You’ve got the perfect paddleboard, now it’s time to invest in some must-have paddle board accessories! We’ve rounded up the best in paddles, floatation devices, coolers, and more.
Every expert paddleboarder knows that in addition to a steller board, it’s essential to stock up on the best paddle board accessories! If you’re just getting started, you may be intimidated by all of the choices out there. We’ve done our homework and picked out the best paddle boarding add-ons on the market!
The top must-have paddle board accessories include an anchor kit, floatation device, cooler bag, carry straps, a dry bag, clothing, a waterproof phone case, paddles, and more. Many of our favorite accessories will keep you safe and will make paddleboarding a lot more enjoyable. The better prepared you are on your board – and better equipped – the more fun you can have!
Paddle Board accessories also make great gifts for friends and family who are avid boarders. If you’re ready to stock up on some great accessories for your friends or yourself, we’re here to help.
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What types of paddle board accessories are there?
Before we get into some specific products, let’s take a look at the different types of paddleboard accessories available!
Paddles
There are several different types of paddles that you can use with your stand-up paddleboard. They are typically made out of materials like fiberglass, aluminum, and carbon. We personally prefer a good quality carbon paddle! They are lightweight, easy to carry and store, and are super easy to use.
Spec 1: Lightweight carbon shaft
Spec 2: Comfortable handle
Spec 3: Adjustable and travel friendly
This adjustable and lightweight carbon and fiberglass paddle is a gamechanger! This paddle also floats in both salt water and fresh water, meaning it’s almost impossible to lose track of in the waves!
It only weighs about 44 ounces and is able to be disassembled for travel. When you take it apart, you can easily carry it with you wherever you go. Plus, if you also love kayaking, you can adjust the handle to use with your kayak. Watersports lovers, rejoice!
Floatation Device
You can use a good old-fashioned life preserver when you’re out on the water to keep you safe and sound. Alternatively, you can use something called a Personal Floatation Device, or, PFD. Not only are these devices a lot more stylish, but they also give you a lot more breathing room and are lightweight.
Spec 1: Adjustable shoulders, 4 side pulls, and front waist buckle
Spec 2: Ergonomic Wrapture shaped torso wraps around the body
Spec 3: Large, top loading front pocket for secure storage
ABSOLUTE OUTDOOR Onyx A/M-24 Automatic/Manual Inflatable Life Jacket
Spec 1: U. S. Coast guard approved type V life jacket
Spec 2: Lightweight, comfortable, slender design keeps you cool in warm weather
Spec 3: Stretchable Flex-Back insert
Paddleboard Straps
You’ll also want to grab some paddleboard straps to make transportation easy! Paddleboards can sometimes be awkward and quite heavy to carry. Get your board from your car to the water with ease thanks to specially made paddleboard straps.
SUP-NOW Paddleboard Carrying Strap
Spec 1: All metal hardware (no plastic!)
Spec 2: Triple-padded shoulder strap
Spec 3: Industrial strength velcro
To transport your board from the car to the boat or the water, you’ll need a top-rated carrying strap! Gone are the days of trying to balance your board on your hip (ouch) or tearing apart your fingers and nails trying to grip the side of your board (double ouch). This model by SUP-NOW boasts over 700 5-star reviews.
Clothing (and Footwear)
What you wear while you board may be the last thing on your mind. But – especially if you want to take your board out in the colder months – you need to dress properly in order to stay healthy. Much like surfers, you’ll want to invest in a quality rash guard or a protective t-shirt no matter what time of year you board. If you do enjoy wintertime paddling, you should wear a wetsuit. Your feet will thank you if you pick up a nice pair of water shoes or even some neoprene booties.
Seavenger Trekker Unisex Rash Guard
Spec 1: Made from protective material
Spec 2: Unisex fit for men and women
Spec 3: Lightweight and anti-chafe design
This unisex rash guard boasts all sorts of protection: against UV rays, jellyfish stings, dangerous coral, and more. Not only will you be protected from a nasty sunburn, but you also don’t have to worry about any underwater creatures! This is especially helpful for those of you who like to paddle in tropical waters.
Cooler bag
This one’s fun. If you plan on being out on the water for an entire afternoon, you’ll definitely need to hydrate! Choose a cooler bag that’s big enough to fit a water bottle and a few snacks, but small enough to stick on your board.
South Bay Board Co. – Premium Universal Paddle Board Cooler
Spec 1: Made from durable materials
Spec 2: Works with 99% of paddleboards
Spec 3: Reliable and easy to install
Whether you’re looking to keep your beverages and snacks on ice, or fishing bait cold, you’ll love this cooler from South Bay Board Co. This cooler was made with water enthusiasts in mind. It’s easy to install, will keep whatever you put in it cool, and features adjustable straps and steel rings. SBBC prides itself on using the best material out there.
Waterproof phone case plus a dry bag
We all have our phones on us at all times these days! They can keep us safe if we go out boarding alone, and they are also great for taking pictures and videos of the sights you see! You’ll want to buy a good quality waterproof case to make sure your phone doesn’t get damaged.
A dry bag is also a good idea. You can put other electronic devices (like a camera or a GoPro) as well as your clothing and a towel. You can even store a book to enjoy a bit of reading when you take a break from paddling!
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag (Plus Phone Case)
Spec 1: Made from durable material made to last
Spec 2: Comfortable shoulder strap for transportation
Spec 3: Available in multiple sizes
With nearly 20,000 5-star reviews on Amazon, this waterproof dry bag from Earth Pak will keep your stuff from getting wet. Earth Pak bags are made to last. They use durable materials and the bag also features a comfortable shoulder strap – plus waist strap for heavy loads. It’s available in sizes ranging from 10L, 20L, 30L, 40L, to 50L for added convenience!
It also comes with a certified waterproof phone case so you don’t have to worry about buying one separately!
Anchor
If you plan on hopping off your board to explore, do some fishing, or even go snorkeling, you’ll need a paddleboard anchor! Don’t worry about your paddleboard floating off into the distance with a quality anchor kit.
Extreme Max 3006.6548 BoatTector Complete Grapnel Anchor Kit
Spec 1: Ideal for rocky or heavily weeded conditions
Spec 2: Comes with a marker buoy and storage bag
Spec 3: Inexpensive
This anchor kit from Extreme Max comes in at under $30 and is a no-brainer for us! If you want to take your paddleboard out to do some yoga, fishing, or scuba diving, you’ll need an anchor to hold your board in place. This grapnel anchor with four shanks and a 25’ long rope is ideal for rocky or sea-weedy bottom conditions. The marker buoy is also helpful!
Paddleboard Leash
You also don’t want to have to worry about your paddleboard floating away if you fall off! Even the most experienced paddleboarders sometimes slip and fall. In the same way that surfers use leashes to stay attached to their boards, you’ll want one for your paddle boarding adventures.
These are some of the most well-known paddleboard accessories on the market. Let’s explore some specific products that we know and love!
Unigear Premium Stand Up Paddle Board 10′ Coiled Leash
Spec 1: Made from strong urethane cord
Spec 2: Comfortable around the ankle
Spec 3: Comes with a waterproof wallet!
This 10’ coiled paddleboard leash is made from a heavy-duty urethane cord that is built to last. It’s strong enough to handle the heaviest paddleboards out there! The ankle strap is made from elastic polyurethane and a soft sponge, making it super comfortable to wear too. The hardware is made from stainless steel, which is able to resist corrosion brought on by saltwater. Stay connected to your board in style and comfort.
The least also comes with a complimentary waterproof wallet!
What equipment do you need for paddleboarding?
There are a few essential pieces of equipment that you need for paddleboarding. Namely, you need a stand-up paddleboard (SUP), a paddle, a personal floatation device (PFD), a pump (if you have an inflatable SUP), fins, and a leash. You can find most of these on our list above!
What safety equipment is required for paddleboarding?
To stay safe while you’re boarding, you need a rescue whistle or other sound-signal device, a waterproof flashlight (if you’re going out after dark), and a personal floatation device. If you can, you should also try to have a cellphone on you at all times (in a waterproof case, of course!).
Summing up our reviews
As you can see, there are several must-have paddle board accessories out there! Consider your specific needs and then consult our list. You won’t regret investing in any of these products – they’ll make your time out on the water even more special!
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