For a summer trip on a gentle river, a swimsuit, a good pair of sneakers, quality waterproof sunscreen, and a hat will suffice. We highly recommend a t-shirt – preferably with long sleeves – and pants that protect your entire thighs. The sun is very strong on the water. Sunburns can ruin your vacation very unpleasantly. For cooler and rainy days, a pair of track pants, a waterproof jacket, and warm clothing will do.
Special boating clothing becomes essential during colder periods or when paddling on heavy, cold rivers. Swimming in icy water can endanger your life even on a hot summer day. Never underestimate the importance of proper, well-fitting clothing and gear.
Neoprene clothing insulates; it should fit snugly against the body to prevent water from seeping in and continuously cooling you. It helps you float when swimming and partially protects you from impacts and injuries.
A dry jacket will protect you from unpleasant splashing of icy water, helping to keep your body dry so you can enjoy paddling.
A helmet is an important piece of protective gear along with a life jacket. Boating helmets are tested for repeated strong impacts that can occur while paddling in a river. They cannot be substituted with bicycle helmets because the latter will break apart upon a strong hit. Choose a helmet that fits you well and fasten it securely on your head – a head injury in the water is especially dangerous.
NEOPRENE BOOTS
Good water shoes are essential on the water. In warm weather on a leisure river, canvas sneakers may suffice, but on wilder rivers and in cold conditions, proper foot protection is indispensable. The boots must stay securely on your feet; you should be able to walk on sand, rocks, slippery stones, and swim in flowing water while keeping your feet warm. This is exactly what neoprene boots provide. In our rental, we offer only one type of neoprene boots – Rafter boots by Hiko, available in sizes from 4 (37) to 13 (48). These boots protect the ankles well, have a sturdy sole, a comfortable inner layer, and fasten with a zipper. They are worn barefoot, though appropriate socks can further improve thermal properties and address hygiene concerns.
NEOPRENE PANTS RAFTER
For wild and cold rivers year-round, or on calm water in cool weather, neoprene is an essential piece of a boater’s gear. The most commonly used style is the Long John – meaning long pants with a sleeveless upper part. They protect the legs, warm the central part of the body, do not restrict movement, and fit the body very well. In our rental, we offer Rafter-style suits by Hiko made from 3mm neoprene. They feature a front two-way zipper and short zippers at the ankles. Pull the neoprene pants over your boots – if water gets into your boots from the suit, it may fill them and pull you out.
NEOPRENE PANTS FLAMENGO
For protection against the cold on milder rivers, neoprene pants that reach to the waist are sufficient. It is very advisable to pair them with a boating jacket with a double waistband, which will hold them snugly to your body so that when paddling in the current, they do not fill with water and come off.
We offer Flamengo pants by Hiko in sizes XXS–XXL.
BOATING JACKET
All boaters, especially kayakers, cannot do without a good boating jacket when paddling on wild and cold rivers year-round, or on calm water in cool weather. A good boating jacket will keep you dry and protect you from the cold and abrasions. We offer various types of jackets from Hiko. Modern jackets are made of waterproof, breathable material with neoprene cuffs on the sleeves, neck, and waist – some feature adjustable waist closures with Velcro. An older type of heavy dry jacket is made from sturdy material, reinforced on the shoulders and elbows, with latex cuffs at the wrists and neck covered by a neoprene overlay with tightening. A double waistband allows the insertion of a spray deck into the interlining, which completely prevents water ingress when the jacket is tightly fastened. The jacket is comfortable, does not restrict movement, and provides good protection. Available sizes range from S to XXL.
TOURIST JACKET
For tourists, we offer the Sailor boating jacket by Hiko for rental. It features a double closure at the neck with a neoprene cuff and zipper, a hood, a large pocket, and latex wrist guards covered by adjustable neoprene fasteners. Newer jacket types all have a short zipper at the neck, a pocket, but no hood. They provide good protection against inclement weather, though they may not guarantee complete dryness when paddling. Available in sizes S to XXL.
ADJUSTABLE HELMET
We recommend a helmet for all boaters who plan to paddle on rivers or sections with a difficulty of WW2 or higher, or for those intending to navigate weirs and practice underneath them or in rapids on a calm river. The helmets we rent are sturdy plastic shells with ear protection, foam padding, and an adjustable strap around the head. We offer two very similar types in two sizes – M and L. For those with an especially large head, please indicate this in your order note; we also have a few extra-large helmets.
HELMA LIVE
The Hiko Live Helmet is a one-piece plastic shell with foam or molded cushioning. It protects the entire head, including the ears and the back of the head. Available in sizes S–XL.
CHILD HELMET
A simple, adjustable, lightweight boater’s helmet for children. For very small children (up to 5 years), we recommend a bicycle helmet instead. Typically, children are not at risk of repeated strong head impacts that would necessitate a boater’s helmet. Children often prefer to wear a helmet with a fun design; moreover, bicycle helmets are usually made of polystyrene, so they float.
NEOPRENE GLOVES
Neoprene gloves are especially useful in cold weather. They are also suitable in summer on heavy, cold rivers where there is a risk of hand abrasions. In our rental, we typically offer heavier pre-bent Hiko gloves and several pairs of thin Hiko Slim gloves, available in sizes XS–XXL.
