Sun protection for legs - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

Frank O · 06-16-2009, 12:23 PM

A question for you all ...

I recently got a kayak, and wore waders the first few times out. With the weather getting warmer, I don't think I'll want to wear them all summer.

The thing is, I burn really easily -- came back with lobster calves after one outing in shorts. I have a lifeguard hat and long-sleeved rashguard that pretty much takes care of the waist on up. I'm now looking for sun protection for the legs. Some people I've talked to say that regular kayaking pants (like NRS or Kokatat) could be too hot on a warm day. One guy suggested rashguard pants. Someone else mentioned Under Armour poly pro pants.

Any suggestions? I'd probably be wearing these with surf/dive booties.

Corey · 06-16-2009, 12:28 PM

SPF 75 waterproof sunblock + shorts.

dorado50 · 06-16-2009, 12:37 PM

try speedos, they should compliment those booties nicely.

taggermike · 06-16-2009, 12:41 PM

Hey Frank, I hate burning my legs so I wear long pants. I have some sort of light canvas pants that are cool but do a good job in the sun. Most out door apparel companies make some sort of light weight fast drying water/river/rafting style of long pants. I fished all last summer along the Outer Banks of North Carolina, super hot and muggy, and the long pants worked well there. Mike

Afran · 06-16-2009, 01:54 PM

I usually wear UV protection clothing.
Right now my pants are made of some sort of Ripstop nylon/uv/breathe right/dry fast materials.

I also wear some sort of shirt that does the same, a water proof jacket with vents, sun mask, protective hat. Just full dork out style.

http://www.rei.com/category/1/q/Sun+Protection+Clothing

I also wear wetsuits......

T-Rex · 06-16-2009, 02:09 PM

I go with waders or lighter weight NRS paddle pants round. They keep the sun off and keep me dry. On really hot days they get a little warm, but I'd rather be dry and comfortable that wet!

I also had some lightweight patagonia nylon pants that kept the sun off, but they didn't seal well around the ankles and let too much water through. They were fine for lakes but were pretty useless on the ocean.

1Flatfish · 06-16-2009, 02:36 PM

Ultra-light UV protecting pants are great. Convertible are even better. When you're done fishing, you can zip off the legs and cool off. Also, don't forget to protect the tops of your feet and ankles. Pants tend to ride up and expose those areas. I wear socks and my fishing buddies make fun of me. No worries. And when it's really hot out, you won't mind getting wet. That's all I have to say about that!

Billy V · 06-16-2009, 06:34 PM

My waders are cooler than my paddle pants, and can be worn all year.
I know a few guys who do.
Hodgman Waderlite Breathable Waders.
If you do wear shorts be sure to reapply the sun block.

j mo · 06-16-2009, 08:56 PM

Try making your own shants or jorts, they are zzzuper awesome and styleish!

dadandsonkayak · 06-16-2009, 09:10 PM

the highest number of water proof sunblock u can buy, rub it in constantly as much as u think u need

habanero · 06-18-2009, 08:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by j mo

Try making your own shants or jorts, they are zzzuper awesome and styleish!

I need a new key board. I just lost my breakfast!

06-16-2009, 12:23 PM	#1
Frank O Junior Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 2	Sun protection for legs A question for you all ... I recently got a kayak, and wore waders the first few times out. With the weather getting warmer, I don't think I'll want to wear them all summer. The thing is, I burn really easily -- came back with lobster calves after one outing in shorts. I have a lifeguard hat and long-sleeved rashguard that pretty much takes care of the waist on up. I'm now looking for sun protection for the legs. Some people I've talked to say that regular kayaking pants (like NRS or Kokatat) could be too hot on a warm day. One guy suggested rashguard pants. Someone else mentioned Under Armour poly pro pants. Any suggestions? I'd probably be wearing these with surf/dive booties.

06-16-2009, 12:28 PM	#2
Corey Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: ...waaaay out there Posts: 794	SPF 75 waterproof sunblock + shorts. __________________

06-16-2009, 01:54 PM	#5
Afran fishy Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: San Diego Posts: 219	I usually wear UV protection clothing. Right now my pants are made of some sort of Ripstop nylon/uv/breathe right/dry fast materials. I also wear some sort of shirt that does the same, a water proof jacket with vents, sun mask, protective hat. Just full dork out style. http://www.rei.com/category/1/q/Sun+Protection+Clothing I also wear wetsuits...... __________________ warbaits.com Instagram @warbaits

06-16-2009, 02:36 PM	#7
1Flatfish Wayne Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Carlsbad, CA Posts: 98	Sun Protection Ultra-light UV protecting pants are great. Convertible are even better. When you're done fishing, you can zip off the legs and cool off. Also, don't forget to protect the tops of your feet and ankles. Pants tend to ride up and expose those areas. I wear socks and my fishing buddies make fun of me. No worries. And when it's really hot out, you won't mind getting wet. That's all I have to say about that!

06-16-2009, 09:10 PM	#10
dadandsonkayak Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: near palm springs Posts: 82	the highest number of water proof sunblock u can buy, rub it in constantly as much as u think u need __________________

06-16-2009, 12:37 PM	#3
dorado50 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: La Jolla Shores Posts: 1,626	try speedos, they should compliment those booties nicely.

06-16-2009, 12:41 PM	#4
taggermike Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Chula Vista Posts: 1,589	Hey Frank, I hate burning my legs so I wear long pants. I have some sort of light canvas pants that are cool but do a good job in the sun. Most out door apparel companies make some sort of light weight fast drying water/river/rafting style of long pants. I fished all last summer along the Outer Banks of North Carolina, super hot and muggy, and the long pants worked well there. Mike

06-16-2009, 02:09 PM	#6
T-Rex Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Rancho Santa Margarita Posts: 770	I go with waders or lighter weight NRS paddle pants round. They keep the sun off and keep me dry. On really hot days they get a little warm, but I'd rather be dry and comfortable that wet! I also had some lightweight patagonia nylon pants that kept the sun off, but they didn't seal well around the ankles and let too much water through. They were fine for lakes but were pretty useless on the ocean.

06-16-2009, 06:34 PM	#8
Billy V Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Bay Ho Posts: 1,382	My waders are cooler than my paddle pants, and can be worn all year. I know a few guys who do. Hodgman Waderlite Breathable Waders. If you do wear shorts be sure to reapply the sun block.