Must-Have Items For A Safe Paddleboarding Experience

If you’re thinking of stand-up paddleboarding, ensure that you have all the equipment necessary for a safe and enjoyable experience. If you don’t have the required tools, you can end up with mishaps and injuries. Luckily, SUPing doesn’t require a lot of expensive gear. Besides a good paddle and a paddleboard, there are also a few essentials that you should have in your checklist. Most of this equipment is readily available in paddle board rental shops, so you’ve got nothing to worry about. Here’s everything you’ll need for a smooth and safe stand up paddleboarding session.

A Sturdy Paddle Board

There are various types of boards available for different sports. If you’ve done your research and know precisely what you need, you can purchase them from a retail shop or online. You can choose between an inflatable or a rigid paddleboard. They also have both in the most paddle board rental shops.

Inflatable boards

Inflatable boards are affordable and are more suitable for calm waters. However, experienced paddlers won’t have a problem riding them on rough waters as well.

Stiff boards

On the other hand, rigid boards feature a fixed form and can’t be folded or broken down. These types of boards are much easier to control and maneuver in choppy waters. Additionally, if you know how to kayak, you can opt for a SUP kayak hybrid.

The Ocean Kayak SUP 12.5 Stand Up Paddle Board is a fantastic board that features padded footwells with a textured foot area to optimize balance whether you’re an expert or beginner, its comfortable and easy to use.

A suitable paddle

Paddles also come in various sizes, and it can be confusing to choose the right one. If it’s your first paddle, you should opt for an adjustable one, so that you can experiment with its length and figure out what works best for you. Large paddles can be challenging to handle unless you have the strength to maneuver a big blade.

The right materials

Paddles also vary in construction. Alloy paddles are quite heavy and it`s recommended that you stay away from them, especially if you’re of a smaller frame. In most cases, a solid fiberglass paddle will be ideal.

Backwater Paddles Assassin Carbon Fiber Hybrid Paddle is durable and fade-resistant to make maneuvering easier while paddling.

Leash

If you’re looking forward to an intense session of paddling, including a leash in your kit is a good idea. It will keep you attached to your board in case you encounter a wipeout. The length of your leash must be longer or equal to the length of your board. It’s also critical that the leash is compatible with paddleboarding. The ones for surfing are more fragile and can break down quickly.

The YakGear Stand Up Paddleboard Leash is compatible with any SUP and is super easy to install.

Life Jacket/PFD

When you’re getting ready for paddleboarding, putting your personal floatation device (PFD) or life jacket on is the first thing you should do. Paddleboards are considered to be watercrafts, so that means you are legally required to wear a PFD while on board. If you don’t know how to swim, it becomes critical to sport a life jacket. You can’t predict accidents, so better be safe than sorry.

Choose your fit

PFDs are available in various forms. The most common ones are the over-the-head PFDs that feature constant buoyancy. They are affordable, low-maintenance, and are available in bright colors, making them easily noticeable. Belt units are also available, and they come with a gas canister so they can be inflated with a light pull.

The highly-rated Stohlquist Descent Rescue Life jacket features durable and premium materials. Its ergonomic design makes for a comfortable fit.

PUMP

If you’re going to use an inflatable SUP, a pump is indispensable as it helps manage the air inside your board. If the weather turns cold, your vessel will require better inflation. Keeping the pump nearby helps regulate the air pressure so that your SUP can have the optimum buoyancy to operate efficiently.

The Hobie I inflation pump is very easy to use and inflates air chambers to an accurate pressure.

Appropriate Clothing

Wearing the appropriate clothing is key for efficient paddling. If you’re paddling in areas where the temperature drops below 65˚F, you must wear an insulated wetsuit. If the temperature ranges between 50-55˚F, a dry suit will be your best bet, particularly if you’re a beginner without a lot of experience with falling into the water.

The Stohlquist EZ Dry Suit is a fantastic product that is not only waterproof and breathable but offers UV protection as well.

Wrap up

Paddleboarding can be a lot of fun, and having the right equipment ensures that you`ll stay safe and sound. Make a checklist of the items mentioned above before you visit the paddle board rental store. These items are essential, especially if you are a beginner.