Paddle boarding is *guaranteed to make your day better. (*alright not a guarantee, but it’s a safe bet.)
What can elevate the experience is making sure you have the right gear for the trip you’ll be taking.
First, you need to nail-down your paddle boarding attire which can vary greatly upon the temperature and the type of trip you are taking.
In this guide, we'll get into the essentials of what to wear paddle boarding. Starting with the basics and then branching into more specific situations.
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced paddle boarder, this guide will provide practical advice to enhance your paddle boarding experience.
So, let's get you kitted out properly by digging into the world of paddle boarding attire.
Understanding Paddle Boarding Attire Basics
The first step in choosing what to wear paddle boarding is understanding the basics. Your attire should consider safety, comfort, functionality.
Safety first. For real.
People die paddleboarding every year.
Which is why the first thing you need to grab is your personal floatation device (PFD) or life jacket. They are required in many places and are really just common sense.
The other safety element to consider is the weather and water conditions you’ll be encountering.
Paddling alpine lakes, is different than paddling the ocean, is different than paddling in a river, is different then paddling waterways in Wisconsin.
Comfort is key.
Nothing can ruin a SUP trip quicker than wearing something that is super uncomfortable. You want to prioritize things like ease of movement, quick drying materials, and keeping your body temperature in the right place.
And finally think about functionality.
Take into consideration things like UV protection, pockets, zippers, and layering which can all help make the ideal paddling experience.
Essential Gear for Safety and Comfort
When paddle boarding, certain gear is essential for safety and comfort. This includes a personal flotation device (PFD), sun protection, and appropriate footwear.
As stated, we want to prioritize safety when we paddleboard.
A PFD is a legal requirement in many areas. It's the most important piece of safety gear and can save a life in case of an accident.
UV protection is also critical. Hats, UPF attire, sunglasses, and sunscreen all add provide protection.
Additionally, choosing the right footwear or shoes for paddle boarding can not only enhance your grip on the board but can also protect your feet from potential hazards.
Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)
A PFD is the must-have when paddle boarding. It's not just about safety, it's often a legal requirement depending on where you are paddling.
Kokotat is a leader of quality, high-performance pfds.
PFDs come in various styles. Some are designed to be worn like a belt, while others resemble a traditional life jacket.
The type of paddle boarding you are doing and your abilities as a swimmer can influence the type of PFD you purchase, but a quality PFD is generally versatile enough for most use cases.
Regardless of the type of PFD you get, ensure it fits well. It should be snug but not restrictive.
Word of caution. “Snug” is too loose of a term when it comes to things like whitewater paddle boarding. In those cases you want to make sure that it is tight. Tight enough that if someone was trying to pull you into their boat or on to shore that it cannot slip off against the force of the water.
Sun Protection: Hats, Sunglasses, and Sunscreen
Protecting yourself from the sun is critical when paddle boarding. Extended exposure can lead to sunburn and other harmful effects.
A hat and sunglasses will shield your face and eyes from direct sunlight. Choose sunglasses with UV protection for the best results.
Sunscreen is another must-have. Apply a waterproof sunscreen with high SPF to all exposed skin areas.
Footwear: Balancing Comfort and Function
Footwear is an often overlooked aspect of paddle boarding attire. The right shoes can enhance your experience greatly.
Once again, the conditions you’ll be facing play a big role in what you’ll want to wear.
Water shoes, strappy sandals, and neoprene booties are good options for any trip. Giving you grip on the board and helping to protect your feet from sharp objects.
Astral makes some of the best footwear out there for paddle boarding.
Crocs are a surprisingly good option for more relaxed paddling trips.
Flip-flops are barely better than nothing.
Tennis shoes are a bold choice, but not the best choice if you have better options available.
What to Wear Paddle Boarding in Summer
Paddle boarding in summer requires special consideration. The heat and sun exposure can affect your comfort and safety on the water.
Sun-Hoodies are a god-send for paddle-boarding. A lightweight quick-drying hooded layer with built in SPF protection.
If you feel like you might be falling on and off your board a bit and want some UV protection, a rash guard is another great option.
In general materials like nylon or polyester are good choices. They dry quickly and are lightweight.
Additionally, consider clothing with built-in UV protection. This can help shield your skin from harmful sun rays.
Hydration
Just a quick word on hydration. You always want to carry water with you, particularly in the summer. Even if you feel like you’re not working up much of a sweat, you’re going to get dehydrated if you’re out long enough.
Clothing with pockets can be handy for storing your water bottle. Some paddle boarders also use hydration packs for longer sessions or pack an onboard cooler. All are good options.
Dressing for Different Water Conditions
Water conditions greatly influence what to wear when paddle boarding. The temperature of the water is the main factor, but the type of paddleboarding you’ll be doing also has an impact.
Cold Water Paddle Boarding
Paddle boarding in cold water requires special gear. Wetsuits and drysuits are designed to keep you warm.
Wetsuits work by trapping a thin layer of water against your skin. Your body heat warms this water, providing insulation.
Drysuits, on the other hand, keep you dry. They are waterproof and worn over your regular clothes.
NRS makes some of the best wetsuits and drysuits on the market.
Additionally, you could look at things like splash tops, splash pants, neoprene boots for your feet or neoprene gloves for your hands.
Also, keep in mind that we are talking about water temperatures here, not air temperature.
Particularly with alpine lakes in the early summer, it doesn’t matter if it is 75 and sunny. That water is still very cold and can induce hypothermia if you’re knocked into the water for an extended period of time.
Warm Water Paddle Boarding
In warm water, you'll want to stay cool. Rash guards and board shorts are ideal.
Rash guards are lightweight and quick-drying. They also provide protection from the sun.
Board shorts are comfortable and allow for easy movement.
As mentioned previously, sun-hoodies make for a great warm weather option as well.
And of course, your standard swimsuit can be a fine option for a casual paddle on warmer days.
Additional Accessories for Paddle Boarding
Beyond clothing, there are other items to consider. These accessories can elevate your SUP experience by providing extra protection, storage, and convenience. Here are some to consider:
Gloves
Gloves can improve your grip and prevent blisters. They can also provide warmth in colder conditions.
Thin gloves similar to bicycling gloves are good warm weather options, particularly if you’re out for a long trip. Nothing can ruin an epic paddle adventure quicker than getting a blister that makes every stroke a pain.
For cold-weather paddling, opt for neoprene gloves with a liner. Giving you insulation and protection from the chilly water.
Hats
Hats give you additional protection from the sun, provide some shade and can help stop sweat from getting in your eyes.
- Snapbacks and dad caps - a simple but effective solution.
- Bucket and Sun hats - can help provide more coverage from the sun and give you some shade. But if it is windy out, make sure you have a chin strap so it doesn’t get taken away by the wind.
- Helmets - If you’re going whitewater paddle boarding or paddling near rocks of any kind, you’ll want a paddling helmet. They can be a lifesaver.
Waterproof Bags and Cases for Essentials
Waterproof bags and cases are useful. They protect your essentials from getting wet.
You can store items like your phone, keys, and snacks. They are a must-have for any paddle boarding trip.
Depending on the paddling you're doing, you’ve got several options.
- Dry bags - The easiest is a standard dry bag which can come in several sizes generally starting at 5L and going up to over 50L for multi-day trips.
- Deck bags - Deck bags are also a great choice with more versatility and accessibility. While deck bag style coolers are great for storing drinks for your trips.
- Fanny packs and hydration packs - also great options for paddleboarders to keep everything organized and accessible.
Final Tips: Checking Weather and Water Conditions
Before you head out, always check the weather. It can greatly affect your paddle boarding experience.
Look at the forecast for wind, rain, and temperature. These factors will influence your clothing choices.
Also, consider the water conditions. The temperature and tide can impact what you should wear. Always be prepared for changes in the environment.
Conclusion: Preparing for Your Paddle Boarding Adventure
Paddle boarding is a life-giving activity. Dressing appropriately can elevate your experience and ensure your safety.
Remember, the key is to be comfortable and prepared. So, choose your attire wisely and enjoy your paddle boarding adventure to the fullest.