Start with a wetsuit
The RYA recommends a wetsuit for dinghy sailing because beginners are likely to get wet, worn with a hooded waterproof jacket. The magazine PBO explains the main choices.
Thickness
Wetsuit thickness is written as body and limb measurements in millimetres. A 3/2 has 3 mm neoprene on the body and 2 mm on the arms and legs. PBO's guidance:
| Wetsuit | PBO's guidance |
|---|---|
| 3/2 | Water of about 15 to 20°C |
| 4/3 or thicker | May be wanted in winter, at some cost to mobility |
Styles
- Steamer: full-length arms and legs.
- Shorty: short arms and legs. PBO notes you may want knee pads with one.
- Long john: sleeveless. PBO says a long john worn with a neoprene top is a popular combination.
For summer, PBO recommends a UV50 rash vest as a base layer.
Drysuits
PBO describes a drysuit as fully waterproof and able to replace both the mid and outer layers, and notes it can go on over ordinary clothes. All At Sea explains the choices within them.
Fabric
Drysuits are made either of neoprene, which insulates better, or of a thinner breathable membrane, which breathes better.
Seals
| Seal | For | Against |
|---|---|---|
| Latex | Easier to get on and off | Tears easily and gives little warmth |
| Neoprene | Tougher and warmer | Hard to pull over the head |
Zip and fit
All At Sea says a front-zip suit can be put on alone, while a back zip usually needs a helper. It advises sizing the suit to fit over your winter thermal layers.
We did not find a trade-press source on drysuit care, such as looking after latex seals, or test data comparing membrane and neoprene drysuits, so we do not cover those here.
Hiking pants
PBO describes hiking pants or shorts, known as hikers, as padded garments worn when hiking out over the side of the boat. The details we found on construction come only from retailer and manufacturer product listings on the West Coast Sailing site, so treat them as product claims:
- They come in three-quarter and full-length cuts, with fixed or removable pads.
- Rooster lists 10.5 in batten pads on its 3/4 Classic Hikers.
- SEA offers 3 mm perforated airprene pants for warm conditions.
The technique itself is covered under dinghy technique.
Buoyancy aids
The RYA lists a buoyancy aid as essential for dinghy sailing, and PBO recommends a 50 N buoyancy aid rather than an inflatable lifejacket in a dinghy. On fit, PBO says slim, high-cut buoyancy aids suit performance dinghies and leave room for a trapeze harness, and that extra pockets can catch on rigging. Buoyancy levels and the rules that apply are covered under life jackets.
Feet and hands
The RYA suggests water shoes or old trainers for dinghy sailing, and PBO finds neoprene boots work year-round. PBO also mentions neoprene gloves, or rubber gloves under sailing gloves, for cold weather. More on both under footwear and gloves.