Sydney Harbour Kayaks - Ideal paddler dress code / getting prepared
What to wear!
Dress for Comfort. Dress for Adventure.
One of the most common questions we hear is:
"What should I wear kayaking?"
The good news is that kayaking on Sydney Harbour doesn't require any special equipment or expensive clothing.
The key is to dress comfortably, wear clothes that can get a little wet and be prepared for the conditions on the day.
Whether you're joining one of our guided tours, hiring a kayak for a few hours or participating in one of our school or corporate programs, the following guidelines will help ensure you have a safe and enjoyable experience on the water.
Most first-time paddlers are surprised by how little they get wet. However, kayaking is a water sport, so it's important to dress appropriately just in case.
Essential Clothing
Footwear
Closed-in footwear is essential.
We recommend:
✔ Old running shoes
✔ Water shoes
✔ Reef shoes
✔ Lightweight sports shoes
✔ Sports sandals with enclosed toes
Footwear should be lightweight and low-profile so it fits comfortably inside a kayak cockpit
Please avoid:
✘ Thongs (flip-flops)
✘ Heavy hiking boots
✘ Thick-soled basketball shoes
✘ Bulky footwear that may not fit comfortably inside the kayak
Many of the beaches and shorelines around Sydney Harbour contain oyster shells, rocks and other sharp objects, so suitable footwear is important for both comfort and safety.
Clothing
Wear comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor exercise.
Good options include:
✔ Shorts
✔ Board shorts
✔ Activewear
✔ Rash shirts
✔ Lightweight sports clothing
✔ Quick-drying outdoor clothing
Most paddlers remain relatively dry; however, a small amount of water may enter the kayak during launching, landing or paddling.
For this reason, avoid heavy cotton clothing and choose quick-drying fabrics wherever possible.
Important: Do NOT Wear Jeans
Jeans may seem comfortable on land, but they are one of the worst clothing choices for kayaking.
If you unexpectedly enter the water, denim absorbs large amounts of water and becomes extremely heavy.
This can significantly restrict movement, make swimming more difficult and increase fatigue.
For your safety and comfort, please wear lightweight, quick-drying clothing instead.
✘ No jeans
✘ No heavy cotton trousers
✘ No bulky clothing that becomes heavy when wet
A good rule of thumb is simple:
If you wouldn't wear it swimming, don't wear it kayaking.
Please DO NOT WEAR JEANS
Sun Protection
Even on mild days, the Australian sun can be surprisingly strong on the water.
We strongly recommend:
✔ Wide-brim hat or cap
✔ Sunglasses with a retainer strap
✔ Sunscreen
✔ Long-sleeve sun shirt or rash vest
✔ Water bottle
Remember that sunlight reflects from the water, increasing your exposure throughout the day.
What to Bring
Depending on your activity, we suggest bringing:
✔ Water bottle
✔ Sunscreen
✔ Hat
✔ Sunglasses
✔ Small towel
✔ Change of clothes for after your paddle
✔ Camera or mobile phone (stored in a waterproof case)
Cooler Weather
Kayaking is an active sport and most paddlers warm up quickly once they begin paddling.
During cooler months we recommend:
✔ Light thermal layer
✔ Fleece top
✔ Spray jacket or lightweight waterproof jacket
✔ Long activewear pants if preferred
Avoid bulky clothing that may restrict movement or become heavy when wet.
What Not to Bring
✘ Jeans
✘ Heavy cotton clothing
✘ Heavy hiking boots
✘ Thick-soled athletic shoes
✘ Valuable jewellery
✘ Loose footwear
✘ Large bags
✘ Items that cannot get wet
We Supply Everything Else
Sydney Harbour Kayaks provides all paddling equipment required for your adventure, including:
✔ Kayak
✔ Paddle
✔ Approved lifejacket
✔ Basic paddling instruction where required
All you need to do is arrive ready for an adventure.
Still Unsure?
Don't worry.
Our experienced staff are happy to provide advice before your visit and can recommend the most appropriate clothing based on the weather conditions and the activity you have booked.
The most important thing is to come prepared for the outdoors, ready to have fun and enjoy one of Sydney's most spectacular paddling environments.
We look forward to seeing you on the water.
TAKE NOTE: The conditions can change from 'perfection (image on the left)
to a real tempest (image on the right)
Conditions Can Change
Middle Harbour is generally one of Sydney's most protected and enjoyable waterways for kayaking. On many days the harbour is calm, sheltered and suitable for paddlers of all experience levels.
However, conditions on any waterway can change rapidly.
Wind strength and direction can increase unexpectedly, boat wash can create challenging conditions and local weather patterns do not always match the forecast.
The two photographs above were taken from the same location. One shows a perfectly calm harbour, while the other demonstrates how quickly conditions can become more challenging.
For this reason, we strongly encourage all paddlers to:
✔ Listen carefully to the advice of our staff
✔ Select routes appropriate to your experience level
✔ Monitor weather and water conditions throughout your paddle
✔ Stay close to shore where practical
✔ Allow sufficient energy and time for your return journey
✔ Turn around early if conditions begin to deteriorate
A simple rule applies:
Never paddle further than you are comfortable paddling back.
And remember one of the oldest rules in kayaking:
Keep an eye on the sky.
Weather can change quickly and the best paddlers are constantly observing the conditions around them. If the wind increases, dark clouds begin to build or conditions start to look different from when you launched, it's time to reassess your plan.
Our experienced team is always happy to recommend suitable routes based on the conditions of the day. The safest and most enjoyable paddling experiences are those that work with the conditions, not against them.
Learn to Paddle Safely
The safety of our paddlers has always been our highest priority.
While kayaking is a fantastic way to explore Sydney Harbour, the best paddling experiences come from having the right skills, knowledge and confidence on the water.
That's why Sydney Harbour Kayaks proudly offers a series of FREE Learn to Kayak and Kayak Safety Lessons throughout the year.
Delivered by our experienced instructors and supported through the Paddle Safe, Paddle Smart initiative, these lessons cover the essential skills every paddler should know, including:
✔ Basic paddling techniques
✔ Safe launching and landing
✔ Understanding weather and conditions
✔ Route planning
✔ Equipment selection
✔ Essential paddle safety knowledge
We strongly encourage all paddlers—particularly beginners and those new to Sydney Harbour—to attend one of these sessions.
Our FREE Introduction to Kayaking Lesson and FREE Kayak Safety Lesson both run for approximately three hours and provide an excellent foundation for safe and enjoyable paddling.
After all, the more you know, the more confident you'll be—and the more you'll enjoy every adventure on the water.
Knowledge creates confidence.
Confidence creates safety. Safety creates great adventures.