In the final part of our 4-part gift guide for X-Mas 2013, we will give you a solid list of ideas on what to buy a SUP paddler for x-mas. Whether the gift you are looking for is big or small, we’ve got a great suggestion below.
SUP Paddle
A fancy paddle can feel like quite the luxury after stepping up from a basic aluminum sup paddle. Treat your favorite paddleboarder to a high end paddle and they will love you forever. Not only are fiberglass and carbon fiber paddles much lighter, they are durable and can cut your paddle time way down. Even if the person you are shopping for isn’t looking to do any serious racing or long distance paddles, they will certainly appreciate the upgrade. If there is more than one person that might be using this paddle, look into an adjustable option. Otherwise, you can get a ‘fixed length’ paddle and they can have it cut to their desired length.
Cold Water Gear
If the paddler you are shopping for wants to be able to stay on the water year round, some cold water gear could be a perfect gift for them. Items range from wetsuits to gloves and booties and depending on what temps they will be dealing with, we have what they need to paddle year round. For the casual paddler that just wants to be able to get out a little earlier in the spring, a good pair of wetsuit booties may be a great choice. If they are going to get a little more serious, spring for a wetsuit + gloves and a hood if necessary. Take a look at our article about wetsuits and temperature recommendations if you need more guidance on buying a wetsuit. Otherwise, get shopping for wetsuits , gloves, hoods and booties
Waterproof Deck Bag
A great accessory for those who enjoy longer journeys on the water is a waterproof deck bag for their SUP board. This is a waterproof backpack-style bag that can be strapped to the deck of the board for keeping your gear nice and dry. You can pack extra clothing in case the weather changes, keep your phone and keys nice and dry or even pack some food in there. Check out our favorite deck bag from Naish SUP
PFD
We definitely believe in safety over here at Windward, but let’s be honest, nobody wants to paddle in a big and bulky life vest. That is why a PFD (or personal floatation device) is a great gift idea for your favorite paddler. These fanny pack looking bags are coast guard certified and will get the job done if your paddler ever gets into a distress situation. Inside the belt pack is a life vest, deflated and rolled up tightly. The pack comes with a CO2 cartridge that arms the device and if you get into a panic situation, you simply tug on the release, the cartridge gets punctured and the life vest inflates. Much more low profile than a big bulky vest and just as safe! Replacement CO2 cartridges also available.
DockLocks Security System
If the SUP fanatic you are shopping for happens to store their board at a boat dock (or other semi-public area) then DockLocks are a perfect stocking stuffer! These anti-theft deterrents come with a locking mechanism that attaches to the leash plug on the board which you then attach to a 10 foot long stainless steel cable with a combination lock. Give them some piece of mind next summer when leaving their board at their local boat dock.
SUP Board Bag
Many people may think that if they are not flying with their boards they won’t need a bag – not true. Sometimes simply storing the board in a bag can help keep it in better condition for longer since it won’t be so easily bumped and banged around. Even for longer trips on the car, bagging your board can keep it from getting dings from rocks being kicked up by car tires or other flying debris. If your favorite paddleboarder spent a bunch of money on their board, why not hook them up this Christmas season and get them a sweet bag to go with it?
Hydration System
One awesome accessory to have for longer (or just hotter) journeys on your SUP board, is a good hydration pack. Carrying a water bottle on your board is simply not a good idea but it’s very important to stay hydrated so we always recommend a good hydration system of some sort. These convenient packs can snap around your waist and hold up to 40 oz. of fluid to help keep you hydrated on those longer days on the water. Our favorite comes from Quiksilver and has a convenient mesh pocket in the front and long straw tube for easy access to your beverage.
Inflatable SUP
Ready to take your gift-giving to the next level? Get your favorite stand up paddle boarder a brand new inflatable SUP board! Whether or not they already own their own fiberglass board, an inflatable board is a great piece of gear to own. Easy to store and travel with, simple inflating instructions, lightweight and super durable – inflatable SUP’s are the perfect gift for any SUP enthusiast! You can toss them in your trunk for quick paddle trips and check them on an airplane for longer travels. They are extremely lightweight when inflated (most just over 20 pounds) and very durable so anyone in the family can enjoy using the board.
New Board
For the ultimate, “you just blew every other gift out of the water” type of present, the obvious choice is a brand new board. Whether or not your paddler already owns a board, we can help you choose the perfect ride so you can give the best gift ever this Christmas season. If you need some direction in choosing a board, just gather some basic information and we can take it from there. Where will this board be used? Who will primarily be using it? What is their weight? How long have they been paddling? Some basic info like this can help us point you in the right direction and give you some great options for this fantastic gift. An added bonus? We happen to have some SUP boards on sale right now.
