Essential Gear for SUP Beginners
As a beginner paddle boarder, I knew that I wanted to get out on the water to ride, but had no idea what I actually needed to do that. Obviously I knew I needed a board and a paddle, but didn’t know what other gear would be beneficial. I quickly learned that just a SUP and a paddle wasn’t enough. The first time I went paddle boarding I didn’t have an ankle strap, needless to say when I fell off my SUP, I had to frantically swim to rescue my board from drifting away from me.
Can you get away with just a paddle board and paddle? Yes, but to create the best experience as well as a safe experience, I’d include these must-have items for SUP beginners:
- Paddle Board
- Paddle
- Paddle Board Fin
- Life Vest
- Ankle Leash
- Pump for Inflatable SUP
- Bungee Storage Kit
- Roof Rack
- Strap System
- Whistle
- Sun Protection
- Another Person or Way to Contact
Where are you going to be using your paddle board?
Before you start buying your paddle board equipment, think about where you are primarily going to be using your SUP.
Are you going to be out in the ocean, rivers, or a small lake?
The water conditions are much different for each of those bodies of water, which could impact the things you want to purchase.
You’re going to want something that can handle the conditions that you will be riding in.
If you are going to be in colder waters, then some things to wear like wets suits may become more essential, than for those just riding in warm waters.
Things like bug repellent may become essential if out on a wooded lake, whereas riding on the ocean it wouldn’t be. So, take into consideration your surroundings.
Here is my list of essentials regardless of where you ride
Paddle Board
Unless you have discovered a way to walk on water, you kind of need a paddle board to go paddle boarding. I don’t want to get too much into the right paddle board for your needs at this point.
There are many pros to an inflatable and a hard surface paddle board, so either option is great. I selected this Merax Inflatable as my beginner board for the reasons listed here.
If the only consideration is how a SUP rides, you may want to rent one first to try it out.
Paddle
It kind of also goes without saying that you need a paddle to go paddle boarding. Sometimes a paddle will come with a board, other times it won’t.
Usually, the paddle that comes with the board will be sufficient for a beginner to use and provide a good riding experience.
If you want a more customized paddle or your SUP didn’t come with a paddle then you’ll have to shop for one.
I discuss what to look for in a paddle here.
Paddle Board Fin or Fins
It’s going to be a rough ride without any fins on your paddle board. Some boards, primarily inflatables, have fins mounted onto the board.
Even still, there is a removable center fin.
Sometimes the center fin has a screw and flat nut to connect the fin to the board. You want to ensure that you have the proper fin or fins with the needed hardware.
Read here to take a more in-depth look at paddle board fins.
Life Vest
I always use a life vest when paddle boarding as a safety precaution. It may not look cool or seem necessary, but I’d rather be safe than sorry.
I do a lot of paddle boarding as a family activity with my kids, so it’s important to set the example for my kids. If daddy isn’t wearing a life jacket, then why should they.
The US Coast Guard deems a paddle board as a vessel, stating that anyone over 13 must have a life jacket (not necessarily wearing), and kids under 12 need to be wearing a life jacket.
All life jackets should meet US Coast Guard standards and fit appropriately.
Read here for more paddle board safety.
Ankle Leash
As stated earlier, I learned the hard way on this one. Not only is an ankle leash important to prevent losing your SUP, but it also aids in safety.
Your paddle board acts as a flotation device if needed, so it’s critical to make sure it stays near you.
Unigear Premium 10′ Coiled SUP Leash
Pump for Inflatable
If you are using an inflatable SUP, then a pump is a must-have item. You aren’t going to be able to blow your SUP up like a beach ball with the air from your lungs.
A lot of inflatable SUP’s will include a hand pump. Hand pumps are generally fairly easy to use but can take a little more time and effort to inflate your paddle board.
A motorized pump
Bungee Kit for Storage
Many paddle boards come with a pre-installed bungee type kit for storage, but if not I’d highly recommend getting one.
If you want to store a personal flotation device or anything on your board, you’re going to want something that will keep it securely in place.
A Way to Transport
One of the main reasons I like an inflatable SUP is because it rolls right up into a nice carrying bag for ease of transport.
A hard surface board will require you to look into some additional options for both transport to your water destination, as well as from your vehicle to the water.
The first thing you will look for is a roof rack or mounts, which can be found here.
If your board doesn’t come with pre-installed handles to carry it, then you may want a strap system to carry your board over your shoulder like this here.
You’ll also want to figure out a way to store your paddle board when you aren’t using it.
I wrote this article here, discussing how to store your paddle board, even in limited spaces.
Whistle
A whistle is kept as a safety precaution to warn others on the water around you that you are there.
Sometimes boaters or other watercraft are unable to see you and as they are approaching, using a whistle can help alert them.
Another item that the US Coast Guard deems as required gear.
Sun Protection
When you are out on the water having a relaxing, enjoyable experience on your paddle board, you don’t want to come home to a miserable night of a painful sunburn.
Definitely wear some sort of sunscreen or sunblock to prevent from an unwanted sunburn.
Another Person or Way to Contact
Being out on the water comes with potential safety risks.
It’s a good idea to go out with someone else or to ensure that someone knows where you are at.
Having a cell phone with a waterproof carry, hopefully in an area with cell service, is beneficial if you need to contact someone in an emergency.
As a beginner to SUP, getting these essentials will properly prepare you to get out on the water and have a great experience.
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