What to Wear Kayaking in La Jolla
Planning your visit?Timed slots are limited, and cancellation is free up to 24 hours before. Reserve today, decide later.
Check ticket availabilityLayers and base clothing
Wear a swimsuit under athletic clothes (shorts and a t-shirt or athletic top). You will paddle out in your athletic clothes, get soaked from the waist down, and have a change of dry clothes at the car. Many people peel off the top layer and paddle in their swimsuit once they are in the boat. Bring a light layer or a hoodie to throw on after the tour when you are wet and the air feels cold.
Wetsuits: included or rentable
On the snorkel tours, a wetsuit is included in the ticket. On the kayak tours it is a rental at the shop, priced on the day rather than through your booking, so ask at check-in. The water at Scripps Pier averages about 58.8°F in February and about 71.1°F in August. In winter, a wetsuit keeps you warm for the whole paddle. In summer, most people stay dry from the waist up and only the lower half gets chilled by splashes. A wetsuit is still comfortable and some people rent one anyway. If you are cold-sensitive, rent one. If you are heat-sensitive, you can paddle without.
Footwear
Wear water shoes, neoprene booties, or old athletic shoes that you do not mind getting wet. You have to walk from the shop to the beach, get into the kayak (splashing through shallow water), and walk back after. No flip-flops (they come off in the water), no bare feet (the beach is rocky and the launch cold), no loose sandals. Most people wear an old pair of sneakers they do not mind soaking, then go barefoot at the car and dry off later.
Do not wear jeans
Jeans get heavy when wet, take forever to dry, and chafe. Wear shorts or athletic leggings instead. They dry in an hour or two.
Sunglasses and sun protection
The sun reflects off the water. Bring sunscreen and wear it before you launch — you will not have a chance to reapply. A rash guard or athletic top with UV protection is better than a bikini top. Sunglasses are great but secure them well — loose sunglasses fall off in the water and are gone. Many people skip sunglasses on the water and just squint.
Hair
Tie it back. Wet hair in your face for two hours gets old fast. A braid or bun stays secure longer than a ponytail.
Frequently asked questions
Do I get wet kayaking?
You get soaked from the waist down. The top half usually stays dry unless you splash yourself or the waves are bigger than normal. Plan on being wet and bring dry clothes.
What about a wetsuit?
Included on the snorkel tours. On kayak tours it is a rental at the shop, priced on the day. The water sits near 59°F in February and 71°F in August. Rent one if you feel the cold; plenty of people skip it in late summer.
Do I have to wear a wetsuit?
No, but most people do on winter tours. You will not freeze without one in summer, but you will feel the chill if you sit still for two hours.
What kind of shoes?
Water shoes or old sneakers. No flip-flops (they fall off), no bare feet (rocky beach, cold launch water), no loose sandals. Bring two pairs — one to paddle in, one for the car.
Can I wear a bikini?
Yes, but bring a rash guard or athletic top. The sun reflects off the water and the cold water makes you chilled. A thin top dries fast and keeps the sun off.