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SUP Checklist: How to Prepare for Your First Paddle Boarding Trip

SUP Checklist: How to Prepare for Your First Paddle Boarding Trip

Excited for your first paddle boarding trip? Use our SUP checklist below to make sure you have everything you need for a fun day out on the water.

A woman on her way to a SUP trip with Kahuna Hana

So you’ve finally done it. After a few paddleboarding sessions on vacation, you bought a paddle board of your own. You’re teeming with ideas about where to go, the lakes you’ll visit and how relaxing it will be to just explore the waterways with your buddies. You might even have a date in mind. But have you thought about what to bring?

Whether you’re heading onto a local lake or a secluded beach, it’s important that you know how to prepare for a paddleboarding trip. This will ensure that you have a fun, worry-free time while building confidence in your paddling skills.

Preparing for your first SUP trip

A couple with Kahuna SUP bags

1. Research the location.

We all want to experience the most exhilarating, hidden adventures — but if you don’t have plenty of hours logged on your board, it’s best to start in an accessible location with calm w-aters. Make sure to research the location. Do you need permits? Do other paddlers recommend it? Maybe there’s a paddleboard for hire along the coast. This is a good sign that you can paddle there and maybe even make friends along the way.

2. Check the weather.

Bad weather can bring us down, but it can really ruin an SUP excursion. Knowing the weather will help you plan what to pack, such as a hat and a rash guard. For colder weather, a wetsuit and boots will make the difference from a relaxing trip to a miserably chilly time on the water.

3. Make a packing list.

Now that you’re prepared, it’s time to pack for your first SUP trip! We’re sure you wouldn't want to miss important items like a sleeping bag or your first aid kit. It’s also important to remember to pack and repack after you have everything you want to take with you. Rearrange and try different options until you’ve found the best system for you.

Use our SUP packing below to help you prepare for your adventure. Enjoy and have loads of fun on your next trip!

4. Check your equipment.

Whether your equipment is brand new or you took it out for a 30-minute beach session, it’s important to check it. Take the time to set it up in your garage, check for leaks and tears, and look at the accessories including the fin and pump. When everything is in working order, pack it back into the backpack. Do an inflation test when you get to the jump-off point.

5. Buy a personal flotation device.

Most SUPs don’t come with a personal flotation device (PFD), so if you don’t have one yet, it’s time to buy one now. It’s best to get a PFD in a bright colour and try it out — make sure you know how to wear it and it’s the right size.

6. Work out.

That’s right — you need to work out! A good warm-up will do for short trips, but if you’re planning to do a longer excursion, some cross-training is in order. You’ll be working your arms, legs, and core, so make sure you’re ready. Look up some SUP exercises beforehand.

7. Other considerations

Are you hiking to your destination or bringing a car? If you have a hard board, you need to place your SUP on top of your vehicle in order to go paddling — unless you live within walking distance from a body of water. Thankfully, transporting a hard SUP is not at all difficult.

You just have to secure your board! To do this, you would need a few essentials:

Crossbars: This runs across the roof of your vehicle. Of course, this will depend on your vehicle type. Some crossbars run across the roof of your vehicle while some crossbar systems go in the bed of a truck.

  • Rack/padding: You have three options for this:
    • A specific SUP rack system — this attaches to the crossbars
    • Basic foam blocks
    • Padding to protect your hardboard
  • Cam straps: Basically, you’ll need two straps that are about 12 feet or longer to quickly and securely hold your SUP down.
  • Bow and stern lines: You have the option to use a nonstretch, water-resistant rope, or special ratcheting lines to make the job easy and quick.

Take care when loading and securing your board. Match this with careful driving and you should reach the destination safely.

Of course, you don’t need to worry about transporting your board if you have an iSUP. All you have to do is roll them up, pack your SUP pump and make sure you have enough time to inflate your board. If your iSUP has been in storage for a while, make sure to check it beforehand for any tears or damage.

Beginner-friendly tips for your first SUP trip

 Young woman sitting on a Kahuna SUP at the beach

We know you're excited to get in there and enjoy your first SUP trip, which is why we've compiled a few simple tips that’ll make it a lot easier to get you started.

Practice swimming.

SUP is a water sport, so you can stay safe and enjoy yourself more.

Choose your space.

You have to make it easy on yourself by launching from a sandy, shallow beach, lake, or pond on a calm day! Better find a space that's free of crowds, buoys, or boats.

Keep your center of balance low.

Keeping your center of balance low makes it easier to get used to balancing on the board. To do this, all you have to do is kneel on the board. When you're ready to stand, plant your paddle in front of your board for extra balance and stability.

Practice falling.

You have to expect that you'll fall once or twice, and that's completely normal. While it may be your instinct to fall on the board, it’s much safer to fall in the water – which is why we highly recommend that you wear a leash. Practice falling away from your board so both you and your board could avoid injuries.

Bring a friend.

It's always nice to spend time with a friend. You can keep an eye on each other and motivate each other along the tour!

Relax and have fun!

Enjoy the moment. Feel the wave. Better yet, BE the wave. Relax and keep your eyes focused on the horizon ahead of you and not down at your feet and the board. This will help you balance your body and ride the wave better.

Now that you’re prepared for your first SUP trip, it’s time to start packing! Make sure you have everything you need by using our printable checklist below!

The Ultimate Stand Up Paddle Boarding Trip Checklist

You can also download our checklist here.

Essential Equipment

  • Stand-up paddle board (SUP)
    • Generally, longer SUPs are better geared for long paddleboarding trips. This is because they are more stable and can store more gear. However, most beginners will find an all-around board stable enough for their first SUP trip.
    • Having more standing room allows you to move, step comfortably and find a comfortable seating position during a long haul.
  • PFD (Personal flotation device)
    • This can be a life jacket or an inflatable PFD belt
  • Pump (for inflatable SUP)
  • SUP fins
    • Always consider a backup in remote areas.
  • SUP leash or board leash
    • Make sure you have the appropriate leash for the type of water you’ll be paddling on.
  • Paddle
    • If you want something lighter, go with carbon fiber.
    • If you’re paddling with a lot of rocks, then fiberglass is more durable.
    • A paddle leash is also a great add-on!
  • Rescue whistle
  • Headlamp or flashlight
  • Waterproof dry bag
    • This is where you’ll store your cash, phone, ID, and camera.
    • You can also store your phone on a casing string attached to your PFD or deck bag.
    • You can also store clothing here or other miscellaneous items.
    • This is important to carry your gear to shore or for on-shore hikes.
  • iSUP repair kit

Optional

  • Fishing gear
  • SUP carry strap
  • SUP transport cart
  • Paddle case
  • Action camera mount

Personal Items

  • Sunscreen (water-resistant SPF 30+)
  • Lip balm (SPF 15+)
  • Sunglasses and leash
  • Cash and credit card
  • Phone and charger
  • Water bottle or hydration pack
    • Keep an eye out for places with water sources, so you can refill!
  • Snacks or packed lunch
  • Insect repellent (as needed)
  • Towel
  • Watch
  • Camera

Safety Items

It's better to be safe than sorry, so remember to bring these items, as having some basic safety things can save the day in unexpected situations. Personal safety items include a basic first aid kit, lip balm, sunscreen, and your phone.

  • Tow rope
    • This is great for safety and is a drying gear in camp.
  • GPS
  • Two-way radios
  • First aid kit
    • Some options to include inside are band-aids, prescription medicine, and paracetamol.
    • You can make a mini first aid kit with a ziplock bag.
  • Weather/VHF radio guidebook
  • Maps and charts
    • Can be a small printed version.
    • Put this inside a waterproof case
    • Navigation apps are also an option, but keep in mind that if your battery dies or you can’t get reception, a map/chart will be a lifesaver.
  • Solar charger for your phone
  • Compass
  • Knife

Clothing

One can never know what to expect when it comes to the weather, so it’s always a good idea to bring layers! You can always adjust based on the climate of where you are going, but even in warm climates, make sure you have enough if the weather changes on you or the nights are colder than expected.

  • Wetsuit for warm water/weather
  • Dry suit for cold water/weather
  • Bright-colored rashguard
    • This covers up the skin and reduces your chances of getting sunburnt
  • Comfortable board shorts or swimsuit
    • Synthetic materials are best as they dry quickly.
    • Backpacking pants that zip off are also great as they are super light and could double as paddle pants in warm weather.
  • Hat or beanie (for colder days or evenings)
  • Footwear (water shoes or sandals)
    • Sandals are great for warmer months.
    • Wet shoes are recommended for tide pooling or rocky beach walks.
    • You can also add a neoprene liner for colder weather.

We hope this guide was useful and helped you prepare like a pro for your first paddleboarding trip.

If you’re looking for places to get a paddle board that is lightweight and portable with a premium all-around design, then look no further, ‘cause we have that here at Kahuna! We offer the highest quality materials to ensure your satisfaction and safety as you go on your first SUP trip. Not only that, but we also offer Australia-wide free shipping so you can explore the waters wherever you are in the country. So what are you waiting for? Check out our paddle boards today and go on an adventure like no other!

Adventure awaits with the Kahuna Hana paddle board

Posted in: Blog , Paddle Boards

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