Stand up paddle boarding has become a very popular water sport in recent times. As the name suggests paddlers stand on the boards and propel themselves on water using paddles. This is a very entertaining and adventurous sport that helps you relax and unwind after a long day at work or at school. It is also a whole body workout. However, these benefits accrue to those who have everything they need for paddle boarding. In general, if you want to get the maximum out of your paddle boarding adventure, don’t forget the following items.
Table of Contents
Basic paddleboarding gear
Before thinking about anything else you should have the basic paddleboarding items. Precisely, you should have a proper SUP board, a pump, and a paddle. Don’t forget paddling gloves. Some SUP boards might come with detachable fins and SUP leash, If you are a beginner, it’s suggested you bring them along for the tour. Fins can help keep the board stable and make it more maneuverable. And the leash can keep the board from floating away from you when you fall into the water.
A pump and a backpack
If you have an inflatable stand up paddle board, it probably comes with a pump and a backpack. Don’t forget to bring the pump if you deflate it the last time you use it. An inflatable has a significant advantage over hard boards and it’s its transportability. Deflate the board and you can pack it inside a backpack and bring it to the water with ease.
Medical products
Next in the line comes medical items. Anything can happen while you are on a paddle boarding expedition. Therefore, don’t leave a first aid kit behind. Make sure that this kit is fully equipped. You also need a rescue whistle to alert the people around you whenever you are in danger.
Personal effects
You also need personal effects like wet suits, towels, underwear, and toiletries. This is so especially if you expect to paddle for several weeks or months. Carry hiking boots if hiking is part of the SUP trip. Don’t forget sandals, socks, shorts, shirts, and a raincoat.
Food and drink
Food is the last thing you will forget to carry when you go for a paddle boarding expedition. You will not enjoy your trip if you are hungry or thirsty. Therefore, bring enough food and drinks for everyone. If camping is part of the activities to be carried out, you may also need to carry a fire starter so that you can light a fire and make food for yourselves. You also need a complete camping cook set, dish soap, water filter, and a collapsible bucket.
Kid-friendly items
If you are on a SUP trip as a family, carry with you the items that will keep your kids busy. There are also SUP boards for kids and you can consider carrying them as well. Don’t forget their toys and sleeping mats as they may fall asleep on the way.
Assorted items
You also need various items depending on the nature of your paddle boarding trip. If you are on a SUP tour, carry the things that will make your tours eventful such as a compass and a map of the area being toured. If you will be paddling at night you also need a headlamp or a lantern for lighting. You will not be able to connect with Mother Nature effectively without adequate lighting. You may also need a sleeping bag and a camping hammock if the activity is expected to last days or weeks. If you are on a SUP fishing expedition, other than bringing the necessary fishing tools like the fishing pole, fishing lines, hooks, plastic worms, bobbers, and lures, you should also consider bringing an anchor with you to help stay in the ideal fishing spot after finding one.
Extras
Just to spice up your paddle boarding activity, you need to carry a camera, bungee cords, sunscreen and chapsticks. You cannot forget to carry your cell phone and its solar charger. You need to communicate with your folks even as you have fun on the water. Your phone also becomes a security device when things go wrong. Also, bring an outdoor GPS tracking device to keep in touch with your family in case there is no cell service
To sum it all, you don’t want to lack anything as you go paddle boarding on the ocean, river or lake. There are several paddle boarding tips to make the activity enjoyable but you must have all the necessary tools first. Make sure that your luggage is as light as possible even as you make sure that you have packed everything.
