What to Wear for Water Sports in Callao

"What should I wear?" It's the question we get asked most often by first-time paddle boarders visiting La Punta. The answer depends on the season, your activity level, and your personal comfort preferences.

Here's our complete guide to dressing for water sports in Callao — covering everything from wetsuits to sun protection.

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Understanding Callao's Climate

Before we dive into clothing, let's talk about what you're dealing with:

Water Temperature

• •Summer (Dec-Mar): 19-22°C (66-72°F)
• •Fall (Apr-Jun): 17-20°C (63-68°F)
• •Winter (Jul-Sep): 15-17°C (59-63°F)
• •Spring (Oct-Nov): 16-19°C (61-66°F)

Air Temperature

• •Summer: 23-28°C (73-82°F)
• •Winter: 14-18°C (57-64°F)

The Humboldt Current Factor

Peru's coast is cooled by the Humboldt Current, making the water surprisingly cold for a tropical latitude. Even in summer, the Pacific here is chillier than you'd expect.

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Summer Attire (December - March)

What to Wear

• •Swimsuit (bikini or one-piece)
• •Rash guard or quick-dry athletic top (optional but recommended)
• •Board shorts or swim bottoms that won't ride up
• •Water shoes (optional)

• •Board shorts or swim trunks
• •Rash guard (recommended for sun protection)
• •Water shoes (optional)

Why Rash Guards?

Even in summer, we recommend rash guards because:

1. Sun protection — You're on reflective water for 1-2 hours

2. Chafe prevention — Paddling can rub

3. Warmth — If wind picks up, you'll be glad you have it

4. Modesty — Some people feel more comfortable covered

Summer Essentials Checklist

• •[ ] Swimwear
• •[ ] Rash guard or swim top
• •[ ] Sunglasses with strap (croakies)
• •[ ] Reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 50+)
• •[ ] Hat with chin strap (for before/after)
• •[ ] Light towel
• •[ ] Change of dry clothes

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Winter Attire (June - September)

What to Wear

• •2-3mm shorty wetsuit OR
• •Long-sleeve rash guard with leggings/board shorts
• •Water shoes (recommended)

• •3mm full wetsuit
• •Neoprene booties

Don't Own a Wetsuit?

No problem! Glide provides wetsuits for all guests who need them during cooler months. We have a range of sizes available.

Just let us know when booking:

• •Your approximate size (S, M, L, XL)
• •Whether you tend to run cold

Winter Essentials Checklist

• •[ ] Wetsuit OR thermal water clothes
• •[ ] Swimwear underneath
• •[ ] Water shoes or neoprene booties
• •[ ] Warm hoodie or jacket (for before/after)
• •[ ] Sunscreen (yes, even in winter!)
• •[ ] Warm towel
• •[ ] Complete change of warm clothes
• •[ ] Thermos of hot tea or coffee (optional but nice!)

Shoulder Season Attire (April-May, October-November)

These transitional months are tricky — mornings can be cool, afternoons warm.

What to Wear

• •Light wetsuit (2mm) OR
• •Long-sleeve rash guard with board shorts
• •Be prepared for cool starts that warm up

• •Swimwear with optional rash guard
• •Have a light layer available

The Layering Principle

For shoulder seasons, think layers:

1. Base: Swimwear

2. Mid: Rash guard

3. Outer: Light wetsuit vest OR neoprene top (optional)

You can strip down as you warm up.

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Sun Protection: Critical Year-Round

Why It Matters More Here

Lima sits near the equator, and the marine layer can be deceiving. Even on overcast days, UV radiation is intense. Plus, water reflects UV rays, increasing your exposure.

Sun Protection Essentials

• •SPF 50+ minimum
• •Water-resistant formula
• •Reef-safe (avoid oxybenzone and octinoxate)
• •Reapply every 2 hours, even if it claims to be waterproof

• •Rash guard (UPF 50+ if possible)
• •Hat for before/after water
• •Sunglasses with strap

• •Apply sunscreen 15-30 minutes before getting in the water
• •Don't forget: tops of feet, back of neck, ears, and hairline

Footwear Options

Do You Need Water Shoes?

• •Walking on rocky beaches
• •Protection from hot sand
• •Extra grip on the board
• •Confidence for beginners

Types of Water Footwear

| Type | Pros | Cons | Best For |

|------|------|------|----------|

| Neoprene booties | Warm, great grip | Can be hot in summer | Winter paddling |

| Water shoes | Lightweight, quick-dry | Less warmth | Summer, walking |

| Reef shoes | Protective sole | Bulkier | Rocky entries |

| Barefoot | Natural feel | No protection | Warm days, sandy beaches |

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What NOT to Wear

Avoid These Common Mistakes

❌ Cotton clothing

Cotton absorbs water, gets heavy, stays wet, and can cause chafing. Always choose synthetic materials.

❌ Loose clothing that can catch

Baggy shirts or pants can catch on equipment or create drag in the water.

❌ Jewelry

Rings, necklaces, and watches can be lost in the water. Leave valuables on shore.

❌ Denim or jeans

Heavy, restricts movement, takes forever to dry.

❌ Non-secure hats

Your favorite baseball cap will end up in the Pacific. If you must wear a hat, use a chin strap.

❌ Regular sunglasses without straps

One wave and they're gone. Use croakies or floating straps.

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What We Provide

At Glide, we want you to have a great experience, so we provide:

✅ Life jackets (required for all paddlers)

✅ Wetsuits (available in winter/cool months)

✅ Paddle board and paddle (obviously!)

✅ Dry bags for your belongings

✅ Basic sunscreen (in case you forget)

What You Should Bring

• •Swimwear
• •Towel
• •Change of clothes
• •Your own sunscreen (we have backup)
• •Sunglasses with strap
• •Water bottle
• •Camera with waterproof case (optional)

Special Situations

Sunrise Sessions (Any Season)

Early mornings are cooler. Even in summer, bring a light layer:

• •Long-sleeve rash guard minimum
• •Consider asking for a wetsuit

Sunset Sessions (Any Season)

You'll start warm and end cooler as the sun goes down:

• •Have a layer ready on shore
• •Bring warm clothes for after

Rainy Days

Yes, we paddle in light rain (it's actually quite fun!):

• •Rain jacket for before/after
• •The water's the same temperature
• •You're getting wet anyway!

With Kids

Children get cold faster:

• •Always err on the side of warmer
• •We have kid-sized wetsuits
• •Bring extra towels and warm clothes

Quick Reference Chart

| Season | Water Temp | What to Wear | Sun Protection |

|--------|------------|--------------|----------------|

| Summer | 19-22°C | Swimwear + rash guard | Critical |

| Fall | 17-20°C | Rash guard + board shorts OR light wetsuit | High |

| Winter | 15-17°C | Wetsuit (provided) | Moderate |

| Spring | 16-19°C | Layers — rash guard + optional wetsuit | High |

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Our Best Advice

It's much easier to cool off than to warm up. You can always remove a layer, but you can't add one mid-paddle.

And remember: we've got you covered (literally). If you arrive underprepared, we have wetsuits and rash guards available.

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Ready to Paddle?

Don't let clothing confusion keep you from the water. Pack smart, dress for the season, and let us handle the rest.

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