So you’ve discovered that you LOVE your SUP and your paddleboard adventures and want to be out on it all the time. You’ve honed in on your skills and learnt all of the necessary tips to become nearly a professional. Sound familiar? The next step in your paddleboard adventure is a full day out on your board. But, how do you plan for a day out on your paddleboard and what stand-up paddleboard gear should you pack?

Read on to discover what we think are the essentials for a paddleboard day out plus those extras that will make your life just that bit easier.

Paddleboard Essentials

  • Standup Paddleboard (SUP)
  • Paddle (Aluminium, Fibreglass, Carbon Fibre/ Nylon)
  • PFD (Personal Floatation Devic either a Life Jacket or inflatable PFD belt) – This is especially important if you’re a less experienced SUP’er or going out on choppy waters
  • Leash (wear around the ankle or waist)
  • Fin(s)

Nice to Have

  • Small Dry Bag (for phone, camera etc.) Shop our Saltie ones here.
  • Larger Dry Bag (for towels, snacks etc.)
  • SUP Carry Bag
  • Inflatable SUP Repair Kit (Just in case)
  • GoPro with board and/or paddle mounts. (pre-test mounts & stick a GoPro “floaty” to your GoPro so it won’t accidentally sink)
  • Mobile (in case of emergencies)
  • Changing robe so that you’ve got something warm to put on after. Shop our range of Saltie robes here.

Safety Items

  • Compass (You never know!)
  • Small First Aid Kit
  • Sunglasses (Floating)
  • Sunscreen
  • Insect Repellent (biting flies love the water!)
  • Lip Balm 30 SPF
  • Reusable lightweight water bottle with another water for the whole day
  • Enough Snacks to keep you energised for the day

Other tips and tricks for your next Saltie adventure!

Do a Dry Run

Pack all the belongings that you need before you set off for the day into your DryBag, this way you can check that all of your belongings fit and that they won’t weigh down your SUP, or that they’re not too heavy for you to carry.

 

Be a Minimalist

Even though you want to ensure you have everything that you need for the day, don’t overpack or make your DryBag unnecessarily heavy. The heavier your bag, the harder it will be to paddle through the water.

 

Research and Plan

Decide where you want to go and how long it will take you to get there. Researching the tides beforehand will also make your day a lot easier. Have a read of our blog post The Tides Explained to understand them better.

 

Eat and Hydrate well

Paddleboarding can be a strenuous activity especially if you are out on it all day. So, before you set out ensure you’ve had a filling meal and are fully hydrated.

But, most of all have an incredible Saltie adventure! Let us know in the comments if you think we have forgotten any essentials!

 

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