Winter is here! As it gets colder, it’s getting harder to feel motivated to get on the water. Beat the winter paddling blues with these five little luxuries that can give you the boost you need and make your winter adventures more enjoyable.

1. Poncho

Step 1. Getting changed. This is probably the hardest bit. If you’re like us, you get so stoked while you’re on the water that you sometimes forget how cold it is. If the idea of stepping out of your warm clothes into paddling gear puts you off, you’re not the only one! The Palm Poncho is a great way to stay warm and protect your modesty while you get changed. And if you want a little extra protection from the elements, the Poncho Grande comes with a windproof shell to shield you from the cold wind and weather – a great option for the chilliest days.

2. Universal mat

The last thing you want when getting into your drysuit or dry trousers is cold, wet feet. You don’t need to be hopping on one leg, standing on your dry bag or spraydeck. The Palm Universal Mat is the way forward. It’s low cost, probably much cheaper than that dry bag or spraydeck you’ve been standing on, and is made from 20 mm thick insulating foam, covered in tough Nylon, and it folds in half to keep dirt and mud away from the rest of your gear. Win-win.

3. Socks

Speaking of cold feet, you can never have too many warm socks to choose from. Our nice fleecy Tsangpo socks are great to wear under your drysuit and dry trouser socks. It’s even treated with Polygiene odour control, and wicks away any moisture from your skin, keeping those feet warm and dry.

Looking for something to put over your drysuit socks or feet to keep them warm? Our Index socks are a great option – they’re super stretchy and made from 2 mm Neospan titanium neoprene. Looking for an upgrade? Our Stomp socks have got a fleecy Quick Dry thermal lining to keep you feet nice and toasty.

View our full range of socks here.

Top tip: if you struggle to fit your socks in your paddling shoes, you might want to take the insole out to make more space. Our new Gradient 3.0 boots come with an extra pair of insoles so you can pad them out for summer paddling and remove them for winter paddling, so they fit perfectly year-round.

4. Gloves + mitts

Keep those hands warm on the water. We’ve got a full range of gloves and mitts for all sorts of occasions and preferences. Our Talon mitts are a favourite among SUP paddlers as well as anyone wanting warm hands as well as the option to flip their mitts back for more dexterous tasks. Our High Five gloves are a great all-rounder for kids.

Our pogies are a great option as well. If you’ve not tried them before, you attach the mitt to the paddle and then slide your hand in so you can grip your paddle directly – the Current pogies are great for marathon paddlers and the Descent pogies are a whitewater favourite.

There are plenty of gloves and mitts in our range so check it out here to find the right one for you or speak to one of our retailers for recommendations.

5. Headwear

Brain freeze is the last thing we want to worry about – our Pilot cap is a great way to keep ice cream head at bay, made with 2 mm fleecy Quick Dry thermal neoprene.

Want an upgrade? Our fleecy Surf hood is also made of 2 mm Quick Dry thermal neoprene, keeping that brain freeze and surfer’s ear away at the same time.

If you don’t fancy a full-on Surf hood, our new Shuck 2.0 helmet features removable ear pads to protect your ears from the elements too.

Last but not least …

Bring your friends and a flask of hot tea for when you get off the water! Rain or shine, time on the water is so much better when you’re with your pals.

Don’t forget to tag us @palmequipment on social media and share your paddling adventures with us this winter.