Kayaking can put your clothing through a lot, from salty sea spray and muddy trails to intense UV exposure. That gear works hard to keep you warm, dry and comfortable. But if it's not looked after the right way, its performance can fade quickly. Rips become larger, waterproof layers stop working properly and what once fit well can start feeling stiff or stretched out. Good kayak clothing doesn’t come cheap, so it makes sense to take proper care of it.
Whether you're paddling every other weekend or squeezing in a few sessions here and there, giving your clothing the attention it needs can make a major difference. There are a handful of common mistakes that often ruin gear sooner than expected, but the good news is they’re easy to avoid when you know what’s going wrong. Below are some of the most common issues we’ve seen when it comes to kayak clothing care, plus useful solutions to help your gear last longer.
Washing Mistakes That Ruin Good Gear
Washing kayak clothing regularly helps remove salt, sweat, sand and other grime that slowly breaks down technical fabrics over time. But how you wash it matters. A casual toss into the washing machine with your normal laundry could be doing more harm than good.
Some of the most common washing mistakes include:
- Using harsh detergents or fabric softeners that strip waterproof coatings
- Washing in hot water which can weaken fabric or cause shrinkage
- Overloading the machine, stopping clothes from rinsing thoroughly
- Forgetting to close zippers or fasten Velcro tabs
- Not rinsing your gear after a salty session, even if you aren’t washing it yet
To clean your kit the right way, start by checking the care label – different items may need different handling. Stick with cold or lukewarm water and choose a detergent made for technical clothing. Skip the softeners altogether. It's a good idea to wash your gear separately from everyday clothes to avoid unnecessary friction. Use a gentle cycle, or wash by hand if you can. Rinse well so there’s no soap left behind, and close up all fastenings before washing to avoid snags or damage.
One paddler we know used to leave his top in the boot of his car for days before washing it. By the time he tossed it in with his gym clothes, it already smelled and the seams were starting to break down. Now, he gives everything a quick rinse on the day, hangs it to dry and washes it properly at the weekend – his gear looks newer and doesn't hold onto smells like it used to.
This kind of careful approach doesn’t take much longer, but it protects the shape, function and comfort of your kayak clothing over a longer period of time.
Drying Errors That Cause Lasting Damage
Once your clothing is clean, drying it correctly is the next step. This often gets skipped or rushed, especially if you're in a hurry to get everything packed away. But even solid washing habits can be undone by poor drying choices.
Drying mistakes to watch out for include:
- Using high heat in a dryer, which can melt or warp synthetic materials
- Hanging clothing in direct sunlight for hours, fading colours and breaking down fibres
- Leaving it in a crumpled heap after washing, leading to mildew or lasting smells
- Drying items too close to a heater or fire, which can damage coatings
Instead, aim to air dry your gear in a shaded, well-ventilated spot. A stable clothesline or hanging rack works well. If you do need to use a dryer, go with the lowest heat setting and check the care label first. Avoid ironing or applying direct heat, especially on waterproof materials. A fan can help speed up the drying process on cooler or damp days without the risk of heat damage.
Sydney's summer weather around December can be quite warm and dry, which makes air-drying gear easy if done right. But remember, even sunshine can be too much of a good thing for technical fabrics, so aim for somewhere protected from harsh UV exposure.
Letting clothes dry fully also helps prevent that musty smell that can develop when items are stored damp. It might feel like an extra step, but proper drying makes a big difference in how your clothing performs and how long it lasts.
Storage Blunders That Shorten Lifespan
Once your kayak clothing is dry, where and how you store it can either preserve its condition or help it break down faster over time. A common mistake is tossing it into the back of a garage, boot of the car or any other damp, cramped spot without much thought.
Poor storage habits include:
- Leaving your clothing mildly damp before storing it, inviting mould or mildew
- Folding gear incorrectly or stuffing it into bags that cause creases and pressure points
- Keeping clothing near chemical items in sheds or garages where smells and residues could seep into fabrics
- Hanging very heavy items on thin hangers that stretch out shoulders or seams
- Storing wet or folded rubber seals and gaskets under tension
Instead, store your gear like it matters. It's best to hang heavier items like drysuits or spray jackets from broad hangers in a shaded cupboard where air can circulate. If hanging isn’t an option, fold with care and avoid squashing layers together. Keep the storage area dry, cool and away from sunlight or strong chemicals.
A Sydney paddler we know used to hang his wetsuit off a thin coat hanger in his shed, right above the lawnmower and weedkiller. A few months later, the shoulders were badly stretched, and there was a strong chemical smell he couldn’t wash out. Now, he keeps all his paddle clothing in a clean wardrobe indoors. It makes prep easier, and nothing smells like fertiliser anymore.
With a bit of thought, your gear will be ready to go when you are and won’t suffer from sitting still between sessions.
Why Small Repairs Shouldn’t Be Ignored
It's easy to put off fixing a small nick in your paddle pants or a loose zip on your jacket. But those minor issues rarely stay small. A tiny tear can stretch wider, especially when soaked. A broken zip might give out completely on your next ocean dash. And missing pull tabs, frayed seams or peeling panels don’t self-resolve.
Keeping your kayak clothing in good nick means checking it over often. Right after washing and drying is usually the best time. Look for:
- Small holes or tears, especially near seams, pockets or zips
- Loose Velcro, cracked buckles or faulty fasteners
- Worn padding or thinned-out layers over high-use areas
- Stitching coming undone or elastic bands that have lost their stretch
When you spot these early, fixing them is easier and usually less expensive. Don’t leave issues to grow into bigger repairs that require more time or effort later. It's also safer. You don’t want to find out your gear has failed halfway into your paddle.
Gear that’s well-maintained performs better. A paddle jacket with a working zip and intact cuffs keeps water out. Paddle shorts that aren’t torn stay snug and move properly. Repairing kayak clothing isn’t about being fussy, it’s about staying comfortable and safe on the water.
Keep Your Kayak Clothing Going Strong
Kayak clothing does a lot of heavy lifting across Sydney's rivers, bays and beaches, especially during summer when the sun is strong and salt is always in the air. Taking shortcuts on care just shortens the life of your gear, leaves you less comfortable, and winds up costing you time and money.
From washing gear the right way to letting it dry fully, from storing it carefully to handling small repairs without delay, it all adds up. These aren’t just chores. They’re easy habits that protect your investment and make sure you’ve always got the right kit ready, whether it’s for a planned paddle or a sudden trip out on the water.
Every paddler knows how frustrating it is to pull out gear, only to find it smelly, stiff, damaged or mouldy. With the tips we’ve shared above, you can avoid those issues and help your kayak clothing last longer, fit better and perform like it should. Reliable gear makes for better days on the water, and over time, those small care steps pay off.
To keep your paddling adventures smooth and your gear in top shape, take a moment to explore our collection of kayak clothing available at Nordic Kayaks NSW. Our range is built for performance and durability, helping you enjoy more comfort and confidence out on the water no matter the conditions.