If you or your kin are into inflatable standup paddleboarding, you know you should bring more than just the SUP to do it right. Wondering what the best paddleboard accessories are this year? We've highlighted our favorite SUP accessories to help you with ideas for gifts and great times on the water.
Safety First!
Show them you care [and do a little self care] by making sure you have the right SUP safety accessories on the water. Some are required and some are optional, but all are rad and will keep you protected.
Sweet Protection Elbow + Knee/Shin Pads
| You've maybe heard the joke that it’s not really called stand up paddleboarding, but rather fall-down paddleboarding. Get your favorite paddler the protection he or she needs before they need it. Your elbow isn’t stronger than that rock, and neither is theirs! |
Sweet Protection
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Sweet Protection
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A quick(ish) story about my first time river SUPing: It was early April and I was cruising down the Yampa River at a pretty good pace. I was having a grand ole time until we got to a confluence. A lateral wave knocked me sideways. Instead of falling on my board, I cartoonishly stumbled backwards and eventually crashed into the water, where a massive rock was hiding under the surface. This rock not-so-gently kissed the thinnest, weakest part of my knee: Big smooch straight on my kneecap. Knee pads can save you thousands of dollars in medical money and hours and hours of PT time, kids. |
Class III+ PFDs (life jackets)
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A PDF or life jacket is required on most waterways in most states. Sure you can have a lame one, but having a cool one with cool pockets and features is even better [and could save your life]. Type III PFDs are best for whitewater adventures. These PFDs surround the wearer with floatation. They are made to keep you afloat in more turbulent water. Make sure you have the right fit - the US Coast Guard calls the fit "Comfortably Snug." You should be able to have someone lift you by the shoulder straps out of the water if necessary. |
Protect that Noggin'
Nuff said. Shop all Helmets here but below are some of our favorites.
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| Shred Ready iON Helmet |
WRSI Trident Component Helmet |
Shred Ready Standard Full Cut Helmet |
High Pressure Pump
Save your muscles for your paddle, rather than hand pumping get an Outdoor Master Shark II High Pressure Pump and just plug it in and chill while your SUP inflates. I can think of things I'd rather do in the parking spot pre-paddle than pump up my SUP.
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Dry Bags: Something for everything
You don't have to leave it at home. You can take anything you can fit on your SUP - as long as you have the right dry bags!
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When I know I’ll be out for a day-long paddle, I usually bring my Watershed Ocoee with me. I can fit my phone, extra layers, a hat, sunscreen, and several snacks easily inside this waterproof bag. This bag fits easily on the front of the board and is small enough to not get in the way or impact performance while on the water. Carrying a drybag with you is also a great way to ensure you will have your keys with you at the takeout. |
| Sea to Summit and NRS make huge selections of dry bags to fit your water adventure storage needs and Dry Boxes (from Pelican) are another great storage solution for you SUP. You can use carabiners and your SUP's bungee cords and D-Rings to rig your bags and boxes to your paddleboard. Always Rigged to Flip - just in case you swim! |
Dry Bags and Boxes |
Do more with Dry Wear + SPF gear
Some of our favorite drysuits on the market are the Immersion Research 7Figure Drysuit [for guys] and Level Six Freya [for gals]. If you want to extend your SUPing season, you will definitely want a drysuit - full stop.
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Immersion Research
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Level Six Freya
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Another piece of apparel we love is our SPF wear, these protect your precious skin cells under the sun. They're great when it's cool out but especially when it's hot out on the river, because you can dunk your shirt in the water for an instant cool vibe.
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NRS Men's H2Core Silkweight Shirt |
Level Six Oasis Sun Shirt |
Other goodies they [you] will love
Get a Knife!
If you wear a leash, you must wear a knife. Here are a couple we like!
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| NRS Pilot Knife | NRS Co-Pilot Knife | NRS Green Knife |
Fin Options
You can replace your center fins and your side bite click fins on your Hala Gear SUPs. This means riders can modify their ride for low water, surfing, better tracking, the options are pretty limitless!
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Swap your Center Fin! Hala 8" Center Fin |
Low water, No problem! |
New this year! Hala Pocket Fin |
Grub Screws Set of 4 + Fin Key
It’s always helpful to have a set of these in your PFD in case you need to swap out a click fin quickly!