You've got your board and your paddle: great. But heading out without the right accessories leaves you exposed to some unpleasant, and sometimes genuinely dangerous, situations: a board drifting away, sunburn, a soaked phone, a pump that fails miles from anywhere. Here's the complete list of essential SUP accessories, ranked by priority.
The accessories you should never be without
The board leash
Your leash is your lifeline. It connects your ankle (or waist) to the board. If you fall in, and sooner or later you will, the board can drift several metres away within seconds in wind or current. Without a leash, you're left swimming, far from your flotation. It's the single most important item in your kit.
There are two main types:
- Ankle leash (straight or coiled): the most common type. A coiled leash trails less in the water and is preferable on flat water. A straight leash is used for SUP surfing.
- Waist leash: used for SUP yoga or SUP surfing so it doesn't get in the way of footwork.
Wear your leash whenever you paddle, and treat it as essential the further you go from shore. Check its condition before every session: worn velcro, fraying stitching or a rusty carabiner mean it's time to replace it.
A buoyancy aid
A buoyancy aid (or personal flotation device) is strongly recommended for any SUP paddling, and the further you venture from shore, the more essential it becomes — bodies like the RNLI and the RYA are consistent on this point. Even close to the bank, it's worth wearing one, especially if you're not a confident swimmer. Choose one designed for watersports so you can paddle without it getting in the way.
Automatic inflation vests (which inflate on contact with water) are compact and comfortable but need the CO2 cartridge checked regularly. Foam vests are bulkier but never fail mechanically.
The practical, near-essential accessories
A spare paddle
If you're heading out on a longer trip (more than an hour from shore), a telescopic spare paddle could save the day. Folded down in your dry bag, it barely takes up any room. If your main paddle breaks or you lose it mid-crossing, it's your only way back.
A pump (for inflatable SUPs)
If you've got an inflatable SUP, a pump is obviously essential. Two options:
- Manual double-action pump: light (500-800g), reliable, never breaks down. Allow 5 to 10 minutes of pumping to reach 15 PSI.
- Electric pump: faster, but heavier (1.5-2.5kg) and dependent on a battery. Handy if you've got a car parked nearby.
Field tip: always carry a small repair kit (adhesive patches) with your inflatable SUP. A puncture on a remote lake with no patch to hand, and your session is over.
If you'd rather skip the arm workout, the Star Pump 6 electric pump is worth adding to your kit list — see it at OutletSUP →.
A dry bag
A dry bag of 10 to 30 litres, depending on how long you're out for. Inside: phone, keys, wallet, sun cream, water bottle, spare clothes. Attach it to the board or stow it in a deck bungee. Never leave it unattended on the shore.
Neoprene footwear
Useful if you'll be walking over rocky, shelly or gravelly ground. 2-3mm neoprene boots protect your feet while carrying the board and launching. In summer, over a sandy bottom, they're optional. Off-season, or on rocky coastlines, they become essential.
The comfort accessories (depending on the trip)
| Accessory | Why |
|---|---|
| SPF 50+ sun cream | Water reflects UV, so sunburn happens roughly twice as fast |
| Polarised sunglasses | Cuts glare off the water, better visibility of obstacles |
| Insulated water bottle | Staying hydrated matters, especially in summer |
| Paddle leash | Stops you losing your paddle if you fall in |
| Tow line | For towing another paddler in difficulty |
| Safety whistle | Good practice further from shore, useful anywhere |
| Waterproof head torch | Handy for an evening paddle back: increasingly common in summer |
Checklist before you set off
Before you load your SUP into the car, run through this list:
- ✅ Board inflated to the right pressure (generally 12-15 PSI)
- ✅ Leash in good condition, properly attached to your ankle
- ✅ Paddle at the right length (wrist height with your arm stretched above your head)
- ✅ Buoyancy aid, especially further from shore
- ✅ Dry bag with phone, keys, sun cream
- ✅ Weather and wind checked (Met Office forecast or a wind app)
- ✅ Someone told your route and your expected time back
To take your SUP kit further, see our complete paddle guide and our gear section.
FAQ: essential SUP accessories
Is a leash compulsory for SUP?
Good practice, and the guidance from bodies like the RYA, is to always wear a leash, and it becomes essential the further you paddle from the shore. If you fall in, the board can drift away very quickly in wind or current. Without a leash, you're left swimming, far from your flotation.
What size dry bag do I need for SUP?
10 to 15 litres is enough for half a day (phone, keys, water bottle, sun cream). 20 to 30 litres for a longer trip or an overnight paddle (spare clothes, food, a lightweight tent).
Do I need a buoyancy aid for SUP?
A buoyancy aid is strongly recommended for any SUP paddling, and becomes essential the further you are from shore. Wear one even close to the bank, especially if you're not a confident swimmer or conditions are changeable.
How much does an inflatable SUP pump weigh?
A manual double-action pump weighs between 500g and 800g. An electric pump comes in between 1.5kg and 2.5kg. Weight is worth factoring in if you're carrying your kit on foot down to the water.
What accessories do I need for SUP yoga?
For SUP yoga, add an extra non-slip deck pad, a waist leash (not an ankle leash), an anchor and a dry bag for your personal belongings.