What accessories should I buy with my SUP?
Good equipment is essential. Any sport will be much easier to master and more enjoyable if the equipment you use is of the right quality. It's worth investing in the right tools and accessories that will facilitate use and make your sport comfortable and satisfying. In this article, you'll learn what accessories you can attach to your SUP board. We'll start with the most important elements you can't live without: the paddle, leash, and life jacket. These powerful players will later be joined by accessories that can make things much easier. Let's begin the review.
PADDLE
To start, it's best to use an adjustable paddle that you can comfortably adjust to your height. A paddle that's too short will strain your back, while one that's too long will strain your arms. The width of the blade, the part of the paddle that dips into the water, is also important. A narrow blade requires less force, while a wide one allows for faster movement through the water but requires more force. You can find paddles made of fiberglass, aluminum, wood, plastic, or carbon fiber. The most popular and probably the best is the last one, carbon fiber. It's lightweight and damage-resistant. Fiberglass and wood are also fine. Aluminum, on the other hand, is a cheaper choice.
LEASH
A leash, or leash, is a leash with one end attached to the board and the other to your leg, preventing the equipment from floating away after a fall. Its length should correspond to the length of the board. You can find both straight and twisted leashes, similar to a telephone cord. A straight cord often falls into the water and creates a slight drag when swimming. A twisted cord, on the other hand, sometimes gets caught under your foot, but it tangles less easily. Decide for yourself which leash is best for you and your SUP board.
VEST
A life jacket is an absolute must-have! Primarily for safety reasons. However, remember that in waters patrolled by the Volunteer Water Rescue Service (WOPR) and the police, carrying a life jacket is required by law. Failure to do so may result in a fine or even being asked to leave the water. A life jacket should have adequate buoyancy. You can find nylon or neoprene models. Most of them don't resemble the life jackets you remember from school kayaking trips. Choose the model that best suits your needs.
OTHER
What else is worth having or can be added to your SUP board? The first things that come to mind are shoes, a wetsuit, and a gear bag. Consider whether you'll be swimming in cold water. If so, get a wetsuit. Above all, it's worth investing in shoes to avoid injuring your feet and constantly submerging them in cold water. If you're planning longer trips, buy a waterproof bag or box for your phone, water, etc. If you're opting for an inflatable board, be sure to buy a good pump so you don't waste a lot of time and energy inflating your equipment. You can start gathering the necessary accessories now!
PADDLE
To start, it's best to use an adjustable paddle that you can comfortably adjust to your height. A paddle that's too short will strain your back, while one that's too long will strain your arms. The width of the blade, the part of the paddle that dips into the water, is also important. A narrow blade requires less force, while a wide one allows for faster movement through the water but requires more force. You can find paddles made of fiberglass, aluminum, wood, plastic, or carbon fiber. The most popular and probably the best is the last one, carbon fiber. It's lightweight and damage-resistant. Fiberglass and wood are also fine. Aluminum, on the other hand, is a cheaper choice.
LEASH
A leash, or leash, is a leash with one end attached to the board and the other to your leg, preventing the equipment from floating away after a fall. Its length should correspond to the length of the board. You can find both straight and twisted leashes, similar to a telephone cord. A straight cord often falls into the water and creates a slight drag when swimming. A twisted cord, on the other hand, sometimes gets caught under your foot, but it tangles less easily. Decide for yourself which leash is best for you and your SUP board.
VEST
A life jacket is an absolute must-have! Primarily for safety reasons. However, remember that in waters patrolled by the Volunteer Water Rescue Service (WOPR) and the police, carrying a life jacket is required by law. Failure to do so may result in a fine or even being asked to leave the water. A life jacket should have adequate buoyancy. You can find nylon or neoprene models. Most of them don't resemble the life jackets you remember from school kayaking trips. Choose the model that best suits your needs.
OTHER
What else is worth having or can be added to your SUP board? The first things that come to mind are shoes, a wetsuit, and a gear bag. Consider whether you'll be swimming in cold water. If so, get a wetsuit. Above all, it's worth investing in shoes to avoid injuring your feet and constantly submerging them in cold water. If you're planning longer trips, buy a waterproof bag or box for your phone, water, etc. If you're opting for an inflatable board, be sure to buy a good pump so you don't waste a lot of time and energy inflating your equipment. You can start gathering the necessary accessories now!
