A beginner going on an instructional fall weekend trip. What layers are appropriate starting from the bottom, no pun intended…
Need more info…
It all comes down to water temperature, air temperature, and each persons response to hot or cold.
Right now there are 7’ waves turning up 50 degree water on my side of the big lake. Summer is over here. A full wetsuit or a drysuit will save your life. I can’t say that for any of my other paddling clothes.
Trying to guess weather
for Michigan in the fall is like rolling the dice. I had my SOT out on Lake Michigan 3 days ago wearing a thin shorty and that was fine. I may be wearing my drysuit next week.
Unless your paddling Superior, probably the best all-around would be a farmer john and paddling jacket, with a wicking top underneath. I’d bring a polypro T and a heavier woven top so you can adjust to the weather and water.
Synthetic everything
I’d recommend capalene or polypro longs and shirt, medium weight fleece tops and bottoms, a heavier fleece jacket and rain pants/rainjacket or a paddle jacket.
I’m assuming you are going with someone who knows what they are doing and will have wetsuits/drysuits & other gear if that’s what is needed to be safe.
The general rule is to dress for the water temperature (extended immersion) rather than the air temperature. And of course don’t go beyond the limits of your abilities or your groups abilities.
Be safe and have fun!
Water Temps:
Superior: http://www.landbigfish.com/watertemps/superior.cfm
Michigan: http://www.landbigfish.com/watertemps/michigan.cfm