With the winter months looming and some cold weather ahead, it's time to make sure you have the necessary paddling gear so you can get out and enjoy the water no matter what the weather is doing. The right equipment can make the difference between swearing to never venture outdoors between November and May, and frequenting the water with excitement and eagerness.

Winter paddling has some nice benefits such as a more peaceful experience, different types of wildlife to see, and often calmer waters.

It is good to have an idea of what conditions you are about to head out in and plan accordingly. My top hack is to pack a hot flask of tea to be enjoyed while getting ready before or after your session, it helps to keep the hands warmed up and is refreshing. Another top tip is to carry a thick pair of wooly socks, a tuque, and some mittens or gloves to put on straight away afterward.

The crew here at Pau Hana likes to wear dry suits in colder weather. They are more comfortable for longer paddles, offer added foot warmth by keeping them dry, and can save you from stripping off completely in the car park before and afterward! Dry suits differ from wetsuits as they keep you dry as opposed to wetsuits which keep you wet! The added benefit of a dry suit is you can layer up accordingly underneath to suit the conditions.

A changing robe is a towel in the shape of a poncho that allows you to get changed without exposing your bare body to both the elements and the public. It's extremely helpful to get changed in the cold as it acts like a shelter from the wind. I have, on occasion, been known to throw on my changing robe over my thermals and drive home before getting changed in the warmth of my house.

Neoprene pogies or gloves are a must in cold weather. Your hands and feet are the first things that will get cold, and having the right protection can help you stay warm all over. Neoprene pogies attach to the paddle shaft and then you slip your hands inside them. They are great for warmth and keeping the wind off, but you still maintain skin-to-shaft contact. they also make it easy to slip your hand out to use your phone or adjust kit without having a glove get in the way.

I like to wear a tuque or headband on the water to keep my ears warm and heat escaping out of my head. It's also a good idea to wear a neck gaiter or Buff to keep your neck toastie and help warm up the air before it hits your lungs.

On my feet, I choose a wetsuit bootie. Wetsuit material (neoprene) is especially good at trapping water and using your body temperature to keep that water warm. They are the ideal shoe for paddleboarding as they have great traction without feeling bulky like trainers, they are also designed to get wet.

Base layers are really a personal preference, but always choose a wool or polyester blend and not cotton for its insulating properties. Cotton is a terrible choice if it's likely to get wet. Merino wool is amazing at keeping you warm and it's also anti-bacterial which means after a few long sessions won't start to smell of sweat accumulation!

The last item on my checklist is a PFD (personal floatation device). While you should always have one on when out on the water, it's especially important in the winter as cold temperatures could hinder your performance swimming.

Other important bits of gear to consider include making sure you have a leash attached to your board and yourself, remembering to bring water to drink (it's still going to be a workout), and above all bringing the right attitude to have some fun in the cold!