What to Wear Kayaking in Florida: A Local's Guide to the Water
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Florida kayaking is unlike kayaking anywhere else in the world. The water is warm, the sun is brutal, the wildlife is wild, and the scenery — from the Ten Thousand Islands to the St. Johns River to the Intracoastal right here in Pompano Beach — is unlike anywhere else on Earth.
But what you wear on a Florida kayak matters more than most people realize. Get it wrong and you'll be sunburned, soaked, and miserable by the time you pull back into the launch. Get it right and you'll be out there every weekend.
Here's what Florida locals actually wear kayaking — from a brand that grew up on these waters.
The First Rule: UPF Protection Is Non-Negotiable
On a kayak, your arms are in motion the entire time. They're also pointing straight at the sun. A regular t-shirt gives you almost no UV protection, and sunscreen washes off with paddle splash faster than you think.
A UPF-rated performance long sleeve is the gold standard for kayaking in Florida. It blocks UV from every angle, dries instantly when it gets wet, and doesn't cling or chafe when you're paddling. True Local's dri-fit long sleeve sun shirts are built for exactly this — lightweight polyester that breathes in the Florida heat while keeping the sun off your arms and shoulders.
If you're doing a quick paddle early morning before the sun is fully up, a performance short sleeve works great. But for anything mid-morning through afternoon, go long sleeve.
The Right Hat for Kayaking
Your face and neck take the most direct sun exposure while kayaking — especially when you're looking forward and the sun is overhead or in front of you.
What you want: a hat with a structured front that doesn't blow off in the wind, a breathable mesh back that lets heat escape, and a snapback closure that stays put when you're moving. That's a trucker hat.
True Local's Florida trucker hats are designed for the outdoor lifestyle — leather patch detailing, mesh back for airflow, snapback closure that won't pop off when a wake hits you sideways. The Pompano Cap is a local favorite for days on the water — clean enough for a waterfront lunch, tough enough for the flats.
For fishing kayakers, the Mahi Mahi Fishing Hat brings the right energy. If you want to rep where you're from, the Alligator Alcatraz Trucker Hat is built for the Everglades crowd.
Bottoms: Quick-Dry or Swimwear Only
You will get wet kayaking in Florida. That's not a question. Between paddle drip, launch/landing, and the occasional capsize or intentional swim, assume everything below the waist gets wet at some point.
Board shorts or quick-dry hybrid shorts are the only move. They handle splash, dry fast, and you can swim in them without thinking twice. Avoid anything cotton — it gets heavy, stays wet, and chafes.
Footwear for Florida Kayaking
You've got three options that work:
- Water shoes — Best for rocky or oyster-shell launches. Protect your feet when wading in.
- Flip-flops or sandals — Fine for clean sandy launches. Easy to kick off if you go in the water.
- Barefoot — Works on soft sandy launches in calm conditions.
Avoid closed-toe shoes that don't drain — they'll fill with water and feel terrible for the rest of the paddle.
Don't Forget These Essentials
- Dry bag or dry box — Waterproof your phone, wallet, keys, and anything else you'd hate to lose. Non-negotiable.
- Polarized sunglasses — Cut the glare off the water. You'll see manatees, sea turtles, and fish you'd otherwise miss.
- Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50+ — Apply before you launch, reapply every 90 minutes. Florida kayakers burn fast.
- Insulated water bottle or tumbler — You're exerting energy in the Florida heat. Hydrate more than you think you need to. A True Local tumbler keeps drinks cold for hours on the water.
- PFD (life jacket) — Required by law in Florida for certain conditions and ages. Always have one in the kayak.
Best Florida Kayaking Spots (and What to Wear for Each)
Everglades National Park — Full sun protection, long sleeves mandatory. Watch for bugs at dusk — a light layer helps. The Ten Thousand Islands route is world-class but exposed. Sun shirt + trucker hat all day.
Intracoastal Waterway (Pompano Beach / Fort Lauderdale) — More boat traffic means more wake, but generally protected. A good hat and sun shirt handle the midday paddle. The Pompano Beach Intracoastal runs right through our backyard.
Weeki Wachee / Crystal River — Freshwater springs stay 72°F year-round. You might want a light rash guard for the early morning chill, but it's Florida — you'll warm up fast.
St. Johns River — Long paddles, full sun exposure, gators on the banks. Long sleeve sun shirt, polarized glasses, and a hat with a secure fit. Keep your hands in the kayak when near the banks.
The Florida Kayaker's Checklist
- ☀️ UPF long sleeve dri-fit sun shirt
- 🧢 Trucker hat with mesh back and snapback closure
- 🩳 Board shorts or quick-dry shorts
- 👟 Water shoes or sandals
- 🕶️ Polarized sunglasses
- 🧴 Reef-safe SPF 50+ sunscreen
- 💧 Insulated water bottle or tumbler
- 📱 Dry bag for phone and valuables
- 🦺 PFD / life jacket
Florida-Made Gear for Florida Waters
True Local makes gear for people who actually live this lifestyle — not souvenirs, not tourist shirts. Our performance wear, trucker hats, and tumblers are designed in Pompano Beach for the Florida outdoors: heat, salt, splash, and sun.
Whether you're paddling the Intracoastal, exploring the Everglades, or just doing a quick morning lap around the bay, we make the gear that belongs in your kayak.