Getting kitted out
for stand-up paddleboarding

Choosing the right SUP kit is the key to a good first experience. A board that's too narrow will have you falling in, a badly set paddle will tire your shoulders, and heading out without a leash or a buoyancy aid can be dangerous. This guide runs through every essential piece of kit so you can take up stand-up paddleboarding with confidence.

1. Inflatable versus hard board: the head-to-head

Your first decision is the type of construction. It's the choice that will affect your experience the most:

2. The types of SUP

Every kind of paddling has its ideal board. Here are the five main families:

How to choose the right size of SUP

Two main criteria:

• Your weight: aim for a volume (in litres) of at least three times your weight in kg. An 80kg paddler needs at least 240 litres.
• Your paddling: all-round for versatility, touring for distance, yoga for fitness.

3. The paddle: your engine

A good paddle makes all the difference to comfort, efficiency and fatigue. Here are the things to weigh up:

Shaft material

Paddle length

The paddle should be 20 to 25cm taller than you. A few examples:

• 1.60m tall → a paddle of 1.80m to 1.85m
• 1.70m tall → a paddle of 1.90m to 1.95m
• 1.80m tall → a paddle of 2.00m to 2.05m
• 1.90m tall → a paddle of 2.10m to 2.15m

Fixed versus adjustable

Two options:

• Fixed paddle (one piece): lighter, stiffer, more durable. Ideal if you're the only one using it.
• Adjustable paddle (three parts): adapts to several users and packs down into the SUP bag. Perfect for families or if you lend your kit out. Reckon on a little extra weight and a slight loss of stiffness.

4. The pump: manual or electric

Pumping up your SUP is part and parcel of an inflatable. The pump you choose has a direct bearing on your experience:

5. The essential accessories

The leash

The leash connects your ankle or calf to the board. Always wear one – it keeps your board, your biggest float, right next to you after a fall:

• Coiled leash: recommended for flat-water SUP. It doesn't drag in the water or create resistance.
• Straight leash: for SUP surfing in the waves, giving a quick release.
• Quick-release waist leash: essential on moving water and rivers, where you must never use an ankle leash. It lets you free yourself instantly if the leash snags.
• Length: the same length as the board. A 10' leash for a 10'6" SUP.

The buoyancy aid

Wear a buoyancy aid every time you paddle, even if you're a strong swimmer:

• Foam buoyancy aid (50N): ideal for beginners and children, it never needs arming and always floats
• Belt-pack inflatable: discreet and comfortable, and popular for SUP
• Automatic lifejacket: the most compact option, inflating automatically if you go in

The dry bag

For carrying your phone, keys, documents and snacks safely:

• 10 to 20 litres: enough for a phone, keys and a snack
• 20 to 30 litres: for a half-day out with a picnic
• Clip it to a deck bungee so it can't drift off if you fall in

The fin

Most inflatable SUPs come with a central fin. Check:

• US box system: the market standard, compatible with most fins
• Fixed fin: simpler but not replaceable
• Spare fin: worth having if you snap the original

The repair kit

Essential for small leaks and knocks:

• PVC patch: for holes of 1 to 5mm
• PVC glue: for bigger repairs
• Valve key: for replacing the valve if it leaks
• Often included with the SUP package

Other useful accessories

• Waterproof sun cream (SPF 50+): the water reflects UV, doubling your exposure.
• Sunglasses with a retainer cord: a must on a bright day.
• A wetsuit: a 3/2mm for the shoulder seasons, stepping up to a 4/3mm or 5/4mm for UK winters. See our surf gear guide for the details.
• Neoprene boots (winter): to keep your feet warm on cold launches.

6. New or secondhand: the verdict

Secondhand is a sensible option for an inflatable SUP, especially one that's less than two years old. Things to check:

• Air-tightness test: inflate the board and check it holds pressure (15 PSI) for at least 30 minutes.
• Seams: inspect the joins between the walls. Any cracking means a guaranteed leak.
• Valve: check it isn't cracked and that the cap seals properly.
• Deck pad: normal wear is fine, but any lifting or peeling is a deal-breaker.

Buy new: your leash, your buoyancy aid and your repair kit. These are safety items.

7. Brands worth knowing

Red Paddle Co

The British name that leads the premium inflatable SUP market. Its MSL construction (a fusion of the PVC layers) gives unrivalled stiffness and impeccable finish. The 10'6" Ride and 11' Sport are long-standing best-sellers.

Fanatic

A brand steeped in board-sports know-how, with a well-earned reputation for its shapes. The Fly Air and Ray Air ranges offer an excellent balance of performance and everyday usability, from all-round to touring.

Starboard

A SUP pioneer and a global benchmark for performance and innovation. A very complete range – all-round, touring, yoga, racing – with a strong focus on recycled materials and sustainability.

Bluefin

A UK brand that has made a name for well-specced all-round and cruiser boards that come complete with a generous package of kit. A popular first board for family paddling.

Two Bare Feet

Another British brand, known for accessible all-round and family boards. A sensible starting point for anyone dipping a toe into stand-up paddleboarding without over-committing.