25 Top Paddle Board Accessories: Needs & Fun-to-Haves
14-minute read
Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) is pretty straightforward: you need a paddleboard, a paddle and a personal flotation device (PFD). Depending on where and how you paddle, though, other paddleboard accessories can make your time on the water safer, more comfortable and more fun.
Some SUP accessories are essential safety gear. Others make it easier to carry, transport and store your board. And then there are the fun-to-have accessories that can turn your paddleboard into a fishing platform, kayak, or even a family-friendly adventure craft.
You don't need to buy everything at once. Start with the paddleboard accessories you need for your type of paddling, then add other gear as your interests—and your budget—grow.
Here are 25 of the best paddleboard accessories to consider for your next SUP adventure:
Must-Have SUP & Safety Accessories
If you're just getting started with stand-up paddleboarding, begin with these essential accessories. Your exact needs will depend on where you're paddling, but a good paddle, properly fitted PFD, and board leash are important places to start.
1. SUP Paddle
Of course, you can’t paddle board without a paddle!
Many low-end and mid-range paddleboards come with a paddle as part of the package. Unfortunately, those included paddles are often heavy and clunky.
You'll enjoy paddleboarding much more with a well-designed, lightweight paddle that's comfortable to hold and properly sized for you. This is especially true if you want to make SUP a lifestyle sport, plan to spend many hours on the water, or want to paddle longer distances rather than simply going out for a short paddle at the local beach or cabin.
The better the materials used in a paddle and the lighter it is, the higher its price will generally be. Aluminum paddles are the most economical but also the heaviest. Carbon fiber paddles are generally the most expensive and the lightest.
As a general guideline, consider setting aside 20–30% of your paddleboard budget for your paddle.
We make our SUP paddles from various materials including aluminum, fiberglass and carbon with choices for every budget. Take a look at our entire selection of SUP paddles.
Also see our SUP Paddle Sizing Guide
2. PFD or Life Jacket
A PFD, or Personal Flotation Device, is also called a life jacket or life vest. Most states and provinces have laws regarding PFD use when boating, so make sure you know the regulations where you'll be paddling.
PFDs vary widely in style, comfort and price. Try on several brands and types before choosing one that fits your body well. If your PFD isn't comfortable, you're much less likely to want to wear it.
Many manufacturers make PFDs specifically for paddling, with plenty of room around the shoulders for a full range of motion. If you also kayak, consider a high-back PFD that accommodates a kayak seat.
PFDs with pockets and D-rings can also be handy for carrying keys and other small items you don't want to lose.
This vest-style inflatable PFD is super low-profile
If you don't want to wear a traditional foam PFD, consider a self-inflating vest or belt-style PFD. These are much lower profile but typically cost more. They inflate using a CO₂ canister. Some inflate automatically when they hit the water, while others inflate when you pull a cord.
The water you're paddling, your skill level and your swimming ability can all play a role in choosing the right PFD.
Also see: Safety First: Wear a Life Jacket When You SUP
3. Paddle Board Leash
A SUP leash is another important safety accessory.
A leash keeps you connected to your paddleboard if you fall off. This is especially important when you're paddling on moving water, in windy conditions or on larger bodies of water.
Without a leash, your board could quickly end up 50 feet downstream or 30 feet across a lake before you can grab it.
Many low-end and mid-range paddleboards include a leash. If yours doesn't, put a SUP leash near the top of your list of must-have paddleboard accessories.
Paddleboard Accessories to Protect Your Gear and Yourself
Once you've covered the basic accessories, you'll want a way to keep your personal belongings secure and protected from the water.
Look for a paddleboard with bungee cords and/or D-ring attachments. These give you places to secure dry bags, coolers and other gear you’ll bring along.
4. Dry Bags
Dry bags of various sizes are a great investment for any paddler, including SUPers.
Some dry bags are made with lightweight materials that provide water resistance, while others use heavier, fully waterproof materials.
They're perfect for storing loose items such as sunglasses, a hat, snacks, lip balm, rope and a water bottle. Dry bags are also useful for carrying a change of clothes, first-aid supplies or an emergency kit when you'll be out all day or paddling in remote areas.
Choose a size that fits the amount of gear you typically bring, and secure it to your board's bungees or D-rings.
5. Board Cooler or other Waterproof Container(s)
If you prefer a hard-sided container, small waterproof cases can be useful for carrying items such as chapstick, snacks, first-aid supplies, car keys and your phone.
All-in-one SUP set-up with cooler, seat and drink holder! (photo courtesy of Chris Funk)
Small coolers and other waterproof or water-friendly containers designed for paddleboards are available, too.
A cooler can be particularly handy on longer recreational paddles when you want to bring along food and drinks. Some coolers are even designed to float behind you, tethered to your boat.
6. Waterproof Phone Case
If you like taking photos with your smartphone while paddleboarding, invest in a waterproof phone case designed for water activities.
Many include a lanyard so you can keep the phone around your neck rather than storing it in your dry bag.
Even if your phone is waterproof, remember that it probably won't float if you drop it!
One word of caution: some waterproof phone cases aren't especially durable. Check the seams and attachment points every time you use one. Yes, we're speaking from experience!
Like phones, waterproof cases come in different sizes, so be sure to check the measurements before investing in one that will fit your phone (and phone case, if you use one).
7. Waterproof Waist Pouch
If your PFD doesn't have pockets—or you simply prefer to keep certain items on your body—a waterproof waist pouch can be useful.
A waterproof hip or waist bag gives you a convenient place to carry keys, identification and other small essentials while you paddle, rather than keeping them in a separate dry bag.
8. Water shoes
Depending on where you paddle, a pair of comfortable water shoes can be a very useful SUP accessory.
Water shoes protect your feet from hot sand, rocks, gravel, broken glass and other hazards when you're walking to and from your launch point.
If you enjoy paddleboarding in early spring or into the fall and winter, consider neoprene paddling boots or booties. These help keep your feet warm and dry in colder conditions.
Don't want to wear them while you're on your board? It’s easy to strap them to your board's bungees or put them inside a dry bag while you paddle.
Shoes like these are made for paddling
9. Sunglasses
Protect your eyes from the sun's bright glare reflecting off the water with a pair of a pair of polarized sunglasses.
Polarized lenses can make sunny days on the water more comfortable and can also reduce surface glare, making it easier to see into the water.
Consider adding a floating retainer strap. If your sunglasses fall into the water, a floating strap can keep them at the surface rather than sending them to the bottom of the lake or river.
10. Brimmed Hat
A brimmed hat is another simple way to protect yourself from the sun.
It keeps direct sunlight off your face, ears and neck. You'll still get some sunlight reflected off the water, but you won't have the sun coming directly at you from above.
Storing, Transporting and Using Your Paddle Board
11-14. Accessories For Solid Paddle Boards
If you choose a solid paddleboard, there are several accessories you'll want to consider for storing and transporting it.
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11. Storage rack—A storage rack gives your board a dedicated place in your garage or home and helps keep it safely off the floor.
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12. Roof rack—If you're transporting a solid SUP by vehicle, you'll need a way to secure it to your vehicle. A roof rack system designed for paddleboards makes transporting your board easy.
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13. Board cover—If you store your paddleboard outdoors, consider a cover that fits over it. A cover can help protect the board's colors and finish from direct sunlight and harmful UV rays.
- 14. Shoulder strap or sling—A SUP shoulder strap or carrying sling can make it much easier to get your board from your vehicle to the water. Some systems can also hold your paddle, leaving one hand free to carry other gear.
15-17. Accessories For Inflatable Boards
Inflatable paddleboards don't present the same storage and transportation challenges as solid boards. If you have enough room in a closet and in your vehicle's back seat or trunk, an inflatable SUP can be relatively easy to store and transport.
But paddlers of inflatable boards should consider a couple accessories that solid-board paddlers don't need:
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15. Manual pump—Inflatable paddleboards typically come with a manual pump. It works, but to inflate a board to its recommended PSI takes some serious effort. If you enjoy getting an upper-body workout before you paddle, you'll have no problem with a hand pump.
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16. Electric pump—If you’d rather save your energy for the water, invest in an electric pump. These plug into your vehicle’s 12-volt power socket.
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17. Repair kit—Inflatable paddleboards generally come with a basic repair kit. If you're going to paddle in the wilderness or on remote waterways, however, consider carrying a more robust kit. Keep it in a dry bag, waterproof waist pouch or another container you'll have with you on the water.
Adding a kayak seat and footrest to your SUP board makes it even more versatile
18-19. Kayak Seat or Kayak Conversion Kit
One of the great things about some paddleboards is that you can use them as a kayak, too.
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18. Hybrid SUP/kayak—Some solid and inflatable paddleboards are designed to convert into sit-on-top kayaks with an attachable kayak seat and, in some cases, a footrest.
- 19. Kayak conversion kit—Other SUPs can accommodate a conversion kit that gives you the option to kayak when you want to.
Of course, if you plan to use your SUP as a kayak, you'll also need a kayak paddle in addition to your SUP paddle.
We offer kayak paddles ranging from economical aluminum models to high-performance fiberglass, hybrid and full-carbon paddles. See our kayak paddle selection.
20-22. Fishing Accessories
Fishing from a paddleboard can be a great way to reach quiet fishing spots that aren't accessible from shore.
If you plan to fish from your SUP, a few additional paddleboard fishing accessories can make the experience much easier.
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20. Fishing rod holder—A rod holder gives you a place to secure your fishing rod while you're paddling from one spot to another.
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21. Paddleboard anchor or anchor kit—An anchor will help keep you in position when you're fishing in current or dealing with wind.
- 22. Attachable paddle holder—A paddle holder keeps your paddle secure while you're fishing, so you don't have to worry about it floating away when you set it down.
Many of the other accessories mentioned above—especially dry bags, waterproof containers and PFDs—are useful for SUP fishing, too.
Paddleboarding with Kids and Dogs
You've probably seen the fun photos of people paddleboarding with their dogs or with a child or two.
Paddleboarding can be a great way to spend time together on the water, and more SUP manufacturers are offering adaptable or hybrid models that make paddleboards useful for a variety of activities.
Just make sure everyone—and every dog—has the appropriate safety gear.
23. Child-Size PFD
If you're bringing a child along on your paddleboard, they'll need a properly-fitted PFD of their own. PFDs designed for very young children typically include a neck flotation piece attached to the vest and a strap that goes between the child's legs.
A kayak seat, as discussed above, can also make it easier to bring a small child along, especially a child who needs to sit securely in front of you.
Many dogs love being on the water, too!
24. Dog Pad
Most paddleboards have a non-slip surface, but if yours doesn't cover the entire board and you want to bring your dog along, consider a dog pad.
A dog pad provides your dog with a more secure, comfortable surface and can help prevent slipping while you're both on the water.
25. Dog Life Jackets/PFD
Even though dogs can swim—and some dogs are excellent swimmers—it's still a good idea to put a PFD on your dog when paddleboarding all day or away from shore in big water.
A dog life jacket provides several important benefits:
- It can help keep your dog's head above water** in an emergency.
- A grab handle makes it easier to get your dog back onto the board if it falls or jumps into the water.
- Bright colors make your dog easier for other boaters to see if it ends up in the water. This is particularly important when you're paddling on waterways shared with motorboats.
Also see: Best Dog Life Jackets.
There you have it—SUP accessories you can start with and add to your collection as time goes on. Enjoy your paddle boarding adventures!
Let’s Wrap Up with a Quick FAQ
What accessories do I need for paddleboarding?
At minimum, most paddleboarders should have a properly-sized paddle, a properly-fitted PFD and a leash. Depending on where you paddle, you'll also want essentials like drinking water, sun protection and a way to protect your phone and other valuables from getting wet or falling in.
What should I bring on my paddleboard?
For a typical paddle, bring your paddle, PFD, leash, drinking water and sun protection. A waterproof phone case and/or dry bag are useful for valuables. For longer trips, consider food, extra clothing and a first-aid kit.
What accessories are useful for an inflatable paddleboard?
An electric pump can make inflating much easier than a manual pump, while a repair kit is useful to have on hand just in case. A dry bag, waterproof phone case and other basic paddling accessories are useful whether your board is inflatable or solid.
Can I turn a paddleboard into a kayak?
Sometimes. Some paddleboards are designed to be converted into sit-on-top kayaks using an attachable kayak seat and footrest with a kayak conversion kit. Others come as a hybrid model, ready for both setups. You’ll also need a kayak paddle if you plan to paddle from a seated position.
What accessories do I need to paddleboard with my dog?
Your dog should have a properly-fitted dog life jacket or PFD with a grab handle, which makes it easier to help your dog back onto the board if it ends up in the water. A dog pad will provide better traction and comfort on the board if it doesn’t have bow-to-stern traction.
What accessories do I need for paddleboard fishing?
Useful SUP fishing accessories include a fishing rod holder, paddle holder and anchor or anchor kit. Dry bags and waterproof containers can also help keep fishing gear and personal belongings secure. You may also consider a board that comes with or can accommodate a kayak seat.
How do I carry and transport a paddleboard?
Solid paddleboards are commonly transported on a vehicle roof rack and are easier to carry with a shoulder strap or sling. Inflatable paddleboards can be deflated and transported in a storage bag, making them easy to fit in a vehicle.
What should I wear when paddleboarding?
Comfortable clothing appropriate for the weather and water temperature is important. Water shoes protect your feet around rocky or rough launches. A hat and polarized sunglasses can also provide useful sun protection. If the water temperature is extra cold, consider wearing a wetsuit for extra protection and safety.
[This blog post was first published in 2019ish and updated a couple of times.]
Do you have paddle questions our friendly Customer Service Team can help you with today? Contact them: 715-755-3405 • sales@aquabound.com
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