Gearhead: Paddling in the Russian River? Get a grip

A good pair of paddling gloves can prevent blisters, protect your hands from harmful UV rays, keeping your fingers warm when the wind comes up.|
SUZIE RODRIGUEZ
FOR THE PRESS DEMOCRAT

Paddling of all kinds – SUP, kayak, canoe-is extremely popular in Sonoma County. A good pair of paddling gloves can increase your paddling enjoying by preventing blisters, protecting your hands from harmful UV rays, keeping your fingers warm in cold weather, and helping you maintain a firm grip on your paddle.

Here are two highly-rated paddling gloves that meet the mark:

NRS HydroSkin Gloves are full-fingered gloves that can span weather conditions ranging from warm to cool. They offer a neoprene core layer, a durable water repellent coating, fitted cuffs, wrist pairing snaps to keep the gloves paired when not on your hands, and a silicone pattern on the palm and fingers adds a firm grip on the handle. Sizing available for both men and women. $49. To visit their website, click here.

Sea to Summit's Eclipse Paddling Gloves are fingerless, providing UPF 50+ sun protection for the back of your hands in hot weather while leaving your fingers free and cool. The palm areas utilized the most are double-padded, and a neoprene cuff with a hook-and-loop closure allows wrist flexibility. Four sizes, from small to extra large. $27. To visit their website, click here.

Petaluma's Clavey Paddlesports carries NRS Products. Both NRS and Sea to Summit products are carried by Sonoma Outfitters and REI in Santa Rosa.

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