What to wear

Wetsuits are mandatory for our lessons (except for the SUP orientation), and for all of our activities in the spring before June 1 and in the fall and winter after October 1.

From head to toe, we recommend you wear:

• toque, neoprene hood, or hat, depending on the conditions
• sunglasses with a strap to secure them
• SPF 60+ sunscreen on any exposed skin
• full-body 4/3mm wetsuit (such as the ones sold on this page)
• gloves; note that sailing gloves are reinforced to withstand the friction of the sheets
• neoprene booties; not only they keep you warm, but also minimize injury when walking around the yard or on rocks/concrete/shells hidden underwater

Options for extra warmth:

• base layers: extra neoprene or wool (does not get cold when wet);
• on the water, do not wear cotton or quick-dry sportwear: the fast evaporation will cool you down even faster
• outer layer: windbreaker, spray top and/or spray pants

It is your responsibility to ensure you are dressed well enough to not get cold. Dinghy sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, carry the risk of being sprayed, falling in the water, then being exposed to the wind. The water in English Bay never really gets warm, and even in the summer you may suffer from hypothermia if you are not suitably equipped.

Most of our members wear a wetsuit or dry suit year-round, in addition to booties, gloves, and head gear. Many of our intrepid windsurfers have a thick wetsuit with a neoprene hood and are able to stay warm on the water in our winter storms.

Locally: such gear can be found at MEC or at surf stores near W4th Ave and Burrard,

Online: Decathlon.ca usually offers good value for sunglasses, booties and gloves, among other equipment