Paddleboarding accessories enhance your paddleboarding experience. Some items are essential, and most are needed at some point. While many paddleboard hardware accessories exist, specialist waterwear apparel may also be considered accessories. Some items fall into safety items (leashes), while others are performance-enhancing (fins/paddles). Inevitably, it's hard to avoid investing in essential accessories when embarking on a relationship with water sports.
Paddles
The most important 'accessory' you will own is a paddle. While it is an accessory to the board and a vital component, many consider the paddle the most essential item for paddle sport of any form. Consider upgrading your paddle to improve your paddling efficiency and enjoyment. Remember that paddles supplied with your board are 'basic' entry-level models, and progression will be limited if you wish to expand your SUP adventures. Lighter and more efficient designs should be your end goal. SUP blades come in different shapes, so pay attention to the length of the paddle.
Pump
While inflatable paddleboards come supplied with a SUP pump, consider a backup, especially if travelling. While they are generally robust, issues can occur.
SUP Kayak Seat
If your inflatable paddleboard comes supplied with deck D-rings for connecting a kayak seat, consider adding this enhancing device, especially if you have knee injuries or issues, poor balance, or are considering long excursions. This is a good investment. Standing and paddling are optional for anyone and should not be a barrier to enjoying using a paddleboard. Use with a double-ended kayak paddle. Polycarbonate clips connect the kayak seat at four points—avoid heavy brass equivalents that corrode.
Kayak Paddle
To maximise the use of a SUP kayak seat, use in combination with a double-ended kayak paddle. Our Sole (carbon) and Solea (aluminium) SUP paddles permit a secondary blade end fitting to create a double-ended kayak paddle. This is achieved by sliding out the telescopic handle end and sliding the blade shaft into position with either the Sole blade fitment or Solea blade fitment.
SUP Fin Screws and Plates
Try as you might, dropping and losing a SUP fin screw into beach sand or having it fall off randomly means you can longer connect the fin to your board. A spare set of SUP screws and plates makes perfect sense to keep you on the water. For inflatable boards, opt for the thumb-tighten design.
Windsurfing Rig
Many boards come supplied with an 8 mm taper thread so that a mast foot can be screwed into the board so that the wind can be harnessed and windsurfing enjoyed—a simple, effective way to get more use from your paddleboard through the addition of a windsurfing rig.
Paddleboard Leg Leash
A leg leash is an essential safety item for your paddleboard. It keeps you connected between the board and your body. Leg leashes come in varying forms.
Coiled Leash: A coiled SUP leash is borrowed from body boarding. In this style, a vinyl chord is coiled to make an 8’ length leash become a mere 2’ so that when paddling with the leash attached to the board and leg, the coiled vinyl remains on the deck of the board and does not drag in the water. This leash style is suitable for flat waters and should not be used where there are waves or surf. Worn on below the knee or around the ankle and attached to a rear plug on the board.
Chord Leash: Used for SUP and regular surfing, a chord leash has an internal vinyl-covered chord that will not recoil under load. It is worn below the knee or around the ankle and attached to a rear plug on the board.
Waist-Worn Leash: This system is used where there is ‘swift water’ running, such as in rivers, and it is critical to find and release the leash should it become entangled in debris. It is worn around the waist for quick release.
Why Should I Not Use a Coiled Leash in the Waves?
When you fall, the wave can pull the board away from you, and when it lets go of the board, and the coil is stretched fully, it can recoil the board back towards you.
Dry Bags for Paddleboarding
The only bag that can withstand water is a PVC roll-down bag, which keeps the water out and keeps your dry clothes and electronic devices safe. These can be secured under cargo netting. A more advanced bag form is shaped as a half dome and permits easy top entry using a waterproof zipper called a deck SUP bag. This can also be used as a backpack.
SUP Fins
Paddleboard fins are critical to your board's handling. You can change your paddleboard's performance and handling characteristics simply by changing your fin shape, size, and positioning or by adding or subtracting fins from your board according to how many fin boxes you have. Fins can be broadly classified into the following disciplines:
• Recreational
• Racing
• Surf
• Touring
SUP Board Bag
For hardboard owners, a SUP board bag is a top investment that protects their precious assets. Most damage occurs to boards when they are on land and not afloat. Whether your board is in storage on the roof of your car or being transported by plane, a board bag makes sense. Additionally, it protects against UV damage from the sun. Select based on your board size.
Roof Rack Pads
Whether transporting your inflatable paddleboard or hardboard on the roof of a vehicle, padded guards should protect the board from indentation and stress. Our roof rack pads are aerodynamic and ideal for the job.
SUP Board Rail Tape
Rail tape protects the rail of your board from paddle hits, bumps and abrasion, avoiding costly repairs. The transparent and exceptionally durable protective case offers unparalleled abrasion and scratch resistance for everyday use and out-of-water storage on the edge.
