Paddle Boarding is a long practiced water sport, and is one of my absolute favorites. I love waking up early to hit the lake and feel the sun on my skin out on the water. Plus, paddle boarding is a fairly easy sport to pick up, and has a very low athleticism requirement. Because I’m such a HUGE fan of paddle boarding, I want to make it feel accessible and achievable, so I’ve gathered my beginner gear to make you feel like an expert before you’ve even hit the water.
Paddle boarding is a quick and easy sport to learn, especially because you don’t have to stand up to paddle board. Let me say it again for the people in the back, you don’t have to stand up to paddle board. Paddle boarding can easily be just as fun sitting or on your knees. The most important part about the sport is enjoying nature. This allows for boarding to be a relaxing experience, instead of one where you feel pressure from everyone else on the lake. (Besides, no one is really paying attention to you out on the lake anyways).
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THE BOARD
The first and most important part of paddle boarding is the board. There are 2 options when it comes to choosing your board, inflatable or solid. Inflatable boards are easier to pack around, especially if you have a small car with no racks. They are also fun to hike with if you are heading to a local lake.
Solid boards are bulky, but are usually more sturdy on the water. These might be the choice for you if you are nervous about learning how to stand on a paddle board. I would also recommend a solid board if you plan on paddling in wavy areas, as they will offer more support.
I use this paddle board. I bought it my sophomore year of college in the dead of winter, and since then it has traveled to various lakes and rivers (yes rivers) throughout Idaho and Utah. It held up for a very long time, until the fin recently broke in Moab due to me sitting on it in the shallows (dumb move).
Most paddle boards include all of the necessary equipment, such as a paddle, leash, and hand pump if you go the inflatable route. These 3 items are absolutely ESSENTIAL, so if your board isn’t coming with the above, make sure to purchase them separately so you can hit the water sooner.
PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICE
The most important thing you’ll want to bring along on your adventure is a Personal Flotation Device (PFD), or a life jacket. I typically prefer to use a waist life jacket, because they are less bulky and I usually feel pretty comfortable with my swimming abilities where I paddle. I would recommend using a full vest life jacket if you’ll be ocean paddling, or paddling as someone who isn’t a very strong swimmer.
Regardless of how comfortable of a swimmer you are, you should always wear a life jacket.
This one is my personal favorite. It comes with a refill canister, which means you’ll always be prepared for your next journey. The only downside of life jackets in this style is that if they sit in a hot environment for too long they’ll inflate by accident, ruining the attached canister. (So don’t leave it in your trunk all summer).
CLOTHING
This one is more up to user preference, and what the water temperature is where you paddle. For a typical paddle, I will always have a trusty pair of Chacos, because they can get wet and are easy to remove while on board. I will usually bring out a hat as well, it can get hot on board!
If it’s warmer weather, I’ll wear a swimsuit and a pair of shorts, so if I sit for a long time I don’t start to chafe. If I head out for some fall paddling, I’ll wear a wetsuit.
As long as whatever you wear you can safely swim in, you’ll be just fine. 🙂
MAINTENANCE
Caring for your paddle board will give it a long and happy life span, allowing you to invest in something that will bring fun for years! My cleaning routine usually goes as such:
Post Paddle (still on-site at the water)
- Dry off my paddle board with a towel
- Wipe down paddle board with a wet wipe, just to make sure nothing weird ends up in the bag
- Wait until the board is fully dry before putting in bag to prevent mold
At Home
- Remove paddle board from bag
- Hose off with fresh water, checking for any especially dirty spots
- If you paddled somewhere with harmful parasites, be sure to scrub with a vinegar/water solution to kill them off
Long Term Storage
- Always make sure to give your paddle board a thorough cleaning before placing in long term storage!
I hope this gear list helped inspire you to begin your paddle boarding adventures, because trust me, it’s totally worth it. And what makes it more worth it, is having the correct gear before you hit the water.
I’ve been solo paddle boarding for 4 years now, and it has helped me appreciate the beauty we are so lucky to have around us! If you have any questions PLEASE don’t hesitate to reach out via socials.
Love ya!