Canoeing Cag Design

From lightweight recreational cags to full dry tops, there is a huge range available to suit every style of watersport, in every type of environment.

Canoeing cags are specially cut and shaped for freedom of movement, generously sized to allow layering. The key point to remember is that they keep you warm by blocking wind chill and keep water from repeatedly soaking your clothes underneath.

Some water will always enter through the openings, depending on how tight you seal it. Although the fabric is waterproof, cags won't keep you dry when you go through big waves or capsize your boat, unless it is a "Dry Cag" with Latex seals on waist, neck and wrists.

Most cags have just a short zip or a Velcro fastener on the front. Some cags have a secure pocket for keys and money, which is great for open water swimming, when you go a good distance from one point to another, leaving nothing behind on the beach. Pull-it-on-and-go simplicity.

The fabric is usually lightweight and breathable, allowing you to move freely without feeling restricted. Plus, the design of these amazing garments allows for maximum mobility, so you can stroke your arms or kick your legs with ease. The material used for these amazing pieces of gear is designed to be quick-drying, so even if you take a dip or two (or three!), you'll still feel snug and comfortable.

Colours

Bear in mind the best colours for your chosen sport. High visibility colours like red and yellow add an extra element of safety to canoeing trips or survival swimming. Nature photographers may want a more stealthy green, brown or grey cag.

Size and Fit

Canoeing cags are over-the-head style pullovers and usually come without a hood. They are shorter than adventure cagoules or anoraks to avoid bulk around the seat in your boat. but shorter than an adventure cagoule to fit better with a canoe spray deck, reach just below the waist. Since you sit in the boat they don't need to be long. Some sailing tops have a tighter fit so they don't pick up too much water when dipping into the sea whilst on the trapeze during a fast ride. The shorter fit also makes swimming easier.

Tapered Sleeves

Tapered sleeves on canoeing cags are a fantastic feature that offers several advantages. The sleeves are wide near the shoulders to allow for greater freedom of movement for your arms, which is perfect for paddling, swimming, or even just moving around on land.

The sleeves are tapered towards the wrists to reduce drag, and less water collecting in the narrow sleeves when paddling or swimming. Seals on wrists and neck reduce water flow to your inner layer of clothes.

Tapered sleeves provide a snugger fit that prevents flapping or bunching up when you're in motion. By reducing the surface area exposed to cold air and wind, they keep you warmer and more comfortable while enjoying water activities.

Swimming

Swimming is often at the heart of most watersports. Whether you're kayaking, paddleboarding, or coasteering, having the right gear can make all the difference. Swimming in a canoeing cag is an absolute game-changer! Not only do you get to enjoy the thrill of swimming, but you also stay warm and cozy while doing it.

Canoeing cags are fantastic pieces of kit are specifically designed to keep you warm for open water swimming in or playing around in the waves.

Swimming in a canoeing cag is easy, feels like floating on air. You get to enjoy the sensation of gliding through the water without worrying about getting chilly or feeling restricted. It's an incredible rush that'll leave you grinning from ear to ear!

So, if you haven't tried swimming in a canoeing cag yet, what are you waiting for? Give it a go and discover the pure joy of swimming while staying warm and cozy!

Canoeing Cag Styles

Short Sleeve Canoeing Cags

Summer swimming or paddling is great and when the sun finally deems to pop its head out, or if you decide to head off to warmer climates. A long-sleeved cag can be a bit on the warm side. That’s where a short-sleeved cag, or shorty cag, comes in.

A short sleeve cag is ideal for those warm days on the water. Paddling in a shorty feels great, the water splashing onto your skin or swim shirt gives a real feeling of freedom and being one with nature, while the cag keeps your core a bit more protected.

Shorty cags are super-packable and easy to wear over a swim shirt, there's no excuse to be without it if you need a little extra protection when swimming or for other watersports.

Play cags usually have no zip, just an elastic head opening. They look like nylon T-shirts, are easy to put on or take off, give good freedom of motion, and don't weigh much.

They are not meant to keep you dry, but look good, reduce wind and water chill a bit and avoid chafing of the spray deck or buoyancy aid. Wear a T-shirt or thermal top underneath if you tend to get cold. Combine them with over the knee shorts or long water pants to complete the look.

Competition Cags

Short sleeve cags are worn for kayak slalom competitions, freestyle playboating, or on warm summer days. They don't hold much water in the sleeves and thus make it easier when rolling the boat, or enjoying other wet fun sports that require a lot of agility. Play cags are useful for easy resistance swim training in pools. They give just a bit of resistance in the water, good for beginners.

Competition canoeists warm up, race, then cool down. They often only get wet for short periods, like during a race and a swim afterwards. Short-sleeved canoeing cags are worn by them to keep warm but retain full arm movement. Most are designed with a generous cut for dynamic paddling, with an elasticated waist that keeps them in place.

Whitewater Cags

River cags come in a few different styles: summer weight, semi dry and dry. The quality of wrist and waist seals varies from basic velco closures to combinations of latex and neoprene. Double waist seals, for example, will give you less leakage around the spray deck.

The defining feature of a whitewater cag is an "overskirt" to sandwich your spray-skirt like a double tunnel. This keeps your kayak drier while rolling or paddling in waves. The point is to reduce the amount of water that comes in with each full immersion.

Sea and Touring Cags

Basic sea touring cags have a strong, less breathable fabric, with Velcro closures. Many have a hood to keep your head warm and protect you from rough weather. As you move up the ranges you get double, Latex sealed wrists, stiffened hoods and highly breathable fabrics. Some have a build-in spray deck.

The ability to be able to close off openings efficiently means you are able to vent when warm, and stay dry when conditions are not favourable. With a proper touring cag it's fun to splash through the waves, yet stay cosy and warm, but not always dry.

Most of these cags tend to be in highly visible colours for safety. Inspite of their more robust and complex design, they are still fairly easy to swim in when the need arises. Practice swimming in your touring cag and spray deck before you head out into the wild. You'll be better prepared.