If you know, you know. If not, believe us when we say that stand-up paddle boarding is quite the full-body workout when performed correctly. Not to mention the scenery, the outdoor “gym” involved, and cool-down station located just beneath your feet at all times. Yes, stand-up paddle boarding is here to stay — if a sweaty fitness club isn’t quite your fancy to get a regular core workout in, then this could very well be your next hobby.
We say this not only because of the value a solid workout offers your body and mind but due to the fact that all of this takes place in the great outdoors — be it at the local lake, surf spot, or deep in the wilderness. The end result is a subtle activity that’s good for the body without worry about reps, weight, or sets. So for those who aren’t fully equipped to tackle the SUP life, we’ve got you covered with these eight pieces of essential gear to get you up and paddling. Easy right?
Sea to Summit Solution Paddle Keeper
Keeping the paddle intact and connected to the paddle board while resting is something many people don’t take into consideration. So, allow Sea to Summit to offer their Paddle Keeper. Here, this accordion-style leash ensures your paddle remains attached to the board while relaxing, taking a swim, or just falling off your board.
O’Neill Basic Skins Long Sleeve Sun Shirt
In case lathering up your entire body with sunscreen isn’t a desirable option, this USA-made sun shirt is built with both elastane and polyester offering upward of UPF 50+ Ultraviolet Protection. Perfect for not only paddle boarding, O’Neill’s Basic Skins shirt works for surfing, swimming, boating, and regular beach days.
Amavara Zinc Sunscreen
Made in the USA by a veteran-owned business, Amavara offers superior sun protection thanks to their lightly tinted SPF 30 mineral sunscreen lotion. Complete with a high concentration of non-nano zinc oxide that functions as the only active sunscreen ingredient, you know this is a straightforward SPF 30 formula formulated to rub in clear.
Outerknown Apex Trunk
With all the appreciation that comes with being outdoors, we really should do a better job at protecting it — no matter how small the difference may seem. Such is the case with Outerknown’s Apex Trunk rather, the boardshorts boasting 86% recycled polyester construction from plastic bottles. On top of all that, each pair is comfortable as hell compliments of their four-way stretch build, stitch-free seams, and superior water repellency.
Filson Dry Backpack
Carrying some goodies with you during the day trip that isn’t exactly water repellant? Not a problem with a little help from Filson’s Dry Backpack. Capable of getting fully submerged without the springing a single leak, this is the real deal. Each backpack is built with a waterproof PU-coated 840D nylon exterior that’s abrasion-resistant and hosts a large main compartment. You’ll also find high-density EVA foam back padding for added comfort, high-density plastic hardware, and a zippered external small item pocket for good measure.
Boardworks Kraken Paddle
Complete with a carbon fiber shaft and fiberglass foam core blade, this lightweight and water-ready paddle is the perfect addition to your SUP of choice. Additionally, upward of 160-inches of adjustment help personalize the product, a palm grip offers ergonomic properties to the paddle, and the entire piece only weighs in at 1 lb. 6 oz. Not bad for an essential piece of the puzzle.
GoPro Hero 5
What’s an afternoon touring your local aquatic landscape if you can’t capture it on film? Fortunately, GoPro’s latest installment in their HERO lineup is as durable and functional as ever. Here, we’re talking stunning 4K video capabilities along with 12MP photos in single, burst, and time lapse modes. Also, since this is a GoPro after all, each device is waterproof to 10 meters without housing while their new QuikStories feature automatically sends footage taken to your smartphone of choice where it’s then transformed into sharable stories so no one misses a beat.
Boardworks Kraken Paddleboard
An obvious addition, Boardworks’ Kraken Paddleboard is an ideal pick whether you’re cruising your favorite lake or catching some surf at the local spot. Each board is built with an EPX-V construction for a relatively lightweight finished product that’s still plenty durable. The surfboard profile and squash tail also assist with things in the wave-catching department while a sustained EVA deck pad keeps you stable and comfortable for those lengthier sessions on the water.
The 12 Best Men's Boardshorts
Looking for a backup pair of boardies for those warm water sessions? We got your covered with this roundup of the 12 best men’s boardshorts. We’re confident you’ll find something that fits.
