A Guide To Picking SUP Gear For Any Occasion

By James Harris


If you are getting into the sport of stand up paddleboarding, you may think that all you need is a board and a paddle but the fact of the matter is that the right SUP accessories can make your paddling adventures much more comfortable and fun. Here is what you need to choose the right accessories for your needs and budget.

This sport can be fun and challenging. It can help you develop strength, balance and endurance. Basically, an individual rides on a large board that can be made from various materials. Riders propel their board through the use of a long, single bladed paddle and steer their board in much the same way as they would paddle a canoe.

When you start looking at gear, you will quickly notice that there is a wide range of board sizes and styles. Some are meant for racing and may be more sharply pointed at the front. They tend to be quite easy to tip over. If you plan to travel longer distances or want a more stable model you may want to look at boards that are designed for touring instead of racing.

You may be surprised to learn that there are different paddles as well. The shaft is usually quite long although there are several different lengths available. If you are quite tall or fairly short you will need to consider whether the length of a particular model will suit your physique.

One thing that is necessary is a life jacket or personal flotation device. Some people don't mind wearing a jacket while others prefer a model that is designed like a belt that is worn around the waist. If you do choose a vest rather than a belt, you may want to try on various models and make sure that you can move your arms freely.

When you are on your board you should also consider an ankle strap or tether so that if you are thrown off your board you will not lose it. Make sure that the loop which goes around your ankle or wrist is comfortable to wear for extended periods of time.

You may also want to consider different pieces of equipment that you will use based on the kind of trip you will be taking. If, for example, you will be traveling on your board and camping, you may want to consider dry bags or other items that can hold gear safely. If you expect that the weather may be less than perfect, clothing such as a dry suit may make your days on the water feel much more comfortable.

Don't feel that you need to get everything at once. You can get a few basic pieces of gear and then start branching out as your paddling experience progresses. There are many places that you can buy gear including sports equipment stores, paddling specialty shops and websites that specialize in water sports gear.




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