Best Things to get for Your SUP
It’s easy to look at paddle boarding as just standing up on a board and leisurely paddling around. That narrow minded focus will have you missing out on so many awesome things you can do with your paddle board. Paddle boarding can replicate many of the water activities that are done with other watercraft.
Sitting on your Paddle Board
Yes, you can actually sit on your stand up paddle board. There are many great seats and chair options designed for paddle boards. Here is a great SUP chair.
Adding a chair to your paddle board can create more of a kayak or boat like experience for your SUP. A chair is going to make activities like fishing a lot smoother on your paddle board.
If you have difficulty standing for long periods of time, then having a seat will give your legs a break. It’s a lot easier to add a seat to a paddle board, then trying to stand up on something like a canoe.
So just being able to comfortably sit on your paddle board creates a whole other experience.
Motorized Paddle Board
I was really surprised to learn that you could actually add a motor to a paddle board.
Don’t expect your paddle board to become a speed boat with an electric motor, but you can obtain speeds of up to 7-8 mph.
Not only can you add a motor to a hard surface board, but also an inflatable paddle board. Make sure you check the weight requirements as some motors top out around 55lbs.
Being able to add a small motor can help enhance your fishing experience or give you a boating type experience.
Electric motors are battery operated and can last for at least an hour. You don’t have to worry about harmful emissions with an electric motor.
Click on the pics below for great SUP motor options:
Laying on your Paddle Board
When I say laying on your board, I’m not talking about literally laying on your board, although you could try doing that.
I’m talking about the option to add a hammock to your board. Is there anything more relaxing than laying in a hammock?
Well, it can be done on your paddleboard!
It’ll take a few paddleboards together, creating a raft like set-up for the frame of the hammocks.
The whole set-up allows 4-5 people to utilize hammocks out on the water. This product is sold by Hammocraft.
Sailing on your Stand Up Paddle Board
When you’re out on the water, those winds can kick up at any time. Why not try a sail for your paddle board. One company called Sailpaddle, has created a paddle that stores a sail inside, so you can literally turn your paddle into a sail.
There are traditional sail options for paddle boards that resemble windsurfing. You can also get something similar to a kite sail that drags in back of the paddle board.
I’m really excited about trying out a sail for my paddle board, as I’ve always been interested in sailing. Getting a sail boat isn’t quite affordable for me at the moment and storing it isn’t really feasible.
So getting a sail for my paddle board can give a taste of what it’s like to go sailing at a low cost.
Anchoring the Paddle Board
Check out my post here that goes in-depth on using an anchor for a paddle board. An anchor is a relatively low cost item that can help optimize your paddle boarding adventures.
There are going to be times were you want to just hang out where you are and an anchor will let you do just that.
Relaxing on your SUP
We’ve discussed options for sitting or “laying” on your paddle board to give more of a relaxing experience, but adding various storage devices can turn your paddle board into a party on the water.
Things like beverage holders and coolers can be added to your paddle board to bring drinks or food out on the water.
There are options to get waterproof bags if you need to have things like your phone on your board.
Nightlife on the Paddle Board
When the sun goes down, you don’t have to leave the water with these accessories for your paddle board.
Adding lighting options to your paddle board will keep you visible at night so you can continue to stay out and enjoy the stars.
Illuminating the water with LEDs on your board can create an awesome visual experience. You can purchase a LED kit here.
Since a paddle board is considered a vessel it is required to have a headlight as well to warn other watercraft.
I’d also recommend having a whistle to warn other possible watercraft of your presence at night. It’s a good idea to go out with a group or buddy when out at night.
Rocking out on your SUP
Splash Tunes Pro is a waterproof portable device for listening to music. It has a powerful speaker for such a small device and includes a suction cup that works well on hard surface boards.
It can also be secured by your bungee storage on an inflatable SUP. The Splash Tunes Pro syncs with your phone using Bluetooth technology providing crystal clear audio.
Keep it clean
RinseKit provides a really cool product in the form of a portable shower. You can fill it up before you head out to the water by using your garden hose.
It holds a couple gallons of water and is easy to transport. This portable shower provides up to 4 minutes of continuous stream.
When storing your inflatable paddle board in a bag, it’s important to clean the dirt off prior to storage.
Using the RinseKit when you get out of the water makes it quick and easy to keep your paddle board clean. Not only will you be able to clean your board, but also have clean feet.
As you can see, paddle boarding can be so much more than just a stand up experience. Spending a little extra to add various accessories can create a variety of unique experience on your paddle board to create continued fun on the water.
Please comment below on anything you enjoyed from this post.