It is important that clothing should protect the body, keep it warm and yet not interfere with movement. This always presents problems in a water based sport and canoeing makes special demands on your body.
Equipment you need depends on the type of canoe you are using, the weather and your resistance to cold.
In the warmest conditions, a T shirt, shorts and some form of footwear will be suitable. In the cold, the problem of body insulation is of great importance. and will require two layers of clothing :
Insulation is better if several thin layers are worn rather than one thick layer due to the relative amounts of trapped air in each. A thermal vest followed by a woollen or a fleece type garment will be adequate under normal conditions. In really cold weather extra insulation would be required.
Windproofing is best carried out using a waterproof canoeing cagoule as it seals at the neck and wrists minimising water ingress but an ordinary lightweight cagoule or jacket would be adequate where water conditions will minimise wetting.
In the canoe you will be warm lower down the body but on land legs and waistline can be really cold if unprotected. Over trousers can help provided they are well secured at the waist by braces or belt to avoid coming loose in a capsize.
In Scotland at most times of the year a wetsuit is important to keep out the cold if paddling inland rivers as it keeps the body warm when dry or wet and keeps most of the wind out too. Canoeists wear the long john type of wet suit which allows freedom of movement to the arms combined with a cagoule for windproof arms.
Footwear is important. Summer allows old trainers or sandshoes to be worn with a light pair of socks but in winter a proper pair of wet suit type boots are a must as feet can be really cold very quickly and the rest of the body follows soon afterwards. Cold feet leave you feeling miserable instead of being able to enjoy the trip.
Gloves can be worn to keep hands warm in cold weather but they tend to slip on the paddle grip so a purpose made paddle mitt is better as it allows the hand to hold the paddle but keeps the hand warm and mostly dry.
Buoyancy aid. This is a MUST in Club trips.
Helmets are a must if paddling rivers or Polo sport where collision is likely. These provide some insulation and protection when fitted properly. REMEMBER TO TRY BEFORE U BUY !. On tours, Woolen hats or baseball type caps provide sufficient protection for warmer weather. Remember to bring sun tan lotion as part of your clothing list as water greatly increases the chance of sunburn on trips even on cloudy days.