A Practical Guide to Staying Warm & Comfortable on the Water
Nothing cuts a fishing trip short faster than being cold, wet, or uncomfortable. Whether you're dealing with spray on the boat, a cold wind on the kayak, or just standing in the surf, what you wear on your lower half makes a massive difference. This category isn't about summer fashion board shorts which we may seasonally sell; it's about other functional apparel like thermal pants and neoprene shorts that solve specific problems, letting you focus on the fishing instead of the cold.
A Note From Our Local Experts
"I'm a keen boat angler who often fishes the shoalhaven river, lake illawarra and offshore Kiama, and one of the first things I learned was that a wet ride on a cooler NSW morning is miserable. A standard pair of shorts just soaks up the splashes of water and holds it against you. Switching to a pair of neoprene or thermal shorts completely changes winter fishing.
They're designed to keep you warmer even when they're wet by either trapping your body heat or wicking the moisture away. It's a simple piece of fishing or watersport apparel that lets you stay out on the water with a little more comfort."
- Ben Czulowski, Owner, Fishing Tackle Shop | 20+ Years in Fishing & Retail
When to Choose Thermal vs. Neoprene
This is the most common question we get in the shop. Both keep you warm when you're wet, but they work in different ways and are for different jobs.
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Thermal Gear (For Wind & Spray): This is your solution for warmth and wind chill. It's made from a high-stretch, fleece-lined material (like 2P) that's wind-resistant and sheds water. It's incredibly comfortable and feels like a second skin. It’s the perfect choice for kayak anglers, jet ski fishers, or boaters who get a lot of spray.
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Neoprene Gear (For Immersion): This is for insulation, plain and simple. Neoprene is thicker (like a wetsuit) and designed for partial or full immersion in the water. If you're wading the flats or launching a kayak in the surf and will be standing in cold water, neoprene shorts provide a better barrier against that direct cold.
The Best Way to Layer for All-Day Comfort
This gear is most effective as part of a system. A common and highly effective setup is to wear a pair of thermal pants (like the Adrenalin 2P) under your primary gear. Wear them under board shorts or quick-dry fishing pants to add a massive amount of warmth without any bulk. For anglers who wear waders in winter, these thermal pants are the answer—they stop that cold, clammy feeling and make a 10-hour session possible.
The Kayak Angler's Solution: Stopping Chafing and 'Wet Seat'
If you fish from a kayak, you know the two biggest problems: a wet, cold seat from paddle drip and chafing from sitting on wet seams for hours. Both the thermal shorts and neoprene shorts in this section solve this. They provide a seamless, padded, and warm barrier between you and the seat. You're still sitting in a wet spot, but you won't feel that cold shock, and the material prevents the chafing that ruins a trip.
Pro-Tips for Your Watersport Pants
- Fit is Everything: To work correctly, both neoprene and thermal gear must be a snug, "second-skin" fit. If it's too loose, a thermal top can't wick moisture, and a neoprene top will constantly flush cold water through, making you colder, not warmer.
- Rinse After Use: After every single trip, rinse your gear thoroughly in fresh water. Salt and chlorine are the enemies of neoprene and elastic fibres and will cause them to degrade and go brittle over time.
- Dry in the Shade: Never leave your neoprene or thermal gear to dry in the direct sun. The high heat from the sun will break down the materials and destroy their elasticity and insulating properties. Always drip-dry them inside-out in the shade.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are thermal pants like these waterproof? Will they actually keep me dry?
No. This is the most important thing to understand. They are not waterproof. They are designed to get wet and keep you warm while you are wet. They trap a thin layer of water against your skin, which your body heats up, creating a warm thermal barrier. They also block wind, which is what often makes you feel the coldest.
How do I stop my thermal or neoprene gear from getting smelly after a trip?
The smell comes from bacteria and salt build-up. The simple fix is to rinse your gear thoroughly in fresh water after every single use—don't just leave it in a heap. For a deep clean, use a proper wetsuit wash. Avoid standard laundry detergents, as they can be too harsh, and never put this gear in a hot dryer. Always hang it to dry in the shade.
What's the difference between the thermal shorts and the long thermal pants?
It's a choice between full protection and core warmth. The long pants are for all-over warmth and wind-blocking, ideal for boaters, winter kayak sessions, or wearing under waders. The shorts are more focused. They are extremely popular with kayak anglers who just want to solve the "wet seat" and chafing problem, or for warmer days when you still need a bit of core insulation without the full-leg coverage.
