Essential Gear for Paddleboarding – Appropriate Clothing Options
Paddleboarding for Beginners: A Fun and Adventurous Guide!
Welcome to the thrilling world of paddleboarding! The sun's out, the water's calling, and you've just bought your first board. If you're pondering what else you need to get started, then buckle up! This guide is tailored just for you.
I got myself a board about six years ago, and paddleboarding quickly skyrocketed to the top of my favorite hobbies. Over the years, I've picked up numerous tips on what you need for an outstanding paddleboarding adventure. Here's what you should know...
Table of Contents* The Must-Have Paddle Boarding Gear* More Safety Essentials* What to Wear for Stand Up Paddle Boarding + Warm Weather + Cooler Weather* Safety Tips & Best Practices* Paddle Boarding Checklist
The Must-Have Paddle Boarding Gear
Let's dive right in!
Electric Pump
If you've purchased an inflatable board, it likely came with a basic hand pump. But trust me, inflating it by hand is a hefty task! Save your strength for paddling instead.
I've been using the OutdoorMaster SHARK 3 Rechargeable Electric Sup Pump. It's battery-powered, so you can recharge it at home using a fast-charger USB-C plug, and it's perfect for pumping up your paddleboard anywhere. If the battery runs out, you can always switch to the 12V DC car connector to keep pumping.
It's incredibly easy to use and can inflate my 10'6′′ board to 16 PSI in just 4 minutes — that's three times quicker compared to my old manual pump (and most others on the market)! You can set the required PSI using the LED display and even select one of three smart modes (SUP, Mat, or Kite) depending on what you're pumping up.
The only downside is that the pump is still rather loud, but it's much quieter than other models I've encountered. Overall, it's brilliant!
Pro Tip: Click HERE to get a 15% discount when buying the OutdoorMaster SHARK 3!
Disclaimer: I was provided the SHARK 3 for testing, but I already owned the Shark 2, which I purchased on my own several years back, and I've long been a fan of the brand.
Paddle
Most inflatable board kits include a paddle, but they may not be top-notch. If you're a newbie on a budget, opt for an alloy paddle, as they're reasonably priced. However, with time, you may wish to upgrade to something better.
Carbon fiber or fibreglass paddles are significantly more lightweight and sturdy. I've been using the STX Composite Carbon 40 paddle for a few years, and I'm very satisfied with it.
Leash
A SUP leash is an absolute must-have for your safety — and the safety of your board. Most boards come with an ankle strap, but a quick-release waist leash is generally safer.
Choose your leash according to the environment you're paddling in, as recommended by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI):
- Moving or flowing water: Quick-release waist belt leash
- Water with no movement (lakes, etc.): Calf or ankle leash (Florida skimboards)
- Whitewater: No leash (this environment is not suited for beginners)
Dry Bag
A dry bag is indispensable when paddling. You can use one to safely carry all your essentials on the board, preventing them from getting wet, even if you capsize.
Attach the bag to your board using clips or straps to keep it secure during your adventure.
Best Product: Check out the Blackace Arteesol Waterproof Dry Bag
Waterproof Phone Case
Always take your phone with you while paddleboarding for safety reasons and to snap some stunning photos! Use a waterproof phone case with a lanyard or clip to secure it and protect it from water damage, splashes, or drops.
Best Product: JOTO Waterproof phone case
Paddle Board Repair Kit
An inflatable board typically comes with a small repair kit. Store it inside the dry bag on your board in case of emergencies.
Best Product: SEA DOG Water Sports Kit
Towel
Keep a towel nearby to dry off after boarding. If you plan a long paddle, I usually opt for a quick-drying, compact microfiber towel.
Dry Robe / Change Robe
A change robe can make donning your clothes after boarding a breeze. I own a waterproof dry robe from Passenger — it's so comfy and keeps me cozy after getting out of the water! In fact, I often wear it right over my swimwear and head straight home for a shower, rather than changing on the beach first.
More Safety Equipment
Life Jacket or Personal Flotation Device (PFD): You'll most likely tumble into the water while learning, especially at sea. The RNLI suggests wearing a buoyancy aid for extra floatation in such instances, which will give you precious time to recover and stay afloat during emergencies.
Best Product: Helly Hansen Unisex Sport II Buoyancy Aid
Emergency Whistle: An emergency whistle may seem unnecessary, but at a low cost, it may one day save your life!
Tip: Keep your phone with you at all times, in a dry bag or waterproof pouch. In case of trouble, you can dial 999 to call the coastguard.
What to Wear for Stand Up Paddle Boarding
Warm Weather
Choose clothing that dries quickly and can shield you from the sun.
- Board shorts or swimsuit: Ideal for seaside paddling in summer
- UV rashguard (aka rash vest): Protect yourself from the sun and chilly sea breezes
- Water shoes or flip-flops
- Sun hat: Consider a chin cord to ensure it stays put
- Sunglasses: Preferably use a pair you don't mind losing, or you could opt for a sunglasses strap
On calm water: In rivers and lakes with placid water, standard summer clothes or activewear should suffice (I often wear a dress when boarding on a river!)
Cooler Weather
Beginners should refrain from paddleboarding in cold weather as the low temperatures may pose risks, even for experienced swimmers. If conditions are still mild enough, consider incorporating warm activewear or a wetsuit. Layers are advisable so that you can adjust as needed.
- Wetsuit: When the water temperature is lower and there's a possibility of falling in, a wetsuit is the best choice.
- OR — Warm activewear: If water temperatures are mild enough and a fall isn't likely, opt for activewear such as leggings, a long-sleeved sports top, and a light coat.
- Gloves: Neoprene thermal gloves or kayaking gloves offer the best protection.
- Wool hat or beanie: Or Buff® headbands are perfect!
- Neoprene boots*: Avoid paddleboarding without footwear in cold conditions.
Safety Tips & Best Practices
- Wear a PFD: A personal flotation device could mean the difference between life and death, especially during emergencies.
- Don't paddle without a leash: Your leash keeps you connected to your board, ensuring it doesn't drift away if you fall.
- Check conditions before heading out: Always check the weather and tides before your paddleboarding trip. Keep an eye on wind speed — safe conditions are below 12 knots, with beginners opting for wind speeds closer to 5 knots.
- Be aware of currents: Certain areas may have rip currents or other issues that could pose challenges, even for seasoned paddleboarders. Newcomers should stick to beaches that are staffed by RNLI lifeguards.
Paddle Boarding Checklist
- Paddleboard
- Electric Pump (CLICK HERE for 15% off an OutdoorMaster SHARK 3 electric pump!)
- Adjustable Paddle
- Leash (a quick-release belt is highly recommended)
- Life jacket or PFD
- Emergency Whistle
- Dry Bag
- Your phone (essential in case of emergencies)
- Waterproof phone case
- Towel
- Dry robe or change robe
- Water shoes or flip-flops (or neoprene boots in cold weather)
- Sunglasses
- Swimwear + Rash vest or kaftan/coverup (warm weather)
- Sunhat (warm weather)
- Wetsuit or warm active wear (cold weather)
- Paddling gloves (cold weather)
- Wool hat (cold weather)
Have any additional paddleboarding essentials to add to my SUP guide? Scroll down to share your tips with me!
- For an enjoyable paddleboarding adventure, sports equipment such as electric pumps, paddles, leashes, dry bags, waterproof phone cases, and repair kits are essential.
- In exploring the outdoors and engaging in sports like paddleboarding, safety should never be compromised. Essential safety items include a life jacket or personal floatation device (PFD), emergency whistle, and proper clothing for both warm and cool weather conditions.
