Sometimes it is an idea to put the glove on and grip a paddle tightly pretending to paddle, to see if the seam will rub and potentially give you a blister.

The best type of glove for cold water use is a neoprene gloves.

Different gloves will protect your hands more than others, you need to decide the level of protection you will need. Some gloves will have long cuffs, mesh backs and some will be fingerless. Get a pair of gloves to cover you for the level of protection that you feel you will need and perhaps get another pair of gloves that can accommodate more harsh weather conditions that you can keep as a back up.

In the warmer months, less protection will be needed. However it is recommended to use some level of protection all year round as the skin on your hands will be softened by exposure to water making you more susceptible to cuts and blisters.

Pogies are like mittens for kayakers, but without thumbs and there are holes for the paddle shaft to enter. The work by attaching the pogie to the paddle shaft with a flap and a velcro closure. You then insert your hand into the large hole on each pogie. You attach them to your paddle shaft, with a flap and a Velcro closure. You grip your paddle shaft with your hand inside of the pogie. Pogies create a pocket of protection around your hands and the grip area of your paddle shaft.