Alright, picture this: you’re out there on the water, stand-up paddleboarding like a pro (or at least pretending to), and thinking, “This is pretty rad, but could it be radder?”
Yes, my friend, it absolutely can. Time to pimp your paddle board experience with some top-notch accessories.
Forget just clinging to that leash and paddle like they’re your only friends out there.
We’re about to upgrade your SUP life with some of the coolest gear around.
Strap in, because with these add-ons, your paddleboard adventures are about to go from “nice afternoon on the water” to “epic aquatic escapade.”
1. Suspenz SUP Stow & Go Paddle Board Strap
What it is: A combination SUP carry strap and storage strap (with hooks).
Why you need it: Makes it easier to tote your board without that awkward walk + it’s a cheap and easy storage option.
Why we like it: It solves two problems with only one device.
The wall mount brackets are easy to install and it keeps the SUP safe and secure.
And, this strap can hold two paddle boards.
Where to buy: Get the best price at REI
2. ProShot Waterproof Phone Case
What it is: Durable, waterproof and shockproof case for your iPhone.
Why you need it: You’re going to take your phone out anyways, so it might as well be in a case that is both waterproof and functional.
Why we like it: It is easier to use than the dry bag style of waterproof phone cases (more like a waterproof phone bag) and this one comes with a free floating hand grip – so no stressing about dropping the phone in the water!
Where to buy: Get the best price at REI.
3. Patagonia Surf Brim Hat
What it is: A quick-drying and water-repellent hat designed to withstand splashing water, light rain, and dunks under the waves. It gives you 360 degrees of shade and UPF 50+ rated sun protection.
Why you need it: Sun protection, cause no one needs skin cancer.
Why we like it: The neoprene chin strap and headband are both comfortable and keep the hat on your head, even in windy conditions.
It offers full coverage from the sun’s rays and it dries quickly – what more do you need?
Where to buy: Get the best price at Patagonia and Backcountry.
4. Vamo Universal 4-Anchor Deck Rigging Kit
What it is: A bungee system to help you secure accessories to your paddle board deck.
Why you need it: To keep your dry box and other accessories attached to your paddle board, so they don’t just float away.
Why we like it: It’s cheap and easy to use, plus it’s great to have some extra secure storage on the board.
Where to buy: Get the best price at REI.
5. Seattle Sports SUP Dog Board Pad
What it is: An adhesive pad that you can attach to the deck of your SUP.
Why you need it: To prevent your dog from scratching up the deck of your SUP (or puncturing it if you have an iSUP).
Why we like it: It’s cheap and easy to install. Plus, you can cut it to fit the shape of your board before you install it.
Where to buy: Get the best price at REI. (Also available at Amazon – price varies).
6. Yakima SUPDawg Paddle Board Roof Rack
What it is: A 2-board SUP carrier for your vehicle so that you can easily transport your paddle boards to the water.
Why you need it: To securely get your rigid (hard body) SUP from your home to the water.
Why we like it: It has integrated rollers for easy loading and comes fully assembled right out of the box, so you can toss it on your vehicle, load your boards and hit the waves in no time.
Where to buy: Get the best price at REI. (Also available at Amazon – price varies).
7. THURSO SURF Paddle Board Seat
What it is: A detachable (and portable) foam seat you can attach to your paddle board.
Why you need it: If you ever get tired of standing and want to comfortably sit on your SUP. It’s ideal for SUP fishing.
Why we like it: It is comfortable, easy to install, and doesn’t slip around in the deck. The back support is also pretty decent.
Where to buy: Get it at Amazon.
8. iROCKER Cooler Deck Bag
What it is: A soft cooler that you can attach to your paddle board to keep your drinks and snacks chilled.
Why you need it: Where else are you going to put your drinks and snacks? With this cooler you can even bring cold stuff, like string cheese, out on the water.
Why we like it: It is water resistant and designed to attach to the cargo area D-Rings on the front of your paddle board.
Where to buy: Get it at Amazon.
9. Fox 40 Classic Safety Whistle
What it is: A classic safety whistle.
Why you need it: The US Coast Guard requires you to have one when paddle boarding.
Plus, if you need rescued, this can help your rescuers find you.
Why we like it: The harder you blow, the louder the sound (up to 115 dB); this whistle can be heard above crowds, engines, waves and wind, and it cannot be overblown.
Plus, there’s no moving parts to freeze or jam.
Where to buy: Get the best price at REI. (Also available at Amazon – price varies).
10. Sea to Summit Lightweight Dry Sack – 4L
What it is: A small dry bag.
Why you need it: To keep your extra clothing and any other gear dry while you’re out on the water.
Why we like it: Waterproof, lightweight, a roll-top closure, and it attached to your D rings.
It’s small, so not too bulky (though bigger sizes are available).
Where to buy: Get the best price at REI. (Also available at Amazon – price varies).
11. Black Diamond Spot 325 Headlamp
What it is: A 325 lumens headlamp – think of it as a hand-free flashlight.
Why you need it: If you’re out paddling when the sun does down, then you’ll need a light source for both safety and vision.
Why we like it: It works well, has good battery life, and a cheap price.
Best of all, it’s waterproof rating is IPX8 — waterproof-tested to operate at least 1.1 m underwater for 30 min.
Hands down the best waterproof headlamp for paddle boarding.
Where to buy: Get the best price at REI. (Also available at Amazon – price varies).
12. AIRHEAD SUP Anchor Kit
What it is: An anchor to keep your stand up paddle board from drifting.
Why you need it: If you want the paddle board to stay stationary for SUP yoga, fishing, snorkeling, or other activities.
Why we like it: Easy to use (attached via D rings) and made by a well known brand in the industry.
It seems to hold well, even in windy conditions.
Where to buy: Get it at Amazon.
13. JBL Clip 3 Portable Bluetooth Speaker
What it is: A small wireless bluetooth speaker with a carabiner clip.
Why you need it: If you’re the kind of paddle boarder who needs a little music with their nature sounds, then this waterproof speaker is perfect for paddle boarding.
Why we like it: The carabiner clip means that you can easily attach the speaker to your PFD or the board’s D-rings.
It’s good for SUP because the IPX7 waterproof design stands up to full immersion, down to 1 meter.
And, the sound from this little speaker is loud and amazing.
Where to buy: Get the best price at REI. (Also available at Amazon – price varies).
14. Rheos Coopers Floating Polarized Sunglasses
What it is: Floating sunglasses with polarizes lenses (unisex design).
Why you need it: For the sun’s rays that reflect off the water, and the floating feature is good to have in case you drop the sunglasses in the water.
Why we like it: Affordable price, good unisex style, multiple color and design options to choose from. And, they are made in the USA.
Where to buy: Get it at Amazon.
While this is by no means an exhaustive list of SUP accessories, these are some of our favorites that we think you’ll enjoy too.
