When it comes to water sports, whether you're paddle boarding, surfing, kayaking or sailing, you'll need the suitable gloves.
Wearing gloves in the water will not only provide better grip, but also you will be protected from cuts, scratches, etc. If you're a sailor, you know the pain of rope burns!
In water, the first place to lose heat is our extremities, so wearing high-quality gloves will help. Keep your hands dry, warm and comfortable throughout your watersports session.
Whether you choose to wear gloves depends entirely on your activity, the weather or the season. If it is some water sports, such as sailing or offshore work, then you maybe need to wear gloves for a long time.
The most of watersports gloves are designed to repel moisture and keep warm. Therefore, it is important to understand the material of your gloves and what you need them for.
One of the most popular material is neoprene. Neoprene gloves are perfect if you're going to be exposed to a lot of water. The construction of these gloves is a great way to keep your hands warm. Neoprene gloves are a great option to go backcountry swimming, kayaking or paddle boarding.
Nylon fabric gloves are known for their versatility. They are high-grip, quick-drying, flexible and water-resistant, which making them suitable for activities that require a high level of hand dexterity. Nylon gloves can get wet, but don't absorb or retain moisture. It can also be worn for paddle sports in warm weather.
For cold winter conditions, it's best to use insulated gloves to protect against the elements. The gloves have a thicker insulating lining that helps keep your hands warm even when the glove itself is wet. However, these gloves themselves are not designed for submersion, so they are best suited for sea and yachting in cold conditions.
The two options here are short finger and long finger. Your should know clearly what you need your gloves for. Will you need the ends of your fingers to tie knots or require extra dexterity for other tasks? If so, a short finger glove is a good choice. If you are likely to be doing an activity for which you do not require your fingers quite so much, then long finger gloves offer that extra level of protection.
Fit is a very important element to consider as an uncomfortable glove will lead to cause blisters and rubbing to your hands.The majority of slim fitting gloves can tuck into sleeves and wetsuits to help protect against water ingress and provide wrist protection.Some gloves will come with a curved finger construction that can support with molding to the shape of the wearer’s hand.
If possible, check the fit of the glove before buying, as this will prevent any unwanted rubbing and problems down the line.
Reinforced palms and fingers are common for most watersports gloves and will help longevity, as this is where you’ll expect the most abrasion from holding your paddle or when guiding ropes.
