Last Updated on March 22, 2017 by Editor
Paddleboarding is a fun experience which anybody in the family can take part in. There are some amazing destinations you can explore on your board but first, you must know how to be properly dressed and equipped. In this article, we will go over all of the necessary clothing and accessories which will contribute to your Paddle Boarding experience being unforgettable, comfortable and safe. Of course, you don’t want anything to ruin your paddle boarding, that’s why it is important to know what is required by law and what clothes won’t hinder your experience.
First and foremost you must think of is everybody in the groups swimming ability. If anybody who plans to come Paddle Boarding is a weak swimmer and/or can’t swim make sure they have a life jacket on at all times. Even if you are a strong swimmer it is still recommended that you have a life jacket, the reason being that there may be a strong undercurrent and it can be difficult to tread water for a long period of time without getting fatigued. A life jacket will help you to remain afloat without exerting too much energy.
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What you wear can mainly be left down to personal choice although we would recommend that you check the weather in the area you plan to go paddle boarding as that would be a massive factor in deciding what clothing you should be wearing. For example, you wouldn’t wear a bikini in Iceland whereas you would in the Bahamas. If you’re planning to go boarding in a cold body of water where hyperthermia could be a possibility as well as wearing the appropriate clothing make sure you are not alone.
There are a few recommended items of clothing accessories we would recommend you take on your adventure. The most obvious being a secure water bottle. You can pick up anything from bum bags to backpacks which have water bottles were hidden inside them nowadays and they area also much easier to carry than trying to balance/hold a water bottle the whole time. Depending on where you’re going you might want to take more than one bottle of water in case of dehydration. Also if you plan on going out for a while you might want to take some food to keep your energy levels high.
Another key accessory would be a waterproof phone pouch if you decide to take your phone. This could save your life should you get stuck somewhere, could be in the water or on some rocks etc. It is always a good idea to have your mobile with you in case you are taken by a current, the waterproof pouch should allow you to make a distress call without causing water damage to your mobile.
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If you are going paddle boarding in a hot climate where you know it will not be freezing and you can fall into the water without turning blue then it is safe to wear some normal comfy clothing. We would recommend a pair of shorts and a t-shirt for Men and a Swimsuit/Bikini for Women. The key is nothing too heavy which could drag you down and make it harder to swim or anything which could weigh down the board itself. Whereas if you are going Paddle Boarding in a cold climate then we would recommend that you wear a wetsuit as that would do the best job of keeping you warm. It is important you investigate the temperature of the water you will be boarding on before going and make a smart choice of what clothing you will wear. This could be a matter of life or death! (In extreme cases).
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It is important that you have clothing which is lightweight and easy to move around in, this way you can have full use of your body whilst you are paddle boarding. Many people don’t realize this and once they get the clothing wet, they soon regret not purchasing a lightweight material. If you have a material which retains a lot of water, you are going to not only be weighed down, but it will become difficult to move around.
Another thing you must remember to do is set up a leash, this will keep you and you Board connected in case you fall off. Not only does this decrease the possibility of drowning but also means you will never lose your Board. If you were to fall off in certain bodies of water the Board could float off and leave you stranded with nowhere to go. Although this isn’t to say you should be afraid of falling off, especially when you have the correct equipment as it is all part of learning process. As long as you have a leash and the other safety equipment you should be safe.
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Although it is not necessarily clothing we feel like we have to remind you to put on some sun cream if you’re going in a hot climate, also make sure it is the correct factor as well as water resistant!
Because the US Government classes your Paddle Board as a vessel you will need to make sure you have a PFD (Personal floatation device) and you should also be taking a light and whistle as well in case of any problems whilst you’re on the water. It may seem a bit far-fetched but make sure you have these items or you could be arrested!
Last but not least don’t forget to have a great time no matter what you’re wearing. Paddle Boarding can be one of the best experiences around especially if you live close to some amazing places you can see things from a point of view which would usually be impossible. But don’t forget to take your PFD and make sure there is no chance of you or anyone you’re with being in any kind of danger whether that be from animals, the temperature of the water or any other possible risk.
