October 25, 2004

Under arm chafing

What works for me:

1) Don't let the underarm hair get too long. I guess that is mostly a statement for the guys ;) You don't have to shave it, but keeping it trimmed down helps a *lot*. When shirts I normally wear kayaking start to chafe, I know it is time for a trim.

2) Don't wear deodorant. It causes additional friction under your arms. If your paddle mates complain just shift down wind of them.

3) Wear shirts that are loose in that area or splurge on a rash guard. Something loose is much easier to adjust under a dry suit than something tight. Poly football style jersey or any other poly jersey seems to work for me. It doesn't add much to the thermal layer for winter kayaking, but the slick material will help keep outer layers from bunching/chafing if they are also loose. Loose shirts work great in the summer.