You might have asked, or heard this question many times while kayaking. I've heard a different answer every time. Is it REALLY that variable?
Let's break it down.
The importance of clothing while kayaking: to save you from hypothermia or slow it down considerably (while your helpful friend helps you get back into your kayak). We have to dress for immersion when going out for a trip on the water, no questions asked.
Here are the confounding factors:
1) Skill level: people new to kayaking are more LIKELY to capsize. Its not a given, you might not if appropriate precautions are taken.
2) Water and wind: Are you out at sea on a windy day? Are you going down a fast flowing river? Both increase your chances of going for a swim.
The good part is that going for a swim is not a bad thing; someone will help you get back into your kayak, you'll know exactly what happened and avoid it happening again. The only problem is that the water is cold in the UK and we don't want to get hypothermic while waiting to be rescued.
So, what should I wear?
1) A wetsuit? SKIP.
Full disclosure: I have one. Only because someone advised me to buy one when I started kayaking.
I've worn my wetsuit no more than 5 times in 5 years and while its great for surfing and swimming, it just doesn't work for kayaking trips.
Its very rarely not windy in the UK and a wet wetsuit will be very uncomfortable in wind. Its also horrible to take off for the inevitable loo break. If you have one already, wear it with a wind jacket but please don't go out and buy a wetsuit for kayaking.
2) Flip flops? SKIP
I used to wear flip flops to go kayaking in Stockholm. It works during gentle paddles on the lake. I don't recommend anyone wear these now, especially in the UK. The biggest problem will be your heel feeling pressure from the kayak as you paddle and it will quickly get uncomfortable.
I know its tempting and it looks cool but just keep flip flops in the kayak for the beach. You can wear either old trainers or any type of water shoe. I'm told crocs are great for kayaking (I still think they're a crime against fashion).
3) Neoprene trousers? YES
You won't feel the wind when you're in your kayak and you can go to the loo in peace. They also cost less and less of a pain to take off if wet. These are great for spring, summer and autumn kayaking so this is a great piece of gear to invest in!
4) A drysuit? YES (if you can afford it)
These can set you back a couple of hundred quid, so if you started kayaking last week and aren't sure about it, maybe wait to get this one. The clue is in the name; with a lot of latex and neoprene seals, a drysuit will keep you dry if you go swimming. It doesn't keep you warm, so you need to wear some fleece underneath.
This is by no means something only for winter kayaking. On a cold, rainy summer day with lots of wind, you'll be crying in anything but a drysuit. Choosing a drysuit is not easy either, especially if you're a woman. The photos may be self-explanatory here.
5) Dry trousers? YES
There are two types: one that cuffs at the ankle and one with socks attached so your feet stay dry too. I have one with socks and its great for winter kayaking trips. If I go in, I don't get too wet and they're cheaper than buying a full dry suit.
6) Dry top? YES
An absolute must have, a dry top will make your kayaking trip much nicer if its a windy day. There are several types out there and they do come in a range of prices. You don't need one for every situation, you just need one that keeps the wind out and keeps you fully or at least mostly dry. You need to layer underneath with appropriate tops depending on the day temperature.
The more expensive dry tops come with neoprene/latex seals and tend to be favoured by kayakers. You can get these in short or full sleeves, shorter sleeves good for warm but windy days. I have a semi dry top that lets a bit of water in at the neck but nothing at the wrists.
If its a really warm day and its been consistently warm for many weeks you could get away with shorts and a rash vest for kayaking. I tried men's swimming trunks (they come in the best patterns!) last year and they work a treat for kayaking. The inner mesh is a bit weird, but you can always cut it out.
Its easy to go out and buy a load of kit after your first paddle. You may end up with something you don't need so try to spend some time paddling before you make your purchase.
Happy paddling! x