What to Pack for Paddleboarding: Essential SUP Gear Checklist for Beginners

Heading out for a paddleboarding adventure? Whether you’re paddling along a calm river, exploring a coastal bay, or just getting started with stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), packing the right gear makes all the difference.

In this guide, I’ll take you through a complete paddleboarding essentials checklist — from safety gear and clothing to optional accessories that make your trip smoother, drier, and more enjoyable.

Whether you’re a beginner or a weekend explorer, this gear guide will help you get ready, stay safe, and pack light for any SUP adventure.

Note: This post includes a few affiliate links to trusted paddleboarding products I personally use or recommend. If you choose to buy through these, it won’t cost you anything extra — but it does help support this site and keep these guides free. Thanks!

✅ Paddleboarding Essentials: What You’ll Always Need

• Paddleboard

There is a vast range to choose from, including inflatable or a hard board.

Our top choices are:

McConks – we use the McConks 14″ tourer. We use it as a basecamp on the water, drone helipad, for shooting rapids, coastal journeys and river exploration. Most of our miles are clocked up on this board.

Check out the McConks paddleboard range

Red Paddle – all Red Boards are made to the highest quality, and their range offers something for everyone. We’ve tried plenty if we’ve hired and they’re good.

Find the right Red Paddleboard for you

Starboard – I have Starboard’s Touring Inflatable Paddleboard – its lightweight, cuts throw the water, and has some great carry straps.

Check out the Starboard range

Top tips for buying a paddleboard

• Always buy the best you can afford for all-round better quality build
• Go to a reputable SUP board supplier who will advise you on the best boards in their range that will suit you and your need
• Don’t choose a board that’s too wide for you – otherwise it reduces your paddle stroke efficiency
• Look out for well-placed paddle handles, such as bow and stern, or one with built in shoulder straps – it will make carrying the board so much easier.

• Fin

There are several types of fin arrays, depending on the type and shape of your board. All help with keeping in a straight line. Som boards have a large removable central fin towards the stern. The most versatile option is a detachable US Box Fin, which allows you to remove/change the fin depending on the environment. Other boards may have two smaller fixed fins or three fins (one removable large fin and two smaller ones).

Top tips for choosing paddleboard fins

• For touring, a large vertical fin helps with tracking, whereas a smaller curved fin can improve manoeuvrability
• For shallower rivers, or paddling through weed, use the smaller river fins.

🔗 Whatever you do don’t forget to but some extra fin bolts!

• Paddle

There are a surprising number of options for paddles. Shafts are usually made in one, two, or three pieces and from a variety of materials. Choose one that is at least 15-25cm taler than you. For very short journeys, the paddle material won’t be an issue. If you plan longer journeys, however, the weight becomes significant, so buy the lightest paddle you can afford. This is usually a carbon-fibre paddle with a foam-like core to the blade.

🔗 Check out the full rage of paddle types you can buy 

• Leash

Always wear a leash — it keeps your board from drifting away if you fall off.

Coiled leash: Ideal for flatwater and rivers

Straight leash: Better for surf or open water

• Personal Flotation Device (PFD)

We recommend that you wear one at all times. Buoyancy aids come in two forms. Chest/vest buoyancy aids that you wear like a jacket, or a waist belt – that has an inflatable sack inflated via a single0-use gas cylinder. 

🔗 Here’s the chest buoyancy aid and waist belt that we use.

• Dry Bag (15–30L)

Keeps essentials dry: phone, snacks, spare clothes. Strap it to your board or wear it.
🔗 This 30L dry bag is a solid all-rounder

• Waterproof Phone Case

  Vital if you’re navigating, taking photos, or need to call for help.

🔗 Try this bullet-proof phone case

👕 What to Wear Paddleboarding (All Seasons)

What you wear paddleboarding depends on the season, location, and how likely you are to fall in.

🔹 Top tip: Dress for the water temperature, not the air temperature.

Another top tip: we get the majority of our personal clothing via SportPursuit – often with up to 60% off RRP. Follow this link to benefit from huge savings off big brand names!

Here’s a breakdown by season to help you stay warm, safe, and comfortable:

☀️ Summer Paddleboarding Kit

• Quick-drying swimwear or leggings

• Long-sleeve top for sun protection

• Lightweight windproof outer layer

• Sun hat or peaked cap

• Polarised sunglasses with a lanyard

🔗 Shop long-sleeved tops | Quick-dry leggings | Sunglasses straps

🍂 Autumn Paddleboarding Kit

• Full wetsuit or thermal layers under dry gear

• Windproof outer jacket or paddling cag

• Fleece hat and light gloves

🔗 Affordable wetsuits | Thermal paddling layers

❄️ Winter Paddleboarding Kit

• Drysuit or split waterproof system (top and trousers)

• Thermal base layers

• Neoprene gloves, boots, and hat

🔗 Shop drysuits | Neoprene boots

🌱 Spring Paddleboarding Kit

• 3mm–5mm wetsuit or layered waterproofs

• Lightweight fleece or synthetic underlayers

• Hat, gloves for wind protection

🔗 Shop wetsuits

👟 What Footwear to Wear Paddleboarding

Your footwear should match the terrain and water conditions, especially for launch/landing areas or rocky riverbeds:

• Wetsuit boots with firm soles — for cold water and grip

• Neoprene socks — extra warmth inside boots

• Barefoot — great board feel in warm, calm conditions

• Wet shoes — versatile for launch and walking

🔗 Shop wetsuit boots | Shop wet shoes

🛠️ Optional Paddleboarding Extras

These aren’t essential, but can improve your paddleboarding experience:

1. GoPro or Waterproof Action Cam
Capture your adventure from the board.

🔗 Explore waterproof cams

2. First Aid Kit
A basic waterproof pouch with plasters, antihistamines, and tape.

3. Map or Navigation App
Helpful for rivers or coastal paddling. Offline apps like Outdooractive or OS Maps are great.

4. Snacks + Water
Energy bars and a bottle of water (in your dry bag) are always smart.

5. Towel or Changing Robe
Stay warm and dry post-paddle.

🔗 Shop changing robes

📍Final Tips

• Always check tide, wind, and weather before launching.

• Tell someone your paddle plan and ETA back.

• Carry a whistle or small torch/light in case of emergency.

• Pack for just-in-case without overloading yourself.

🔗 Related Posts

• Top 5 Places to SUP in Somerset, Bristol and Bath

• 25+ Best Paddleboarding & Paddlesport Books – UK Guide 2025

• The Ultimate Guide to Paddleboarding in the UK.