10 SUP Essentials
The Stand Up Paddler’s 10 Essentials
Most paddle days start the same way. Flat water, decent weather, board gliding like it’s on rails. Then something shifts. Wind picks up. You drift farther than planned. A blister on your hand starts talking trash halfway through the return paddle. None of this is dramatic, but it’s exactly where small decisions start to matter.
These are the 10 Essential that every SUP paddler should have with them for all those “just in case” scenarios. This list was inspired by the hiking communities list of 10 Hiking Essentials, now we have our list. This isn’t about overpacking or preparing for the apocalypse. It’s about having the right basics so a minor issue stays minor. Think of it as the difference between a smooth day on the water and a story that starts with “So this one time…”
Here are the Ten Essentials every beginner and intermediate stand up paddler should carry on their board. Note: a Board and Paddle are not listed here, it is assumed they are part of your set up.
1. PFD You Actually Wear
A PFD is non-negotiable. Falling in is normal, losing your board happens. A PFD buys you time, energy, and options when things go sideways. Be sure to know the waterway rules for your area as they pertain to wearing at PFD.
Budget option
Onyx MoveVent PFD - Affordable, breathable, and comfortable enough that people actually wear it.
Upgraded option
NRS Vapor PFD - Low profile, excellent mobility, and designed for paddlers who move around on their board.
Belt PFD Bombora - Ideal for perfect condition and short paddles
2. Whistle Attached to Your PFD
Yelling doesn’t travel far over water, especially with wind or boat traffic. A whistle cuts through all of that and weighs basically nothing. Your whistle should be attached to your PFD, which should be on your body.
Budget option - Generic survival whistle - Loud, simple, cheap.
Upgraded option - Fox 40 Classic - The standard for rescue and lifeguard use for a reason. Get the orange or red so you can find it easily when you need it.
3. SUP Leash Matched to Your Conditions
Your board is your biggest piece of safety gear. A leash keeps it with you when you fall. Flatwater paddlers want a straight leash. River paddlers want a quick release. Using the wrong one is where people get into trouble.
Budget option - Coiled SUP leash - Gets the job done for casual paddling.
Upgraded option - NRS Coiled Leash for a classic paddling situation and the NRS Quick Release SUP Leash for whitewater paddling.
4. Food That Survives The Day
Paddling burns calories faster than most people expect. When balance gets sloppy or focus fades, food usually fixes it. Pack things you can eat one handed without creating a mess.
Budget option - Clif Bars or Nature Valley bars - Cheap, durable, and classically good.
Upgraded option - RXBars or TruBar - Better texture and ingredients on hot days.
5. Sunscreen That Stays On
Sun exposure on the water is relentless. Reflection from the surface doubles down on your skin. Bad sunscreen turns into eye burn and misery fast.
Budget option - Amazon Basic Sunscreen Sport SPF 50 - Easy to use and reasonably water resistant, something is better than nothing.
Upgraded option - Freaks of Nature SPF 50 - Long lasting without feeling greasy from the great surfer, Kelly Slater.
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6. Plenty of Water
Paddling tricks you into thinking you’re not sweating. You are. Hydration keeps your energy up and your decision making sharp. Consider adding electrolyte mix (like LMNT) to your water to make it taste better and you may drink more of it.
Budget option - Any basic bottle secured under deck bungees works, just bring water.
Upgraded option - Hydro Flask insulated bottle keep it all cold for your paddle
7. Cell Phone in a Waterproof Case
Your phone is your emergency contact, your navigation tool, and your digital float plan. Tell someone your plan before launching and keep your phone sealed and on you, not loose on the board.
Apps like Paddleways are especially useful since you can download float plans ahead of time, which matters when cell service disappears.
Budget option - Floating waterproof phone pouch
Upgraded option - Pelican Marine Series waterproof case
8. SUP Repair Kit or Small Multi Tool
Loose fins, broken straps, or small punctures don’t have to end your day if you can fix them. This is about solving small problems before they become long paddles of regret.
Budget option - Duct tape, zip ties, spare fin screw
Upgraded option - iSUP patch kit plus a compact multi tool like the Leatherman Skeletool
9. Extra Layer of Clothing in a Dry Bag
Wind and wet skin can make even warm days feel cold fast. A dry layer turns an uncomfortable paddle into a manageable one. This layer needs to be in a dry bag so it stays dry, in case you need it on the water. There are so many dry bag options, so pick one that you like. We love our Meraki dry bag, such cool colors and heavy duty, you don’t want your dry bag to leak.
Budget option - Long sleeve synthetic layer packed in a small dry bag. We love the Stio Hylas Hoodie and use code DAVE15 to save 15%
Upgraded option - NRS High Tide Jacket is a great light layer for the chiller days or when it rains.
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10. Small Basic First Aid Kit
You don’t need a full trauma kit. You do need basics. Blisters, small cuts, scrapes and hot spots are common and annoying without supplies.
Budget option - DIY kit with band aids, antiseptic wipes in a zip lock bag will do the trick
Upgraded option - Hart Outdoors Picket Size first aid kit - Small, simple, and there when you need it.
Final Thoughts
Good paddling isn’t about carrying everything. It’s about carrying the right things. These ten essentials keep small issues from becoming big ones and let you focus on the good stuff, smooth strokes, quiet water, and getting back to shore smiling.
If this list helped you tighten up your setup, use the links when you see them and go paddle somewhere new.
