On a board you sweat while paddling and chill when you fall in. Good clothing copes with both, and it changes quite a lot between August and January.
What to wear for paddle boarding depends on the season: in summer, well-fitting swimwear, a long-sleeved rash vest, a cap with a strap and water-resistant sun cream; in early autumn, the same with a dry layer waiting on the shore; and in midwinter, your own wetsuit or thin technical layers and water shoes. At any time of year, no cotton and nothing that gets heavy when wet.
The rule that applies all year is to dress for falling in, not for the air on the beach. A cotton T-shirt or a thick jumper seem like a good idea at the water’s edge and, after the first fall, they are heavy, do not dry and chill you. The life jacket is included at any time of year and goes on over whatever you are wearing.
In summer the problem is the sun, not the cold. Swimwear that stays firmly in place, because when you fall the water pulls at anything loose, and a rash vest or long-sleeved technical T-shirt, which protects your shoulders and back, the first things to burn on a board. Water-resistant sun cream, renewed every two hours, including ears, neck and the tops of your feet.
On your head, a cap with a strap or clipped to the rash vest, and sunglasses on a cord, because the first fall will take them otherwise. With the land breeze, the offshore wind that arrives hot in summer, the heat is even stronger and you should drink often: a bottle of water on the shore for every break. The life jacket is included and is worn over the rash vest.
Little on the board and a bit on the shore. These are mid-season months, with the sun still strong and slightly cooler mornings, especially if you go out first thing, which is when the water is best for paddle boarding. The long-sleeved rash vest is still the main item, and sun cream is just as necessary.
What you add is something for afterwards. A sweatshirt or thin fleece in the bag, to put on as soon as you come out of the water if there is a breeze at that hour. And a large towel, which in summer is almost unnecessary and in these months is welcome. For the session itself, July clothing is fine.
At the start of October the water is still mild: on 2 October 2026 it was 23.2 °C off Fuengirola, according to Open-Meteo. At that temperature, swimwear and a rash vest are still enough to paddle and fall in without trouble. What changes is the morning and evening air, which is cooler, and how early it gets dark.
Here the key is dry clothing for afterwards. Wet and in a breeze, the body cools quickly even if the water felt pleasant. A full change of clothes, a large towel and a windproof layer in the bag make the trip home comfortable. Before you go, the home page of the website shows the water temperature every half hour.
Once the water is cold, what works is your own wetsuit, if you have one, because it keeps you warm even if you fall in. If not, thin layers of quick-drying technical fabric, one over another, and never a thick coat: if you fall in wearing it, it is heavy and gets in the way of climbing back onto the board.
In winter, hands, feet and head get cold first. Water shoes help with your feet, and a hat that can get wet helps with your head. For winter beginners, paddling on your knees for the first few minutes cuts down the falls and, with them, the cold dips. And the session gets shorter: one well-used hour is better than two cold ones.
On the board, bare feet grip well and give a better feel for balance, and in summer that is the most comfortable option. The problem is at the water’s edge: stones, shells or hot sand at midday. Water shoes solve that and, in winter, also keep your feet a little warmer.
What does not work is street shoes or flip-flops, which get lost in the first fall and slip on the board. If you wear water shoes, thin, snug ones are best, so you can still feel the board under your feet. Your trainers for the way home stay in the bag, on land.
Over everything, buckled and adjusted, at any time of year. A life jacket is included for each person and the safety equipment is checked before every outing. Underneath you can wear the rash vest, wetsuit or winter layers, but nothing bulky that stops you tightening it properly: a loose life jacket rides up to your ears when you fall in and gets in the way.
Nor is it wise to wear very baggy clothes or anything with dangling cords, which catch on the paddle or fill with water. Close-fitting clothing works best on a board, in summer and in winter. It is part of safety at sea, just like checking the wind before setting off.
Everything that cannot take water stays ashore: keys, wallet, any watch that is not waterproof. Your phone, if you take it, goes in a waterproof pouch, useful for photos and, above all, for calling if you need to. A soft bag with everything together is better than a hard case, which gets in the way on the beach.
For afterwards, at any time of year, a full set of dry clothes, a large towel and water. In winter add something warm and, if you have one, a changing poncho or hooded towel for getting changed on the beach. The boards leave from the beach next to the Puerto Deportivo de Fuengirola, so the car and your spare clothes are close by.
If it is not here, call us: two minutes on the phone and it is sorted.
You can, but it is not a good idea: when wet it is heavy, does not dry and chills you. A rash vest or long-sleeved technical T-shirt is better, protecting you from the sun and drying quickly.
In summer and early autumn, no: swimwear and a rash vest are enough. In midwinter, your own wetsuit makes the session much more comfortable if you fall in.
There is no need: one is included for each person. It goes on over your clothes, buckled and adjusted, and is worn for the whole session.
Leave us your number and we will call you. In July and August it is worth booking ahead.
Puerto Deportivo de Fuengirola, local 367. You can drop in and see the boats before you book.
At no charge. Going out to see what happens is never worth it.
Life jackets for everyone on board, included in the price.
