Top SUP Accessories Paddle Fanatics Can’t Go Without

In SUP Gear Recommendations by Daniel

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  If you are looking for the best of the best SUP accessories you need to have fun on the water check out this list below!

SUP accessories

Are you looking to add some choice SUP accessories to your kit? If so, then you need to check out this list of top SUP accessories paddling fanatics can’t live without. 

When you first begin your journey into the activity of SUP, the belief is when you have your first board, paddle, leash, and PFD, you’re all set. And for the most part, you’d be right. 

With these four tools you are ready to hit the water for some fun. 

But what if you wanted to increase your experience? Or have a better time, a safer time, or even be able to spend more time on the water? How would you go about doing that?

The answer is simple. You need the best accessories that can turn an ordinary paddle into an extraordinary one. 

Not sure what those are? Lucky for you, we have the answers. What follows is a list of top accessories every SUP fanatic can’t paddle without — chosen by paddlers for paddlers. So you'll be getting just the essentials. 

Ready to add some choice accessories into your kit to have a better time on the water? Let’s get into it! 

Dry Bag

Okay, you made it to your launch location and you’re ready to hit the water. You unpacked your board, got it down to the water, and you’re about to hit a long distance paddle that’s going to be an adventure. As you turn and hit the lock button on your keys, you realize you have nowhere to put them. 

And on top of that, you also would like to bring a towel, a pair of sunglasses, an extra t-shirt, some snacks, and more. What are you supposed to do? Stash them under the bungee cords of your board and hope they don’t get wet? No!

Instead, you unlock your vehicle and pull out a dry bag that can store your essentials without having to worry about water damage.

This is why a high-quality dry bag is the number one accessory on our list. You can take whatever you need on your paddle without having to worry. If you had to choose one item to add to your list of accessories, we’d recommend a dry bag.  


Water Bottle

Hydration is important. That goes without saying. But it’s especially important when you are in the middle of the ocean, lake, or bay without easy access to anything to drink. And it’s even more essential when the weather is hot and you’ve been sweating for hours. 

To avoid any lightheadedness or even dehydration always take a high-quality water bottle with you. We recommend either a glass or stainless steel bottle. Why? 

Two reasons — glass and stainless steel can be reused for years at a time. This avoids any unwanted plastics ending up in our water systems. And two, it’s healthier for your body! Plastics can leach into your drinking water especially under a hot sun. You can ingest these plastics if you are drinking from this type of bottle. 

Always opt for the better and healthier options of glass and stainless steel. 


Phone Case

Everyone loves pictures, right? Or videos? Obviously. But what’s even better are pictures and videos on the open water. And the best way to capture these rare moments is with the convenience of your very own phone. To make sure no damage comes onto your phone you should invest in a waterproof phone case

These cases will keep your expensive phone water-free while still allowing you to capture the best moments while on the water. 

One quick suggestion — choose one that floats! If you were to drop your phone in the water, the sealed case will keep it from getting wet. But without a floating case it can sink to the depths. 

To avoid this horrible tragedy (and unavoidable yet possibly healthy break from social media and continuous stream of bad news from around the world) we recommend Duk Gear. They’re 100% water-proof and 100% floatable. 


Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker

What’s cooler than cruising on a SUP? Not much. Except maybe cruising on a SUP while listening to gangster rap. That’s a whole new level of cool. But what if you’re not into gangster rap? What if instead you enjoy a laid back country vibe? Or maybe some Jimmy Buffet island life vibes? Don’t worry, you’re still cool. 

And the best way to enjoy a paddle with some good tunes is with a waterproof bluetooth speaker. Pump your favorite jams or relax with some soothing music while on the water. It’s an addictive experience. And one we know you’ll love!


Lights for Nighttime Paddling

Are you a night owl? Do you enjoy time under the stars instead of the sun? Then you should give nighttime SUP a try! But before you do, you need to make sure to take the appropriate precautions. And that starts with outfitting your SUP with the proper safety lights. 

By having a lighting kit on your SUP you allow boaters to see you at night which makes your experience on the water (and their experience) safe. These can also come in handy if you plan on paddling at sundown too. During these times, visibility is key. Make sure you stand out with the proper lighting. 


Polarized Sunglasses

Truth be told, any pair of sunglasses will work to keep your eyes protected. And allow you to actually see where you’re paddling on a sunny day. However, we can’t help but recommend a nice pair of polarized sunglasses to add to your SUP accessories due to the reduced glare you’ll experience. 

Glare can become a problem on your SUP as the sun reflects off the water and into your face. This extra shot of the sun can make seeing more of a chore. With the glare reduction from polarized glasses you’ll also be able to look down into the water to spot wildlife in their natural habitat. 

For this reason alone, a pair of polarized sunglasses is an accessory must-have. 

Bonus if you can find a pair that’s polarized and floats!


Wide-Brimmed Hat

When you’re in the middle of the water there is no shade. No big deal, right? Well, wrong. Especially if you’re prone to sunburn. To avoid any unnecessary burns on your face and if you don’t want to lather on thick sunscreen, grab a wide-brimmed hat for that extra bit of protection from the sun.


Water Shoes 

Most paddlers are content to paddle barefoot. If you’re one of those people, then ignore this section. That is, unless you plan on paddling rivers. Unlike most beaches or lakes, rivers are full of extra debris in the forms of rocks and sticks. These can be dangerous for bare feet. To avoid any unnecessary injuries, a high-quality pair of water shoes to add to your list of SUP accessories are a must. Plus you might find that you enjoy paddling with them on at all times!


Whistle

One of the most important SUP accessories you should always be paddling with is your PFD. We already stated this as an essential part of your gear in the beginning of the article. But an added layer of security for your time on the water comes in the form of a whistle. 

These high-pitched safety whistles can be heard over miles away and can be very useful to attract attention/help in case of an emergency. Plus, they are incredibly light and small to carry so you can stick it anywhere that is convenient. 


Sunscreen

In case you’re out of the loop, there is a growing movement online to ditch most sunscreens due to harmful ingredients. Truth be told, you probably shouldn’t be using a brand that is full of these chemicals.

However, if you plan on paddling with no shirt on, without a hat or sunglasses, then you might want to protect your skin with some reef-safe/skin-safe sunscreen. We’re talking about a thick coating of zinc sunscreen. The kind that will make you look like Casper the friendly ghost while you paddle at your nearby location. If you’re not sure what type of sunscreen to buy, check out a few below...


Lip Balm

Lips burn too! Especially if you’re near the equator. To avoid any painful burns, grab your lip balm and try to use it before it inevitably disappears and ends up on a milk carton with the rest of the missing lip balms people have purchased over the years. 

Seriously though, this is an important one to carry if you plan on spending a good amount of time on the water. 


Carabiner Clips

So, you grabbed all of the SUP accessories above and stuffed most of it into your dry water bag. Great! But what happens if you fall off your board, or it flips over, and your dry bag gets taken by the current? Should you paddle really hard and try to grab it before it heads onto the open ocean? Yes, of course. But there’s a better way! Instead, use a set of carabiner clips so you can attach your dry bag as well as any additional accessories to your SUP. This will ensure everything stays on board at all times. Even during a fall.


Interested in Learning More?

If you’re still new to SUP and you want to see more helpful articles just like this one, head to our Knowledge/Resources section. There you will find posts detailing important SUP information designed to make your time on the water safe and fun. 

Plus, if you’re just getting started in SUP, check out our SUP Search section where you will be able to find outfitters in your area ready to teach you how to SUP. Become a member today and save up to 25% off lessons and rentals for the best way to save on the activity that can truly transform your life for the better! 

About the Author
Daniel

Daniel

Daniel is a travelling author with a passion for exploring new waterways and sharing his experiences with the world.

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