I paddle mostly Lake Superior and the bay for my fittness paddles. I have made a goal to end all my 3- 5 sessions a week with some rolling practice so as to further lock in that muscle memory. I generally been paddling in a big straw hat that is comfortable and good sun protection. Has a leather keeper for keeping it from being blown away. Now I just toss in on shore when I roll. In Fall and winter, I wear a neoprene skull cap. I am looking for a good hat for warmer weather to wear paddling that I can roll in...... Thinking maybe Kokatat southwester or sunwester, something like that. Appreciate opinions.
If you want to stay with straw, there are the Riverz hats, made of polystraw with coolmax sweatbands and chincords. I've been using a Delta for all my paddling for 8 years or so and it's still going strong:
You'd think plastic would be hot, but they're open weave. Also, I got tar on mine and it washed off with a toothbrush and Dawn liquid detergent. They seem expensive, but they really are nearly indestructible.
It's actually a re-branded Joe Fedora by Riverz - it's a more flexible weave that doesn't stand up to winds as well. The Delta holds up much better, but I have not rolled while wearing it. It does float, so maybe that will help on the snap up...
OR Seattle Sombrero I picked up a goretex Seattle Sombrero by Outdoor Research a few weeks ago (snagged it at a thrift store for $6). I thought due to the napped poly lining it would be a cool weather hat but ended up taking it for a 6 hour paddle a few days later on a warm day that turned pretty rainy and windy. It was very secure and very comfortable – breathed well and was not at all hot. Even soaking wet the brim didn’t droop. I’ve tended to be a straw hat fan myself but this hat impressed me. It will be my go-to hat for now.
Too hot in summer The Seattle Sombrero is a great hat for cool weather but I find it is way too hot when air temps rise above about 55 degrees. I wear a visor and sunglasses for sun protection and just swap them with a neoprene cap when rolling.
Yes to the surf hats. Sunday Afternoon’s I settled on this one 2 years ago and it has been great. Honestly, if you’re worried about style or looks then look elsewhere. I’m OK with function over form.