If you are planning to start paddleboarding, you are probably researching how you will choose the right essentials for the activity.
From choosing what to wear for paddleboarding to the safety devices, having the correct components is significant to beginners and professional paddlers.
The right gears will ensure you are comfortable while paddling and you are safe throughout the paddling period. In addition, you will be able to run how to paddle faster and with ease if you are a beginner.
Below are some tips on how to select the best essentials for paddleboarding.
Choosing the right gears for paddleboarding
1. Clothes
Choosing the right clothes for paddling is crucial. However, the clothes to wear for stand-up paddleboarding depend on the type of weather.
For instance, during the summer months, you need to protect yourself from the sun. And if you are planning to paddle during the cold periods, some outfits such as the drysuit are designed for the cold weather.
Nevertheless, you need to choose clothes that fit your style and make you comfortable. You can get some head coverings as well.
Some of the clothes to select for paddling during the summer months are board shorts for men, swimsuits, rash guards, and sunglasses. Choose clothes as per your body size. For example, use plus size swimsuits if you are overweight.
During the cold months, you can wear a dry suit to keep you dry, a SUP jacket, or a long sleeve shirt.
Also, you need to consider having sunglasses and sunscreen when paddling in warm weather. The sun becomes strong when it reflects off the water.
Only you have no tension about the clothes if you go any nude Beaches for Paddleboarding ha ha ha.
2. Personal Floating device
Another vital gear you need to choose correctly is the personal floating device. This is one of the most important gears you need when paddling. It is an item that will ensure you are safe all the time.
If you have a normal life jacket, you can use it. However, there are several PFD options designed for stand-up paddleboarding. They work well even in hot weather and do not restrict any movement. In addition, they are smaller than a normal life vest.
But generally, make sure you have a decent personal floating device. Wear it all the time, especially when dealing with tides or when ocean paddling.
3. Leash
When buying a leash, you need to buy the right one. Whether you are planning to paddle on a lake, sea, river, or ocean, you must wear a leash when paddling.
It is a chain or a rope that you wear around the ankle. It protects you and ensures you get back to water faster.
However, there are several types of leashes on the market. Therefore, you need to take your time to choose the right one.
Research more on the size, type, length, and brands to buy. For instance, there is a coiled leash and a straight leash. The coiled one keeps the cord out of the water but the straight one is a bit longer.
4. Shoes
Even though you can go paddling barefoot, you may consider some shoes to cover your feet during the cold months.
Wearing shoes during your stand-up paddleboarding benefits you a lot. They help to prevent an injury in case the place you are going has rocks, shells, or things that can hurt you.
Also, they are well designed to protect your toes, protect your feet from the sun, and provide warmth.
Luckily, there are many types of shoes to examine. Thus, make sure you pick one that is durable, water-resistant, has a flexible sole, and can provide the warmth you need during the cold months.
Also read: Quick and Useful Summer Camp Packing Hacks
5. Dry Bag
You need a dry bag to store most of your things when going for stand-up paddleboarding. You need one to store your phone, keys, snacks, and other items.
Happily, there is a wide range of dry bags to choose from at various stores online. A 10L size bag is an average one that can hold your camera, car keys, sunscreen, and other few items.
Also, you can choose a bigger dry bag such as a 20L bag that can hold more items such as a towel, snacks, and other items.
6. Electric Pump
Even though most inflatable SUPs come with a hand pump, you may consider buying an electric pump.
An electric pump is powerful and efficient at inflating your board. Moreover, it will help you save the energy you need for paddling. In addition, it is an essential item if you have more than one stand-up paddleboard to inflate.
7. Whistle
In most cases, a whistle is a vital gear when out on the water. Thus it is important to buy one when going paddleboarding.
You are recommended to attach the whistle to your PFD so that you can reach it on time whenever you need it. Moreover, you do not have to think much about it.
Once you are geared up with the correct essentials, you can be sure to be safe and have a wonderful paddleboarding experience.
The above items are some of the essential gears you need for stand-up paddleboarding. However, do not forget to carry some snacks and a lot of water.