51 Best Paddle Board Accessories (Must-have SUP Gear)

Since 2016 we have been doing reviews, introductions and comparisons of paddle boards and SUP accessories here on stand-up-paddling.org.

If you’re like us, then you enjoy getting out on the water paddle boarding. It’s a great workout and a lot of fun. But to make your experience even better, you need the right gear.

That’s why I put together this list of the 51 best paddle board accessories. From lifejackets to SUP leashes, check out my top picks for must-have paddle boarding gear!

Since 2016 the special accessories for paddle boarding and also the number of manufacturers of the accessories has increased enormously.

From season to season, the choice is getting bigger and bigger. The overview is quickly lost. We help you navigate through this jungle and give you the best accessories of each category.

By the way, here are some gift great ideas for paddleboarders:

https://youtu.be/Zvl2Zh9JF8g

Basics

Paddle boarding is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and get some exercise. It can be done in a variety of settings, from calm lakes and ponds to rough seas.

In order to paddle board safely and effectively, you need some basic equipment. This includes a paddle, a leash, and a pump. Let’s take a closer look at each piece of gear.

Paddle

A paddle is an essential tool for any paddle boarder, and beginners should know what options and features to choose from and how they will affect their experience.

The first two things we usually look for are: Price and material. Paddles can vary in quality, so we’ll break down some of the options and features you should consider to make your purchase worthwhile.

Aluminum paddles are much cheaper than carbon paddles. You can get an aluminum paddle for as little as £20 to £30, while you’ll have to pay between £100 and £150 (or more) for a good carbon paddle.

The difference in material has a big impact on the price. Carbon paddles are stronger, lighter, and look better. Aluminum is cheaper, but it’s also heavier, which makes a huge impact on longer tours.

Since a paddle is the most important accessory when it comes to paddle boarding, we have also got a whole article about this topic: Check out the best SUP paddles for begginers, intermediates and pros.

Leash

A leash is an important piece of safety equipment. It secures your board to your ankle and prevents it from drifting if you fall off.

There’s one thing above all else you should consider when buying a leash: The type.

There are two types of leashes: coil leashes and straight leashes. Coil leashes are coiled and do not expand to their full length until you fall into the water. This has the great advantage that you won’t get caught anywhere while paddling.

We go further into detail in our article about leashes.

Check out the best paddle boarding leashes.

Pump

A pump is another important piece of SUP equipment because you need to inflate your board before you hit the water.

There are two types of pumps: manual and electric.

Manual pumps are just that – manual. You have to use your own muscle power to get the job done. They’re cheaper than electric pumps, but they also take longer to pump up a board.

When it comes to manual pumps, double-action and triple-action pumps have proven most effective. With these, you can pump air into your inflatable board while pushing and pulling.

Electric pumps are introduced further below. If you are interested in more details about the different types of pumps, check out our article about the best pumps for inflatable paddle boards.

Safety First

For your own safety, you should be prepared for emergencies. In addition to a For your own safety, you should be prepared for emergencies.

Besides a leash, a life jacket or similar is especially important – also for your four-legged friend. If you are paddling with others, you should make sure that they also have a life jacket.

It is also important that you are familiar with first aid in case of an emergency. Also, always have a cell phone with you to call for help.

Life Vest

One thing first: even good swimmers should have a life jacket with them! No matter if you are a beginner or an expert, accidents can always happen.

An important difference between various life jackets is that some life jackets keep your head above water, while other only helps you stay afloat.

When paddle boarding, the main thing you should look for is freedom of movement. Also, a vest should not have loose cords or the like that you can get tangled in. Look for a model with adjustable straps and plenty of pockets.

We have collected further important information in a separate article on the subject of life jackets for you.

PFD

If you find a life jacket too bulky, you can also use a PFD. Personal flotation devices are not as buoyant as a life jacket, but they serve their purpose in most cases and are less bulky.

Floating buoys work by being inflated automatically by a CO₂ cartridge via a trigger or when dropped into the water.

These are very small and lightweight, but also quite expensive. They usually come with several cartridges so you can refill them.

The advantage of PFDs is that they do not restrict your freedom of movement as much as a life jacket.

Life Vest for Dogs

If your dog is on the paddle board with you, make sure they are wearing a life jacket too! There are special life jackets for dogs that keep them safe while swimming and paddling.

The same applies to dogs: even good swimmers should wear a life jacket.

The most important thing is that the vest fits well. Other beneficial features include a carrying handle, a loop for attaching a leash and reflective elements.

There are also vests with fun extras, like a shark fin on the back. Check out the best life vests for dogs.

Storage & Transport

Other important topics away from the water are storage and transport of paddle boards.

If you want to preserve your board for as long as possible and not completely exhaust yourself during transport, you should also use the appropriate accessories here.

Board bag

A board bag is the perfect solution to protect and transport your paddle board. It not only keeps dust and dirt off your board, but also protects it from scratches and other damage.

There are different types of board bags on the market. The most important factor when choosing a bag is the size. You should make sure that the bag is big enough to carry your paddle board – with or without accessories. Most sets already include a backpack.

Important features of board bags are extra pockets and padding on the back and straps. A special extra are wheels: So you can just pull the bag like a travel suitcase and don’t need to carry the 10-15 kg (22-33 lbs) on your back.

Check out more details and recommendations for paddle board bag.

Paddle Bag

When choosing paddle bags, it is important to make sure that the bag is not too small. You should be able to fit your paddle, all its parts, and a second paddle blade if necessary.

A strap that allows you to hang the bag over your shoulder is also practical.

Shoulder Strap

SUP boards can weigh quite a bit and are unwieldy. Especially over longer distances it is exhausting to transport the board by the carrying handle.

Therefore, it is a good idea to use a shoulder strap. This way the weight will be evenly distributed and carrying your SUP will be much easier.

When buying, make sure that the strap is padded. Sometimes there is also the option to attach the paddle to the strap.

Trolley

One of the most convenient ways to transport paddle boards are SUP trolleys like the reacha model. With these wheeled trolleys, you can easily transport your board – even if it’s loaded with gear.

There are different types of trolleys on the market, so make sure you choose the right one for you. The most important factor is the size: the trolley should have space for your paddle board and all its accessories.

Another practical advantage is that trolleys are very easy to transport due to their compact size.

Bike Trailer

If you want to transport the paddle board by bike, you will quickly recognize a problem: the paddle board backpack is heavy and interferes with cycling. You can hardly get around a bicycle trailer for paddle boards.

There are different types of bike trailers on the market. The most important factor is the size: the trailer should be big enough to carry your paddle board and all its accessories.

Another important factor is the weight of the trailer. If you have to carry it around, it will quickly become cumbersome. Also, you should secure the load well so that nothing gets lost.

Check out the best bike trailers for paddle boards.

Roof Rack

Do you want to transport your hardboard by car or save pumping and unpumping your iSUP? Then you definitely need a roof rack for paddle boards.

You should pay special attention to the padding, otherwise you could damage the paint of your car or your paddle boards.

The most important factor when choosing a roof rack is the size of the board: Not all racks can carry every board. Make sure you choose a rack that is compatible with your vehicle and board size.

Another important feature is lockable safety bolts that hold your paddle board in place while driving.

Wall Mount

If you don’t use your paddle board for an extended period of time, such as during the winter, you shouldn’t just store it in your board bag. This can damage the board and make it difficult to get back in shape for your next paddleboarding session.

A much better option is to store your paddle board on a wall mount. This way, you’ll save space – especially if you don’t have a lot of storage space – and your paddle board will always be ready to go when you need it. Plus, paddle boards are great eye-catchers.

There are different types of wall mounts on the market, so choose the one that works best for you. Make sure the mount can support the weight of your board.

Gadgets & Extras

Faster, more comfortable or cooler is always possible. These gadgets make your life easier and your paddle boarding experience even better.

They help you keep your equipment safe and dry, add music to your tour, or make it easier for you to pump up, do yoga, or chill out on the board.

There are many gadgets and extras on the market. The most important thing is that you find accessories that will enhance your paddleboarding experience.

Waterproof Phone Case

It’s always a good idea to take your phone with you on the water: Aside from taking totally beautiful photos on the water and tracking your trips, it’s all about safety. In case of emergency, you can always call for help.

However, if your phone falls into the water, it’s probably lost forever.

A much better option is a waterproof phone case. This will protect your phone from getting wet and allow you to use it even when it is wet. Also, you can hang it around your neck with a cord or attach it to your board.

The most important thing is that the case fits your phone and is waterproof. Make sure you test it before you use it!

Drybag

Actually, a dry bag is almost one of the absolute basics when it comes to paddle boarding. It’s a bag that keeps your belongings – like your phone, wallet, and keys – dry, even when they’re completely submerged in water.

There are dry bags on the market in different sizes and shapes, so find one that fits all your stuff. Test it before use to make sure it’s 100% waterproof!

Check out the best dry bags.

Waterproof Fanny Pack

If you only want to take small things with you on the water or carry the most important things directly on your body, you can use a waterproof fanny pack.

This way you always have your phone and wallet with you and they are protected from water.

Just like the dry bag, you should also check the waterproofness of the fanny pack before use!

Waterproof Key Case

Electronic car keys in particular should not get wet. If they do, you may not be able to start your car.

A good way to protect your key is to use a waterproof key case. This will keep it safe and dry, even if it falls into the water.

Again, make sure the case is completely waterproof before you use it!

Action Cam

Want to document your paddle boarding trips or even record a few tricks? An action cam is the perfect solution for that.

There are many different action cams on the market, so find the one that fits your needs and budget. Make sure it’s waterproof and has a good battery life! Also, some action cams have special features, like time-lapse and slow motion.

Meanwhile, some boards already have integrated mounting options for action cams. Otherwise, these can also be attached subsequently.

We also find it particularly cool that you can attach action cams to the paddle to use it as a kind of selfie stick!

Check out the best action cams.

Handle for Action Cam

Some action cams come with a grip, which is very helpful to keep them stable while filming. If your action cam doesn’t have a grip, you can buy one that fits your camera model.

This way, you can take nice and steady shots without worrying about the camera shaking too much!

Another advantage is that some mounts float, so if you drop your action cam in the water, it won’t sink to the bottom!

Bluetooth Headphones

Listening to music is a great way to get you pumped up for a paddling session or to relax after a long day.

If you want to go easy on your fellow human beings and nature, headphones are the way to go. Plus, you can then easily stow your phone and control the music through the headphones.

Make sure the headphones fit snugly, you don’t want them to fall off while paddling!

Wireless Bluetooth headphones are perfect for paddle boarding because there are no wires to get in the way!

Bluetooth Speaker

If you want to share your music with others, a Bluetooth speaker is just what you need.

You can even pair multiple speakers, so everyone has the perfect sound quality on their board.

Some speakers also have a built-in microphone so you can even take calls!

It’s best to attach your speaker to the board, so it can’t fall into the water. And make sure the speaker is waterproof!

Check out the best waterproof Bluetooth speakers.

Electric Pump

If you don’t want to waste your time and energy pumping up your paddle board with your lungs, an electric pump is the perfect solution.

Just plug it into a wall outlet, power bank, or your car’s cigarette lighter and let the pump do its job! Some pumps also have a built-in pressure gauge that automatically shuts the pump off at the desired pressure.

Keep in mind, however, that this eliminates the warm-up caused by manual pumping!

Check out the best electric pumps.

Anchor

Sometimes you just want to relax on your board or take a restful break. Even SUP yoga and fishing fans know the problem: Paddle boards can easily drift off, especially in wind and current.

An anchor can help you keep your board in place, so you don’t have to worry about it drifting off.

For paddle boards, small anchors are all you need, and they’re sure to fit into any budget.

More about anchors for paddle boarding.

Cooling Box

Especially on hot days, a cooler is the perfect accessory to keep your food and drinks cold.

Just put everything inside before you start paddling, and it will stay cool for hours!

For SUP fishing, a cooler is essential anyway.

Be sure to securely attach the cooler to the board so it doesn’t fall into the water while you’re paddling!

Pimp Your Paddle Board

With these paddle boarding accessories, you get even more out of your paddle board: higher speeds, using the paddle board as a kayak or with a sail, touring at night…

It’s up to you how you want to make your paddle boarding experience unique!

Fin

A fin is a great way to increase your speed or stability on the water.

Depending on size and shape, a fin can change your riding characteristics: some fins make the board more maneuverable, others make it run straighter.

In general, a larger fin gives you more stability, but also makes the board less maneuverable.

When buying a fin, you have to pay attention to the mounting system, because plug-in fins and US box fins are not compatible! Check out the different types of paddle board fins.

Seat

A seat can be a great addition to your paddle board if you want to use it as a kayak.

Just attach the seat to the board and you’re ready to go! Some boards already have D-rings in the middle of the board. If necessary, you can also retrofit them.

The seat gives you more stability, especially when paddling against the wind or waves.

It is also perfect for breaks during long tours. Check out the best kayak seats for paddle boards.

Double-Bladed Paddle

If you want to use your paddle board as a kayak or paddle in a sitting position, you should definitely buy a double paddle. Meanwhile, there are even SUP paddles that can be converted to this.

This makes paddling while sitting much more comfortable and efficient. You should also pay attention to the material of the paddle: a carbon paddle is much lighter than an aluminum paddle!

Check out more double-bladed paddles for paddle boarding.

Motor

With a motor, you can turn your paddle board into an electric paddle board and glide along with ease! This is especially handy when we run out of power in the middle of the water or an unexpected headwind comes up.

When we first heard about it, we thought the idea was a bit crazy and the trend didn’t really catch on.

Nevertheless, we present you here a motor for paddle boards, which you can attach to the board.

Sail

On windy days, you think twice about taking a paddle boarding tour. With a sail, the whole thing becomes much more interesting: It lets you harness the power of the wind and just let it pull you!

A sail is a great way to get more out of your paddle board and make it a true windSUP. However, your board needs a mast base insert for this!

Just attach the sail, adjust the angle and go! Sure, it takes a little practice, but you’re sure to have fun.

Wing

Even without using the mast base, you can take advantage of the wind on the paddle board by using an inflatable paraglider (wing). Pump it up and you’re ready to go!

The wing gives you more stability on the water and lets you fly over the waves. It’s perfect for windy days when a SUP tour would otherwise be too risky.

Again, practice makes perfect!

Lighting

Paddle boarding at sunrise and sunset is something very special and every paddle boarder should experience these magical moments on the water.

With good lighting, you can paddle at night without fear of hitting something or falling into the water. It’s also important for others to see you on the water – not just in emergencies!

Make sure your lights are waterproof and bright enough. Battery life is also especially important – it’s best to always have a spare battery on hand. There are also different mounting options like magnets.

D-Rings

D-rings are a must for every paddle board. They are perfect for attaching accessories like a seat or a dry bag. You’ll also need an attachment point for the leash.

Make sure the D-ring is placed so that it doesn’t interfere with your paddling! Mostly they already come with a PVC patch and simply need to be glued to the board.

In the front area many boards have a luggage net, which can also be retrofitted with D-rings, e.g. also at the tail of the board.

Clothing for Paddle Boarders

In summer, choosing the right clothes is easy: swimming shorts or bikini will do. On colder days, and especially in winter, things look different: Choosing the right clothes is very important here!

That’s why in this section we will go over all the possible clothing items that are of interest to paddle boarders. So you are prepared for every season and can use your board in a whole new way even in winter.

Drysuit

The most important garment for paddle boarding tours in winter is the dry suit. It keeps you dry even in the worst weather conditions or after falling into the water.

A good drysuit seals well at the neck, wrists and ankles to prevent water from entering. A good hood is also important to keep your head and ears warm.

The suit should be tight enough to not let any wind through, but also not too tight to be uncomfortable. And finally, make sure it has a good ventilation system!

Since drysuits are super important, we’ve dedicated a separate article to them: Check out more details about dry suits for paddle boarding.

Underclothing

Dry suits are usually made of thin material and do not keep you warm. Therefore, you need to wear a good thermal underwear.

Choose a material that is breathable and wicks away sweat so that you don’t get cold from your own body heat.

On particularly cold days, it is best to use the onion principle, which means that you wear several thin layers of clothing that you can take off gradually as you get warmer.

Wetsuit

You always hear about paddle boarders who still paddle in wetsuits even in winter. However, this is not a good idea, because in paddle boarding you are (almost) exclusively above the water. So the wetsuit can’t do its job at all.

But you can try it at medium temperatures. The most important thing about wetsuits is the fit. It should be tight, but not too tight! Otherwise, it will be difficult for you to paddle.

Pants

Depending on the weather, you should of course adjust the length of your pants. But that’s not all: Especially the freedom of movement should always be given.

While you stand on the board with shorts in the summer, many paddlers like to reach for sports pants, because they allow a lot of freedom of movement and sit comfortably.

In winter, it’s best to wear warm and breathable pants under your dry suit.

Shirt

For the top, the same rules apply as for pants for paddle boarding. Shirts should fit well and be comfortable.

In summer and slightly cooler temperatures, neoprene is a good choice.

In winter you should choose long-sleeved tops that are made of a warm and breathable material.

Shoes

Just like with clothing, you should always consider the weather when choosing shoes for paddleboarding.

In summer, lightweight neoprene shoes are best – they provide good grip on the board and protect your feet from cuts and scratches. Barefoot is also an option, of course.

In winter, however, you’ll need something warmer: either waterproof boots or thermal boots with good grip. Neoprene shoes should be at least 7 mm thick.

Gloves

In winter, it’s important to protect your hands from the cold – after all, they are in the cold air all the time.

Choose gloves that are waterproof and have a good grip. A fleece lining will keep your hands warm even on the coldest days!

In the summer, you can wear fingerless gloves to protect your fingers from blisters. But this is not a must!

Hats & Caps

A cap is not only practical, but also helps you protect yourself from the sun in the summer. Choose a cap that fits well and won’t fly off in a strong wind. In winter, it can help keep your head and ears warm!

Accessories for Paddle Boards

In addition to the right apparel, accessories are also a great upgrade for your next paddle boarding trip.

Sunglasses

Protection from the sun is very important, especially when you are on the water for a long time.

Choose sunglasses with 100% UV protection to avoid eye damage. Polarized sunglasses are best because they reduce glare from the water.

Watch

A watch is a very handy accessory when paddleboarding because it helps you keep track of time.

Choose a watch that is waterproof and has a stopwatch function so you can accurately time your paddling sessions.

With smartwatches, you can track your trip even better with the help of paddle boarding apps.

Repair & Care

Most iSUPs and hard boards are very robust, but still need some care. Unfortunately, it sometimes comes to damage. Fortunately, you can easily repair minor damage yourself if you have the necessary accessories.

PVC Glue

PVC glue is the best choice for repairing inflatable paddle boards if you want to patch small damages like cracks or holes with a PVC patch. Most of the time, these are not self-adhesive.

Such damage can occur especially on the more sensitive side surfaces (rails). The adhesive is very strong, waterproof and dries quickly.

Repair Kit

If you have a larger damage, for example a tear in the material of your board, then you need a repair kit. Often one is included in the delivery – check if glue and PVC patches are included!

Repair kits usually contain a piece of PVC fabric, some glue and instructions. The fabric is cut to the right size and glued over the damaged area – it’s that easy!

Cleaner

You should clean your board regularly to keep it in good condition. Use a soft cloth and mild soap to remove dirt and salt water from the surface. Don’t forget to rinse it off afterwards!

For stubborn stains, you can use a board cleaner designed specifically for boats or paddle boards. This will remove dirt.

Other Accessories

Paddle boarding has much more to offer for you and your paddle boarding friends. For example, you can discover new techniques and places, train at home and protect your board.

Book

SUP books are a great thing for winter, as a gift or just as an interesting read. Indeed, in one or the other SUP book exciting content about and around paddle boarding is conveyed.

If you don’t feel like picking up all the info from blogs like ours, are always interested in some touring tips or have some basic questions about the right paddle boarding equipment, you should take a closer look at the following list of books.

Travel Guide

For many, the paddle board is a constant leisure companion. Those who own their own paddle boards also like to pack them in their luggage when they go on vacation. But you don’t always know the area or you don’t know exactly where to go for the paddling experience and want to be inspired.

For this purpose, travel guides that are dedicated to the topic of paddle boarding and give useful tips on beautiful paddle boarding spots that allow you to plan a paddling vacation in a relaxed way.

Those travel guides not only provide great inspiration for beautiful paddle boarding routes, they usually also offer helpful information and tips on the basics of paddle boarding for those who want to get started and all those who do not have appropriate waters close to home.

In addition, travel guides also provide information on how to get there, entry and exit points, rental stations, overnight accommodations, local refreshments and much more, so that you can plan your paddling trip in advance.

Balance Board

Balance boards are a great way to improve your balance and get a good workout at home. You can use them to supplement your regular paddle boarding sessions or just for fun!

The choice is getting bigger and bigger: the shape and size of the boards differ as well as the size of the wheels and balls. Learn more about balance boards.

Theft Protection

An anti-theft device is an inexpensive and useful accessory. Surely you want to take a break or two during your paddle boarding tours.

Then a suitable theft protection comes in handy. In no time you can secure your board with such a paddle boards lock and do not have to supervise it throughout. In addition, most anti-theft devices for paddle boards are universally applicable.