Stand-up paddleboarding is not just about the board; it’s an experience that you can significantly enhance with the right accessories. They can improve your safety, convenience and fun. Here’s a list of essential paddle board accessories for your iSUP that you shouldn’t be without:
15 Essential Paddle Board Accessories
Paddles: These are your power supply. Your paddle is as important as your paddleboard itself. You can get adjustable or fixed-length paddles to suit your height and your paddling style. Carbon fibre paddles are lightweight and strong, while aluminium or fibreglass options provide durability at a lower cost.
Safety leash to keep you connected: A safety leash is a must-have for any paddleboarder. It ensures that your board stays within reach if you fall into the water, which is crucial for safety, especially in strong currents or winds. Buy your leash here.
Pump for easy inflation: To get your inflatable SUP ready for the water, you’ll need a pump. Manual pumps are standard but an electric pump can save you time and energy, allowing you to hit the water sooner and with less effort.
Personal flotation device (PFD): A life jacket is essential for your safety on the water and in some places is required by law. Belt PFDs are popular among paddleboarders; they are comfortable to wear and allow more freedom with paddling movements.
Safety whistle or sounding device: As with life jackets, a sounding device is also a legal requirement in some places so ensure that you comply with the law at your paddleboarding destination.
Cooler for refreshments on the go: A paddleboarding cooler can be a great addition to your SUP setup, especially for long paddling sessions or fishing trips. Some coolers can be attached securely to your board and can also double as a seat.
Carrying strap and cart: A carrying strap and paddleboard cart can simplify transporting your board from your car to the water, especially when you’re dealing with a long distance or rough terrain.
Dry bag to keep your gear dry: A dry-bag is ideal for keeping your belongings dry and safe as you paddle. Dry-bags are essential for longer trips or when you carry electronic devices. They come in various sizes.
Waterproof, floating phone case: If you like to stay connected or capture images of your exploits on the water, you’ll need a waterproof phone case. You will be able to use your phone without worrying about water damage.
Insulated water bottle: You’ll need to keep yourself hydrated while out on the water, especially if you’re paddling on seawater. See insulated water bottles on Amazon.
Sun block: Use a good sun protection cream, lotion or spray. Applying sunblock while paddleboarding can protect your skin from harmful UV rays, thereby preventing sunburn and reducing the risk of skin damage and long-term health issues such as skin cancer.
Water shoes: Wearing water shoes for paddleboarding will provide comfort for your feet and enhance traction to prevent slipping and falling off your board.
Sunglasses: Wearing floating sunglasses while you’re paddleboarding will protect your eyes from harmful UV rays and reduce glare from the water, enhancing your comfort and visibility. TIP: If you don’t have floating sunglasses, at least use a floating sunglasses strap so you don’t lose your sunglasses in the water!
SUP lights to illuminate your journey: Although not quite an essential paddle board accessory, for night or evening paddling SUP lights can light up your path and the water below, creating a magical experience and ensuring visibility for safety.
Board bag to protect your SUP: Whatever type of paddleboard you use, a board bag will protect it from the elements and pests and make transport and storage more convenient.
How to Choose a SUP Paddle for a Beginner
Here’s what you should look out for as a beginner when selecting a paddle for stand-up paddleboarding:
Paddle length: The length of the paddle is of utmost importance. The general rule is to have a paddle that’s about 8 to 10 inches taller than you. However, there are adjustable paddles that offer the flexibility to experiment with different lengths as you grow more comfortable and develop your paddling technique.
Paddle shaft: The shaft of the paddle, that connects the handle to the blade, comes in various materials. For a beginner, an aluminium shaft is often recommended as it is more durable and affordable. As you progress, you might consider a carbon or fibreglass shaft, which is lighter and is less tiring during longer paddling sessions.
Paddle blade: The blade’s size and shape will influence the power and stability of your strokes. For a beginner, a wider blade would be more appropriate as it will provide more power and will also help with balance. Look for a blade that has a gentle dihedral design. It will help the water flow evenly off both sides of the blade, resulting in a smoother stroke.
Paddle weight: A heavy paddle can quickly lead to tired arms and a less enjoyable experience. Your paddle should feel comfortable to hold and light enough to use for extended periods. A lighter paddle will enable you to focus more on technique and less on the effort of paddling.
Paddle grip: The grip or handle of the paddle should feel comfortable in your hands. Ergonomic grips can reduce strain on your wrists and hands, which is especially beneficial for a beginner who is still building his or her paddling endurance.
Durability: As a beginner, you might find that your paddle will take a few knocks as you learn. Durability is essential so look for paddles that are designed to withstand the inevitable bumps and scrapes of the learning process.
Price – balancing cost and quality: While it may be tempting to choose the cheapest option when starting, investing in a slightly better-quality paddle can improve your experience and may last longer. However, there’s no need to break the bank; many reputable brands offer good-quality paddles at reasonable prices for beginners.
In conclusion, the best paddle for a beginner would be one that is the correct length, comfortable to hold, lightweight and durable. An adjustable aluminium paddle with a large blade is often a great starting point for a paddleboarding beginner. As you progress, you can always upgrade to a paddle with more advanced materials and features.
Essential paddle board accessories such as these can help you make the most of your time on the water. Each one serves a purpose and you can choose according to your specific SUP needs and activities.
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