Must Have Road Trip Items for the Stand Up Paddler
The window is cracked and the air fills your car with the smell of a fresh dawn. It’s cold in the morning but as the sun begins to grow on the horizon, the temperatures rise along with it.
You’re on the road. But you’re not sure what location. It could be in a small town in Arizona. Or possibly the coast along southern California.
It doesn’t matter where.
What does matter is the full tank of gas in your car. And the amount of snacks within arms reach of your driver's seat.
Out here, life is simple. All you have is the sky, the road, the exits, and your destinations.
New towns, new cities, new locations, to stop, meet people, and explore.
Along with you is your stand up paddle board. The perfect vessel to take your trip from the city streets to the raging wilderness on the outskirts. Those places where others have hardly seen. Or dared to. Or even worse, forgotten existed.
You search on your phone for places to paddle and each time you are excited about the opportunity that lies ahead of you.
The immersion of the self into the natural surroundings and the forgotten work schedules, deadlines, and drudgery.
This is the idea of the perfect road trip. And one you’ve been waiting to experience for a very long time.
Before you follow through on your dream, it’s always best to listen to those who have gone before…
Like the team at Perfect Paddles.
Through experience on the road with our very own paddle boards, we have compiled a list of the most useful gear that will get you to your destination with ease. And provide you with the proper fun and protection while you are there.
This is our “Must Have Items for Your Paddle Board Road Trip.”
Use this list as a baseline for your own paddle board road trip. Of course, you can always leave an item off of the list if you need to. But remember, it’s always a great idea to overpack than it is to under pack.
Check out this comprehensive list with a downloadable .PDF checklist that you can print out and use before you hit the road.
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SUP Gear
These are the SUP gear essentials you need to have fun on the water during your road trip!
SUP Board
If you want to take your road trip to new possibilities, it is a great idea to bring your paddle board with your on your road trip. For an inflatable board, be sure to bring it’s carrying case. If it’s a hard board, always make sure to pack it into a board bag before you strap it onto your car or truck.
We recommend at least a 12' board up to a 14' one for touring, overnight trips, and long distance paddling. This way you get more glide per stroke and it is easier to pack your gear onboard.
It is difficult to beat an inflatable paddle board when it comes to convenience on the road. Cruising iSUP's (12' or less in length) are great for half day excursions but it is best to consider more length for longer trips on the water.
Paddle
Your paddle board won’t be able to provide you with any fun on your road trip if you don’t have the part of the gear that allows you to go. If you have a three-piece paddle, be sure to pack it away somewhere safe, either in your carrying bag or your trunk.
When it comes to different types of paddles, a carbon fiber version is always the best way to go. They're both light and strong. And make for a pleasurable paddling experience. 3-piece paddles are the easiest to stow. Always make sure you bring a screwdriver or hex key to tighten the connectors. There is nothing worse than having your handle twist when you're trying to catch a bump in the ocean or get back to your vehicle in a strong wind.
Or you can look for a paddle with a handle that won't twist to avoid the situation altogether.
Fin
It might be a great idea to bring an extra fin and fin screw with you in case you break or lose your primary one.
Fin comes in all shapes and sizes. For stability purposes we recommend at least a 10" fin. 7" for catching waves, and a flexible fin in case you want to paddle shallow waters or river.
To learn more about fin shapes and sizes, refer to our article entitled, "Fin Shape, Size, and Position Explained."
Pump (Hand or Electric)
Our primary choice for inflating your board is of course an electric pump like the Outdoor Master II. However, if you don’t have the funds for one or the space, a hand pump should fit in your carrying case alongside your inflatable board.
That said, be sure you get the right pump for the job. Many electric pumps won’t inflate high pressure boards and only go to 20PSI. If you’re going to be paddling in varied conditions be sure the pump you bring can fully inflate your board.
Keep in mind the hand pump, which does take more effort, is quiet which is nice in the early mornings.
Side Note: don’t leave your board over inflated especially in hot weather. The air pressure will fluctuate as the air and water temps change so if you’re on a mega road trip you may have to top up or blow off some air from time to time. A combination of hot sun and cold temps can weaken your seams. If you’re traveling in multiple seasons be sure your iSUP is stored between 50 and 80 degrees when possible. Avoid the hot trunk and direct sunlight and you’ll have your board this trip and future ones.
Rack straps
For paddle board road trips, we highly recommend checking out Kanu Lock rack straps. They are outfitted with a line of metal wire in the strap itself to prevent cutting in the case of theft. In addition, they are opened only with a key for an added layer of security.
One word of caution: don’t over tighten your straps, especially in the hot sun - too much pressure on the rails can crack your board.
UV Cover or Board Bag
Always protect your big investments. A UV Cover is a great way to keep your board cool while in between paddling sessions. However, they may not provide the best protection on the highway against rocks and other debris kicked up by big trucks. In this case, a padded board bag is the way to go.
Leash
Your SUP is your biggest flotation device on the water. Always wear a leash to remain tethered to it in case you fall and the wind is howling. Before packing, make sure your leash is in good working order and has no signs of dry rot or sun damage. A leash is only as good as it works, and there is no greater pain than having to swim after your board if it breaks.
Side note: consider a quick release if you plan to paddle in moving water.
PFD
Personal Flotation Device. These can either be a waist-belt PFD or full vest. Both work great. And they are 100% necessary for your safety on the water. Side note: Many states as well as the Coast Guard, consider your SUP a vessel on certain bodies of water. As such, you are mandated by law to carry one on your board for each passenger on it.
Dry Bag for Cellphone
Keep your phone protected at all times on the water. Cell phones are great for contacting help in case of an emergency. And for capturing photos of your travels! Also, be sure it floats!
Compass
Know which direction you are paddling in on your paddle board road trip with a quality, water-proof compass.
GPS
If you’d rather go the high-tech route, instead of a compass, carry a water-proof GPS to know your location, direction, and pin any launch points in the area.
Hat
Look for a wide-brimmed hat that will keep your face out of the sun to avoid any painful sunburn.
Shades
We recommend a pair of floating sunglasses like those made by RHEOS. They are high-quality, durable, and as we’ve already said, float! Stop losing your expensive pairs of shades when you fall off your SUP and grab a floating pair instead!
Bottle of Water
Yes, you can bring a regular, plastic bottle of water with you on your paddle board road trip. But to avoid any litter we recommend a glass or metal reusable water bottle like those made by Yeti.
Repair Kit
For inflatable boards, be sure to bring along with you on your paddle board road trip the patch kit included with your purchase. As well as a strong adhesive that will work for vinyl surfaces. For hardboards, you can pick up a temporary patch kit.
Session Saver or Ding Dough are our go-to kits for epoxy boards.
Duct Tape
Duct tape has over a million uses (rough estimate). It is always a great idea to bring some along with you on any adventure.
Headlamp
For night camping or paddling. A great way to see at night while still keeping your hands free.
Whistle
Safety whistles are great ways to get attention on the water in case you don’t have a cell phone or flashlight. We recommend tethering one to your PFD so you know where it is at all times and it is within arms reach.
Wetsuit/Drysuit
These are for cold water or ocean paddling. If you plan on heading out on your paddle board road trip during the fall and winter months, it is a great idea to grab either a wetsuit or drysuit. To find out what you may need and a rundown on what you can wear as alternatives, check out our previous article entitled, “What to Wear for Fall and Cold Water Paddling.”
Water Shoes, Booties, and Waterproof Socks
Even when the weather is warm, it is always a great idea to carry a combination of water shoes, booties, or waterproof socks with you on your paddle board road trip. First, you might not know what the water temperature is in a foreign place. And second, you always want to make sure your feet are protected from rocky areas, oyster beds, and other debris at launch spots or on the water.
A nasty cut on your foot from these dangers will stop your trip in a heartbeat and will most likely result in a trip to the emergency room.
Sunscreen
We recommend a non-toxic sunscreen (non-toxic for you and the environment) like All Good.
Snacks
Grab some energy bars, nuts, and electrolyte packages especially if you plan on staying on the water for extended periods of time. Blood sugar levels can go low under extended periods of exercise and running out of energy on the water is not an option. Especially if you are fighting a strong wind or current.
Be sure to know your limits before heading out.
Situational Awareness
You're on the road and away from home and your wanderlust has you paddling on a high! Don’t get carried away and make bad decisions. Always keep an eye on the weather before going on the water or the road on your paddle board road trip.
Float Plan
Let a friend know when you hit the water, where you’ll be and when you plan to get back. It's always a great practice to check in with them so they don't worry. Make this a habit as you progress through your road trip and you will be covered if anything should happen.
Contact a Local Pro
Whenever you go somewhere new it is always a great idea to talk to those who are familiar with the area. You can’t beat talking to a local pro who knows the water 365 days a year for years at a time. Get the inside information about the area you plan on visiting so you don’t miss the most scenic, magical moments, and don’t get surprised by local hazards that may be new to you.
The best way to contact a local pro? At perfectpaddles.com under our Trip Planning Tools.
Shake Down Test
Before you head out on the trip of a lifetime, try out all your gear on your local waters to see how everything works. And if anything should fail, you're on familiar waters.
List of Apps
These are the perfect apps you can use to create the adventure of a lifetime on your first paddle board road trip.
Perfect Paddles App: Plan your trip by contacting local pros in the areas you are visiting. Also delve into our library of knowledge and resources.
Surfline: Live HD surf cams to check the surf in real time. Swell Forecasts and Surf Reports from their international team that is updated twice a day. Expert Analysis to update any storm alerts to keep you informed.
Windfinder: Windfinder is fantastic app that gives you high-level overview of the wind speed and direction in pinpoint accuracy on the map. Bonus: get notifications directly to your phone when the winds change!
Windy: This app is popular with pilots and storm chasers because of its ability to track wind, rain, temperatures, and humidity. For these reasons alone - it should be popular with the average SUP enthusiast as well!
Added bonus: The app utilizes webcams so you can zoom in on your exact location and see the conditions without ever leaving your house!
River App by Florian Bessiere: This app gives up-to-date information on water levels and river conditions on more than 20,000 sites in North America and Europe. In addition, it sends automatic notifications on changes in river levels. A must-have for any river paddler!
Road Trip Gear
This list is made up of items that we found useful while on the road. You may not need every item listed below based on where you plan on staying and for how long. However, we highly recommend taking the safety items with you no matter what. They can keep you protected in case of an emergency. These items are clearly marked with an asterisk.
*Electric Jack
Most vehicles have jacks included in case of a flat tire. However, they can often be cumbersome, tiresome, and dangerous if you are on the side of a busy highway. To avoid spending too much time on the side of the road, we recommend picking up an electric jack that can plug into your car's dashboard. Using one will diminish your time spent on the side of the road and will dramatically increase the speed with which you can change your flat tire. Highly recommend it!
*Jumper Cables
With so many electric gadgets to charge at night or during the day, your cars battery can become drained. Always carry with you jumper cables in case you need a jumpstart.
*Roadside Flares or Reflectors
These go hand-in-hand with your electric cable. And will provide you the safety you need while on the side of the road. Grab high-quality flares or reflectors so other travelers can see you at night.
*Emergency Flashlight
Use in case you are stuck at night or if you are camping and need a heavy-duty flashlight to see at night.
*Charging Cable
Your phone is your best tool while on the road. It provides you with directions, can allow you to call for help, and you can take pictures of your travels during the day! Always keep your phone on and charged to 100%.
Knife
Knives are a great multi-purpose tool for road trips and camping. You may never need one but when you do, it’s always a great idea to have one.
Coleman Burner
For camping/SUP trips only. If you plan on staying at an Airbnb then there is no need to carry a burner. However, if you are camping and want to cook, boil water, or want a hot cup of coffee in the morning, then having a high-quality burner from Coleman is a must.
Solar Shower
These showers can easily and provide you with a way to stay clean while out in the wild.
Quick-Dry Towels
One of the best pieces of gear you need is a quick-dry towel. Especially handy for SUP. Instead of a regular towel that will soak up water and stay wet for hours, a quick-dry towel will whisk the water off of your body, sit in the sun for 20 minutes and be ready for use immediately after. This is a must-have road trip item.
Rain jacket
Always be prepared for whatever weather you may encounter.
Cooler
Great for on your board to carry drinks and snacks, as well as in your car for food while on the water. We recommend a hard cooler that won’t break or bend while being moved around in your car and can be used as a seat while paddling your SUP!
Portable Solar Charger
Use this as a backup charging port for your phone when you are not in your car!
*First Aid Kit
First aid kits are an important part of staying safe on the road. There are pre-packaged kits you can buy that include bandaids, gauze, antiseptic, and more.
*Emergency Car Kit
An emergency car kit is a great collection of tools you can use in case of an emergency on the road. These include such items as - gloves, snow shovel, flashing lights, reflective triangle warning signs, advanced jumpers (8.2 feet), powerful towing rope, safety hammer and seat belt cutters, life blankets, raincoats, compasses and more! Use these to consolidate your emergency items in one spot and easily store in your vehicle.
Hand Sanitizer
At this point, we’re probably all carrying some form of hand sanitizer in our cars. It’s still a great item to have while on the road since you are interacting with larger amounts of people at places like roadside stops and gas stations.
Wet Wipes
Great way to clean up when showers are not readily available.
Bug spray
Another great extra item if you find yourself camping in the woods.
Flip Flops
The easiest foot gear to use while paddling or on a road trip. They dry easily, will keep your feet protected, and can be slipped on and off with ease.
Fire Starter Kit
For campers only - carrying one if you plan on making a fire for warmth or cooking at night.
Sleeping Bag
Again for campers - make sure your sleeping bag is rated for the temperatures you will be facing while sleeping under the stars. It is always better to be too warm than it is to be too cold.
Tent
Always make sure your tent is waterproof. There is nothing worse than a wet nights sleep.
Solar Panels
Solar panels are a great way to charge your electronic devices when in the wild. Just let them sit in the sun all day and use them at night when under the stars.
Hipcamp App
One of the most useful apps we’ve used while on our paddle board road trip. Hipcamp allows you to book a safe place to camp for the night while in unfamiliar territory. You can choose your amenities, what type of camping you are doing, and location. Look for reviews on the best places in the area! Download HERE.
Maps.me
This is a very useful app. It allows you to look at maps, travel guides, and navigation offline! Use this app when you are in places that don’t have cell service and you won’t be without some sort of guidance. Download HERE.
Ready to Hit the Road?
Now that you know what you need while on your first paddle board road trip, it’s time to start planning!
You can use helpful apps like Hipcamp to book your stay in the wild.
Most importantly, find the local SUP coach or guide and get their advice: real-time, seasonal, and daily tips for where to paddle and things you should know in order to stay safe and get the most out of your time in that area. Tap into the local knowledge and you can't go wrong!
Where do you find the paddling pros in the areas you plan on visiting?
At perfectpaddles.com - use our Trip Planning Tools section to begin searching, finding, and reaching out to those in the area who know the best - paddling professionals.
While on the road, you can also connect with a new paddle buddy to enjoy your adventures with. Check out our Paddle Buddy Finder section for more information.
And don’t forget...
Download this useful .pdf checklist to make sure you’re not missing any important items when packing
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