What Equipment Do I Need to Get Started Paddle Boarding?
Paddle boarding is a simple straightforward activity. And you don’t need that much equipment to get started. Here is a list of essential gear (plus a few optional items) to get you on the water.
Beginners Basic Paddle Board Equipment
1. The Board
Obviously the paddle board is where you start. It’s important you start out with a board that is easy to stand on. Most paddlers begin with an All-Around paddle board that is about 10’6″ long. As a beginner you want to make sure it is plenty wide for you to feel stable. Most beginners like a 32″ wide board.
Check out this post on the best beginner paddle board picks
An important factor is the weight capacity of your paddle board. You want to make sure your board has enough float to handle your body-weight. If you are a big heavy rider make sure to check the weight capacity of any board you are interested in. You may want to go with a longer board. If you are an average size person a 10’6″ long and 32″ wide will be fine. Here is a post I wrote on what to consider when buying a paddle board.
2. The Paddle
A paddle is of course as important as a board. There are all kinds of different paddles out there. From very expensive to cheap. There are one-piece fixed paddles, two piece and three piece paddles. The most important factor for a beginner is the paddle length. I recommend an adjustable paddle that is fitted 6-8″ above your head. Most paddle boards will come with a paddle. If you need to buy one at paddles with a small blade. Unless you are big and strong a paddle with a big blade can over-stress your shoulders causing injury.
3. Fins
Paddle boards must have fins. Without fins your paddle board will spin in circles. So fins keep you moving in a straight line. There are a variety of different fins on the market. Boards can have just one fin or as many as six fins. Boards with one fin are designed for cruising and touring. Three or more fins are there for increased performance. Many all-around boards have three fins for better wave riding. Surfing and whitewater boards typically have 3-5 fins. Long center fins are often removable so you can experiment with different types of fins.
4. Board Leash
A paddle board leash is not an option. You should always wear a leash to keep you connected to your board. When most people fall they kick the board away from themselves. Or if there is a strong wind the board will quickly move away from you if you’re not wearing a leash. A paddle board is a good flotation device. But without a leash your board will quickly float away from you leaving you treading water.
Most people wear a leash around their ankle. Leashes do not get in the way and with time you will forget you are wearing one.
There are basically two types of leashes. A coiled leash and a straight leash. A coiled leash is best for most paddlers. A coiled leash will stay out of the way on the back of the board and not drag behind you in the water. Straight leashes are mainly used for surfing.
The one exception is paddling in whitewater. Whitewater paddlers need to wear a quick-release leash harness around their waist. This will prevent whitewater paddlers from getting trapped if their leash was to get tangled on a log, rock or tree stump.
The important point to remember is that a leash is mandatory, not an option.
5. Personal Flotation Device (PFD)
A PFD may be optional but it is always a good idea. The US Coast Guard now consider paddle boards to be vessels. This means if you paddle outside a swimming area you are required by the Coast Guard to have a PFD on your paddle board.
There are two basic types of paddle board PFDs. A life jacket or vest and an inflatable belt. Life jackets offer the best protection for non-swimmers. But keep in mind a bulky life jacket will make it harder to climb back on your board when you fall off. Belts are less restrictive but must be manually activated. Here is a full post I wrote on PFDs for paddling.
6. Paddle Board Clothing
If the water is cold and you plan on getting wet a wetsuit is the way to go. Neoprene jackets and bottoms are also a good choice. A fleece or thermal jacket, neoprene beanie and neoprene bottoms work well in cool weather.
When the weather gets warmer you want to think about sun protection. There are moisture-wicking t-shirts with UPF 50+ sun protection that will help keep you cool. A sun hat might be the most important piece of clothing in the summer. Every paddler needs a good sun hat. You can read about sun hats for paddling here.
7. Footwear
It’s best to go barefoot if you can. Going barefoot will help your feet get a grip on the board. So your balance will be better barefoot. If you can’t go barefoot neoprene surfer boots work well. I have a 3mm pair and 7mm pair of neoprene boots for when the water gets really cold. These boots have grippy bottoms and keep your feet warm.
8. Dry Bags
Dry bags are great for carrying gear. They easily fit under the bungee straps on the deck of a paddle board. They come in a variety of sizes from 5 liters to 65 liters. There are small clear bags made specifically to keep cell phones dry. Some riders like to wear a small waterproof fanny pack when paddle boarding.
