You’ve purchased your SUP board and now you are wondering what else you might need. Let’s break down all the various SUP accessories so you can make sure you’ve got all the right gear to enjoy your new SUP board!
Does the area you are paddling in require a life vest?
Many locations require a flotation device so be sure to check that out before you launch. You can get a classic life vest or if you prefer something a little more low-profile, you can get a PFD (personal flotation device) belt pack. These small flotation devices look like a fanny pack but have a life vest rolled up inside. The PFD is armed with a CO2 cartridge and if you run into a problem, you pull a string that triggers the cartridge and inflates the vest. This is a great option for more experienced swimmers and these are Coast Guard Certified. We always recommend a classic life vest for kids or those who are less comfortable around water.
Do you have a secure place to store your board?
If not, look for a board locking system. This system allows you to lock your board to a dock or boat or other secure piece of land. A small key-like device locks into your leash plug and then you run a classic cable lock (like a bike cable) through the key and this will secure your board.
What temperature water are you paddling in?
For colder temps, you can invest in some cold water SUP gear. Wetsuits, heavy weight rash guards, gloves, booties and hoods are all items that are available in a wide range of thickness so you can get the perfect weight for the water temp you will be in. For warmer water, you can still opt for a classic rash guard (or UV top), these don’t add any additional warmth but they do offer sun protection.
Going for a longer paddle?
You can bring along a Dry Bag, these are water tight bags that you can strap to the nose of your board. A dry bag will keep your gear inside dry so you can bring along personal items, food, water or other necessities. We also recommend hydration packs for longer journeys, these are bags with built in bladder systems so you can have easy access to water while you are paddling. And if you want to bring your phone, water proof phone cases are a must-have.
Got a small ding in your board?
No problem, small dings are easy to fix yourself. Purchase your own ding repair kit and you can fix your board at home. To avoid future scratches and dings, we also recommend investing in rail tape, this will protect the rail of your board from dings caused by your paddle.
Will you be traveling with your board?
If so we definitely recommend a board bag. When you are driving with your board on top of your car, rocks can kick up and potentially dent or ding your board. You can also check out rack pads. If you have factory racks, these will wrap around those for extra padding. If you car has no rack system, you can get a temporary SUP car rack system that comes on and off when you need it.