4 Essential and Affordable SUP Accessories For Newbies

Whether you pursue it recreationally or as a sport, standup paddleboarding (SUP) requires adequate preparation to ensure a successful, safe, and satisfying experience. Besides the basics (board, paddle, fin), there are other essential gear worth getting to improve your SUP performance and overall safety. Here are four accessories SUP newbies need, along with affordable options for those on a budget.

1. Safety leash

As a beginner paddleboarder, there will certainly be instances where you may fall off the board, and the current or wind can also end up taking your paddleboard away. It’s important to invest in a safety leash designed to connect and anchor you to the board whether you’re on the river, out at sea or even close to the shore. While a straight cord is easier to use, experts recommend a coiled leash with a quick-release attachment to prevent it from being snagged on plants or water debris. Among the best options are leashes from the brands FCS and DaKine but many brands now include leashes with their SUP packages.

Photo via: Aztron Sports

2. Personal flotation device

Regardless of how strong of a swimmer you are, a personal flotation device (PFD) is another crucial piece of safety equipment, as it provides buoyancy and helps you stay afloat if in case you fall off your board. Considering the PFD market reached $2.19 billion in 2022, you'll have your pick of several product types, with life jackets and buoyancy aids most commonly used for SUP. The leading PFD brands include Spinlock, which makes compact and inflatable belt packs for under $100, as well as Astral, whose life jackets support unique body profiles for optimal comfort and fit.

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3. Sunglasses

The sun, wind, and other environmental conditions can compromise your vision when on water, so you should make sure to wear sunglasses at all times. When it comes to men’s sunglasses, the most trusted brands geared for outdoor activities are Oakley, with polarized glasses like Holbrook for maximum glare protection, and Ray-Ban, with its classic Clubmaster that provides both style and coverage. They also have offerings for women in the same designs, ensuring a more snug fit while paddleboarding. While these eyewear brands are already worth the investment, there's a range of different eyewear at different price points available online such as Carve Eyewear where they offer a range of floating sunglasses and more all at very affordable prices.

Photo courtesy: Carve Eyewear

4. Dry bag

Lastly, a dry bag really comes in handy when you want to keep your belongings safe and secure. Although some paddleboards are already packaged with a dry bag, the Mustang Survival Highwater 22L is a waterproof daypack that’s perfect if you want something more lightweight and durable. Aside from its comfortable straps and thick exterior, this bag can store a lot of items and has also passed multiple test dunks in the water. Osprey also offers affordable and ultralight dry bags without sacrificing water resistance, while Outdoor Products has a three-set dry sack for the ultimate low-cost option.

Featuring Pau Hana Solo SUP Drybag

Ultimately, it's possible to find SUP gear that fits both your budget and needs. However, remember to never compromise quality even when you're saving money, as it's always worth investing in your safety and performance. For more SUP guides and resources for beginners, feel free to check out more SUP Tips here at SUP Connect.