The sun is shining, the wind is low, the time to jump on your paddleboard is now! Whether you are enjoying gliding on some stunning lakes, cruising along the coast or taking a winding river journey - it's important to make sure you have need for a fun and safe adventure on the water.
'I'm just going for a paddle' I hear you say! And I know, sometimes it can feels like overkill but I would rather carry extra things with me that I hope I never have to need, than be caught out without them.
So, with that in mind, I have pulled together my ultimate packing list for paddleboarding - here is what I take out on the water with me on some of my big trips.
Obviously if you are just going to stay 20m from shore and lie on your SUP for a rest in ideal conditions, you don't need to go overboard with your packing list. And I don't take everything on this packing list out with me every single time I paddle. My bag would be filled with the right combination for the paddle location, conditions, duration, weather, season and if I was on my own or not.
So, use your judgement and take your pick of what feels appropriate to you and your paddle.
So, happy reading and happy packing!
PADDLEBOARD GEAR
Paddleboard: The most essential item for any paddleboarding trip is, of course, your paddleboard. Choose a board that's suitable for your skill level and preferred paddling environment, whether it's an all rounder board, a touring board or one to catch waves. Pop a waterproof label on your board in case you lose it or it drifts away and can be returned to you and a safety check can be made that you are safe.
Paddle: Opt for a lightweight and durable paddle with comfortable grip. If you want to upgrade a piece of kit, this is the one to upgrade that will make the biggest difference to your paddling. A light carbon paddle will put less strain through your shoulders, and getting a paddle with the right blade size to your paddle style is so important to protect your body and be the most efficient.
Personal Flotation Device (PFD): Safety should always come first when paddleboarding. It is New Zealand Maritime Law (Rule 91.4) that PFDs are required for all paddle crafts – stand up paddleboarders are legally obliged to carry a buoyancy aid, unless actively involved in surfing. Many regional councils will enforce this rule, with $200 spot fines for paddleboarders caught without a PFD. Recommended PFDs are a body buoyancy vest (minimum buoyancy of 50 Newtons) or a beltpack that has a toggle to pull to inflate it. There are pros and cons of both of these - check out more info from NZSUP's guide to PFDs.
Leash: Always paddle with a leash on that is right for the environment. A leash is essential for safety and prevent your board from drifting away from you if you fall in. Starboard share more in their SUP leash guide. Waist belt attached coiled leash: use where there is a risk of entrapment e.g. on moving water on rivers, harbours with lots of boat traffic, strong tidal flow. A quick release from the waist is the safest and quickest way to release yourself from your board under tension. Do not wear a calf or ankle leash in these environments. Ankle or calf attached coiled leash: general flatwater paddling on lakes and rivers with no flow, and ocean paddling (not surf) Surf: Ankle or calf attached straight leash, as when you fall off in the waves, straight leashes prevent our boards from springing back to hit us, like a coiled leash would.
SUP SAFETY EQUIPMENT
2 Forms of Communication: Always carry two forms of communication with you on the water. Always carry a mobile phone in a waterproof case, and make sure that you can use it with wet hands and in a rush in an emergency. The second form can vary depending on the location. I always carry a good quality safety whistle like a Fox 40 Whistle attached to your PFD to attract attention and signal for help. If I am paddling on my own, or paddling somewhere more remote, always take a waterproof Personal Locator Beacon and know how to use it.
Sun Protection: Protect your skin from the sun's strong rays with sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat. Opt for water-resistant sunscreen with a high SPF rating and reapply regularly, especially if you're spending long hours on the water.
First Aid Kit: Pack a compact first aid kit with essential supplies such as adhesive bandages, antiseptic wipes, sterile dressings, saline solution for eye irrigation, gauze pads, adhesive tape, tweezers, and pain relievers. Strong duct tape is also handy as this waterproof.
Navigation Tools: Always have your map and route downloaded on your phone with safe emergency landing points identified before you start your paddle that are close to a house, road or protection. Bring a waterproof map and compass, especially if you're exploring unfamiliar waters or going on a longer expedition. If your paddle is tidal, have the tide times and heights and make sure you understand them so can work with them. Write down where the nearest hospital is to your paddle location just in case too.
Useful Safety Kit to Add to Your Packing List For Paddleboarding:
Waterproof Head Torch: In case it gets dark whilst you are on the water, a white light is required for navigation.
Tent or emergency shelter: If you are paddling on a multi-day trip or in a remote location, a form of shelter will protect you from the elements, and a foil blanket just in case..
Spare fin and fin bolt: If your fin falls out or breaks, a spare fin will enable you to continue your journey effectively.
Safety tape tow line: If you know how to use it and are paddling with other people, a tow line is handy to have incase someone gets into difficulty.
River Knife: If you are going to be paddling on a river, a river safety knife is a good idea to cut branches or leashes if needed in an emergency.
Insect Repellant: Need I say more!
Tear Air Type B Puncture Repair: Slap this on a slow puncture on an inflatable board. It won't last forever but it will hold to help you get home.
Valve Key: Sometimes you can get valve issues or slow leaks from the valve of an inflatable board, so take this out of your repair kit that came with your board and take it with you
Duct Tape: Always useful for patching, repairing, taping paddles and it's waterproof!
nutrition & hydration essentials
Water: Stay hydrated on the water by bringing plenty of water with you in a reusable water bottle or hydration pack. Paddleboarding can be physically demanding, so it's essential to drink water regularly to prevent dehydration.
Snacks: Pack lightweight and energy-boosting snacks to keep you fuelled during your paddleboarding adventure. Trail mix, energy bars, fruit, and nuts are excellent options for quick and nutritious fuel on the go.
Emergency snack: Always have one of these to hand at all times just in case you, or someone else needs an energy boost or sugar hit.
WHAT ELSE should i include in my packing list for paddleboarding?
Dry Bag: Keep your kit, valuables and electronics safe and dry with a waterproof dry bag - available in different sizes depending how much you have to carry. I love a backpack style bag like Red Paddle Co's Adventure Bag so I can throw it on my back when I am not on the water too. Make sure you roll it down three times to be waterproof!
Spare Kit: If I am heading out on a big over night trip on my SUP, I will take a spare paddle and a small hand pump with me too just in case.
Spare Clothes: Pack thermal layers and a dry set of clothes to keep you comfortable and warm on the water and after.
Dress for the water temperature: Not the air temperature! Wear high visibility clothes on the water helps us stand out too. If we are paddling into colder weather, neoprene comes into its own. Hello neoprene gloves, boots, wetsuits, leggings and more. More to come on that one!
Whether you're embarking on a short paddle around the lake or an all-day adventure along the coast, use this ultimate packing list for paddleboarding to ensure you have everything you need for a memorable day on the water. It's more than just carrying the right gear though, so make sure you are clued up on navigating and planning your route, and check out the SUP Safe Code by NZSUP and Safer Boating too!
Ready to pack your bags and hit the water? Gather your gear, double-check your checklist, and get ready for an unforgettable paddleboarding adventure!
Happy paddling!
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