drinks, food, and extra thermal layers. Having a break to warm up can be essential when fishing or kayaking in cold weather. Use thermises with warm drinks, water or even soup along your floats. Not only do you need to take breaks to warm up, you may also need to take a break to avoid becoming too hot or sweaty.
6 Specific Tips to Maintain Your Kayak for Winter Paddling
You've learned about the gear and overall general precautions to take if you are going to try kayak in the winter. You know you HAVE to have the proper safety equipment, clothing and weather awareness to keep yourself as safe as possible. But what about your kayak?
Everyone knows plastic is more brittle when it is UV damaged or if it is cold. So if you are going to use your fishing kayak in the winter, how do you best ensure it does not crack or break? Here are some things to consider:
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Material Durability
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Rotomolded polyethylene (plastic): Most fishing kayaks are made from rotomolded polyethylene, which is highly durable and resistant to impact. It can handle cold temperatures well without becoming brittle. However, extreme cold (especially below freezing) can make the material more prone to cracking if the kayak hits sharp objects like ice or rocks.
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Fiberglass and carbon fiber: These materials are more rigid and lightweight but can be more vulnerable in cold weather. They might be more susceptible to cracking from impact in freezing conditions.
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Cold-related Stress
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Flexibility of plastic: In freezing temperatures, polyethylene kayaks can become less flexible. This can increase the risk of cracks if the kayak is dropped or hits something hard, such as ice chunks or frozen debris. However, with proper care, they remain quite durable.
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Avoiding sharp impacts: Since cold temperatures can make the kayak's material slightly more brittle, avoid dragging the kayak across ice or rocky terrain, as that might lead to damage. If you are river floating, this means you may want to get out of your kayak in shallow riffles during the winter months. Scraping in the winter is a bit more risky than doing so in the summer months.
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Avoid storing on the ground: Have a barrier between your kayak and the frozen ground. If you are storing it outside, have a layer of moving blankets, cardboard or something else to keep the kayak from contacting the frozen ground. When moving your kayak, be aware that any bumps, drops or scrapes can more easily cause cracks and punctures than in the summer.
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Exposure to Ice & Snow
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Ice scrapes: If you paddle through icy waters or encounter frozen sections, the bottom of your kayak might get scraped by ice, which could wear down the hull over time. It's generally resistant to superficial scratches, but consistent rough use could affect its durability.
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Snow load: If you store your kayak outdoors in winter, make sure heavy snow doesn't accumulate on top of it. The weight can warp or damage the structure over time. Proper storage (e.g., off the ground and under cover) can help preserve the kayak.
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Freezing & Thawing
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Storage concerns: Avoid letting water freeze inside compartments or hatches. Expanding ice can cause cracks or damage seals. Be sure to dry the kayak thoroughly after use and store it in a sheltered, dry place when not in use.
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Hull warping: Exposure to rapid temperature changes (e.g., storing a cold kayak in a heated garage) might cause some warping over time. Try to store it in a more temperature-controlled environment if possible.
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Maintenance in Winter
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Cleaning and inspection: Clean your kayak after each use in winter to remove salt, mud, or ice that could wear down the material. Inspect it for any cracks or wear that could be exacerbated by cold weather.
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Remove ALL water: This is the second time we have mentioned it, but water in your kayak in the summer will mostly be harmless other than leaving a "musty" smell in your kayak. In the winter, it can get into areas and expand as ice and severely or fatally crack your kayak. You have to dry your kayak as best as possible in the winter to avoid ice damage.
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Durability Against Wind & Cold
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Wind and cold exposure: While kayaks are built to endure harsh conditions, cold wind and sub-freezing temperatures won't affect the kayak's durability much as long as you store and handle it properly. The main concern is ice buildup on the kayak’s surface, which can make it slippery or affect stability during transport.
fishing kayaks are quite durable in winter, especially those made from rotomolded polyethylene. However, with careful handling, proper storage, and maintenance, you can extend the life of your kayak through winter weather. Be mindful of ice, impacts, and proper storage to prevent damage.
Cold Water Safety Equipment: Lifejackets
Cold Water Safety Equipment: Water Protection & Warmth
Kayak Preparation: Leashes & Gear Storage
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