What should you wear for stand-up paddle boarding? The complete guide to what you should wear this summer…
If you’re near the water this summer, you’re almost certainly going to encounter a paddleboarder or six. It has grown in popularity in recent years, which is not surprising given how accessible and varied it is. SUPs are perfect for people who want to push themselves as well as those who are content paddling from A to B, with the choice of racing, touring, or surfing (and for the even more laid-back among you, an inflatable SUP also doubles up as a lilo, you can thank me later). Once you’ve mastered your balance, the fundamentals are relatively simple to learn, implying that almost anyone can have a go if they can get their hands on a board!
A board and a paddle are obvious necessities for this activity, but what more do you need? Having the proper attire on the water is critical since it will keep you safe, comfortable, and shielded from the sun, as well as ensuring you look the part. Continue reading for our seasonal recommendations. Alternatively, if you’re looking for our winter SUP clothing checklist, go here.
(If you don’t already have a board, read our guide to buying a stand-up paddleboard to determine which one is best for you.)
Checklist:
Clothing
Wetsuit
Top for wetsuits
Leggings made of neoprene
ruffled vest
Boardshorts
Water trainers/Wetsuit boots
Accessories
Cases that are waterproof
a dry bag
Hat
Change your robe/poncho
Sunglasses
Safety
Leash
Belt with PFD
Aids to buoyancy
Clothing
Wetsuit
This is mostly determined by you, your skill level, and your ambitions. On a quiet day, there are many of folks who can confidently paddle out fully dressed and return to shore bone dry. If this is you, and you believe in your ability to stay on your board, you can skip this part. A wetsuit, on the other hand, may be a smart idea for novices, people with less confidence, and those who plan to take their SUP into the waves and surf. Even a shorty wetsuit will keep your core temperature stable if you fall in, allowing you to stay out for longer without becoming cold.
Shop for shorty wetsuits right now.
Top for wetsuits
If you don’t want to commit to a full wetsuit but still want to avoid falling in the water, a wetsuit top may be a good option. If you do end up in the water, a wetsuit top will keep your core warm while also protecting you from UV radiation.
Shop for wetsuit tops right now.
Leggings for wetsuits
When you initially step into the water to climb onto your paddleboard, you are likely to get your feet and the bottom of your legs wet. As a result, whatever you’re wearing from your knees to your ankles is going to get wet. Wetsuit leggings are an excellent piece of equipment for paddleboarders since they keep your legs warm while wet and protect you from UV rays.
Shop for wetsuit leggings right now.
ruffled vest
If you’ve decided against getting a wetsuit, or if you’re lucky enough to go somewhere exotic enough that you don’t need one, you should still consider getting a rash vest. Rash vests are commonly used to prevent surfers from acquiring a rash from the wax on their surfboards, or under a wetsuit to prevent wetsuit rash and chafing, but they can also give excellent sun protection if you choose not to wear a wetsuit. On a hot day, the water is fantastic for cooling you down, but it can also wash off any sunscreen you have on and put you at danger of burning. Wearing a rash vest will protect your arms, shoulders, and back from damaging rays, which is essential.
Shop for rash vests right now.
Boardshorts
A pair of boardshorts is the finest item to wear with a rash vest. They’re lightweight and rapid drying, making them ideal for anyone who is likely to get wet and doesn’t want to spend the remainder of the day in soggy denim.
Shop now for men’s and women’s boardshorts.
Wetsuit boots/water shoes
Some individuals like to paddle barefoot, although a pair of shoes is a good idea. Beaches can be difficult places to launch and land, so keeping your feet safe from jagged rocks and other hazards is critical. Also, especially if you’re new to paddle boarding, a little extra grip will come in handy when you’re out on your board. A pair of neoprene boots or water shoes will be an essential addition to your SUP outfit, especially if you plan to walk around the areas you paddle to.
Now is the time to buy boots and shoes.
Accessories
Cases that are waterproof
Let me tell you a nightmare scenario about going paddleboarding with my phone in my pocket. Unfortunately, my pocket didn’t have a zip, so when I accidentally whacked my jacket with my paddle, my phone fell into the water and I never retrieved it back. The moral of the story is that if you’re brave enough to bring your phone out, make sure it’s in a waterproof case. These cases are worn around the neck and are extremely useful for keeping your belongings dry and protected.
Purchase waterproof cases right now.
a dry bag
A dry bag, while more of an accessory than genuine clothes, is a good buy for anyone looking to get into paddle paddling. Dry bags, which come in a variety of sizes, may be used to keep anything out of the water, from phones to picnics, towels to tinnies.
Shop for dry bags right now.
Hat
Wearing a hat on the water is vital for keeping your face shielded from the sun, whether you choose a baseball design or a brimmed hat with 360-degree coverage. If you’re afraid about losing your hat if you fall in, there are convenient clips available to keep it close to you.
Shop for hats right now.
Robe/poncho for changing
If you’re confident in your ability to stay dry, a changing robe or towel poncho isn’t necessary, but it’s still a great addition to your SUP wardrobe. They’re fantastic because they not only make it a hundred times simpler to change clothes on the beach in a polite manner, but they’re also very toasty and great for warming up little children (or fully grown people) who are feeling a little chilly after a day on the sea.
Shop for new robes right now.
Sunglasses
Because of the increased glare reflecting off the water when paddleboarding, there can be significantly more glare than on land, especially during the summer months. Wearing sunglasses not only improves visibility but also protects your eyes from harmful UV radiation. If you’re concerned about losing your sunglasses while out on the water, use a retainer to keep them linked to you. Alternatively, check out Gill’s floatable sunglasses.
Shop for sunglasses and retainers right now.
Safety
Leash
A leash is a line that connects one end of your board to the other end of your ankle. When you fall in the water, the waves may force your board away from you, but if you have your leash on, you can simply pull your board towards you by grabbing the end of the leash that is tied to you.
Purchase leashes right now.
Belt with PFD
Now, without the bulk of a buoyancy aid, these can be a useful safety adjunct for stand up paddle boarding. A PFD belt is designed to be worn around your waist like a belt and activates automatically or manually when submerged in water. If you believe you may wind up in the water, a buoyancy aid may be more appropriate for you so you don’t have to constantly reloading your PFD belt every time you fall in.
PFD belts are available today.
Aids to buoyancy
When wearing a buoyancy aid while paddleboarding is not required, it is highly advised. It will not only keep you floating, but it will also allow you to recover if you fall in. You could wish to choose a less bulky buoyancy aid so that your arm movement isn’t hindered while paddling.
Buy buoyancy aids right now.