Although I’ve been paddleboarding since about 2013, I recently got an inflatable standup paddleboard, and it’s been a total game-changer for getting out on the water and going on new adventures in Florida.
Of course, getting the board itself was only the first step in having fun out on the water. Outfitting my board with the proper accessories has made a big impact on my safety and overall experience out on the ocean.
This roundup will break down everything you need to maximize your fun out on the water, whether you’re on a SUP (stand-up paddleboard) or even a kayak.
Blog Overview
- What to pack for Standup Paddle Boarding and Kayaking.
- Where to paddle.
- How to choose the right spot to paddle.
- Beginner mistakes to avoid.
- Shop all kayak and paddleboard accessories on my Amazon store.
What To Pack for Standup Paddleboarding and Kayaking
ROC SUP (Standup Paddle Board)
When I first moved to Florida, I bought a hard SUP on Facebook Marketplace. It was great for stability, but it failed for bulkiness. It was hard and heavy for me to carry, and I had nowhere to store it in my one-bedroom apartment, so I ended up putting it behind my TV, which wasn’t very convenient or aesthetic.
To go anywhere with it was massively inconvenient and, frankly, exhausting. So, when I moved, I sold it and recently opted for an inflatable, and it’s been a total game-changer. Not only is it easy to use, but I can also easily deflate it and keep it in the back of my SUV. No more carrying it in and out of my condo, worrying if it’s going to get stolen, and trying to make it part of my decor.
I chose this particular ROC board because it was on sale for $169 and had over 9,000 4-star reviews. Since I got it, I’ve gone on several paddles with varying durations up to 5 hours. I’ve been able to keep up with kayakers, no problem, and explore several islands in the Intracoastal Waterway in Florida. It’s become my weekend thing when I don’t have a friend willing to take me on their boat, and I couldn’t be happier!
Earth Pak Dry bag
A dry bag is probably the number one paddleboarding essential you pack besides a water bottle. A sturdy waterproof bag like Earth Pak or Geckobrands will keep your valuables, like your phone and car keys, safe from the water and other elements.
Too many times I’ve seen beginners damage their phones or worse, lose their phones or car keys on the water. You never know when you may flip your board or experience waves, so it’s best to invest in this kayaking and paddleboarding essential from day 1.
Pro tip: A lot of bags and totes are “water-resistant” but not waterproof or submersible. Meaning, if the bag ends up in the water, your stuff is going to get wet. So, always look for dry bags and totes that are marked “waterproof” and “submersible.”
I have both Earth Pak and Gecko brands and can vouch for how easy they are to carry and use. In addition to my car keys and phone, I love to keep dry goods like snacks, electrolytes, sunscreen, a towel, and usually a book in mine. Just put your stuff in it, roll it a few times, buckle it, and you’re good to go!
Waterproof Phone Case
To be extra safe, I usually put my phone in its own waterproof case and either keep it on me or throw it in my bigger waterproof bag. It’s just not worth the risk of dropping it in the water when trying to access it.
I love Case Mate and also this bigger waterproof phone case from Geckobrands that’s big enough for your phone, keys, and credit card.
What’s great is that both these brands come in a variety of fun colors and with a strap, so you can wear them like a cross-body bag and not a fanny pack. This is great and convenient for other activities like hiking or biking as well.
Insulated Water Bottle
It’s hot outside, especially in South Florida! And it’s even hotter on the water with the sun beating directly down on you. It’s vital to carry enough drinkable water with you when paddling or kayaking to prevent dehydration and heatstroke.
Several paddle forums recommend that one person carry:
- 17-20 ounces of water for a two-hour paddleboard or kayaking session
- 34 ounces (1 Liter) per hour for longer or more intense sessions.
An insulated water bottle is a must to keep water and other liquids ice cold for ultimate refreshment while paddling. I’m a huge fan of YETI and have several sizes of water bottles, including 24 and 36 oz sizes.
The 36-ounce Rambler is my favorite water bottle for outdoor adventures, especially paddling, as it feels like enough water for one person for a few hours. Also, my experience with Yeti Ramblers is that they seal well. This means they can be tossed in a dry bag or cooler and won’t leak.
In addition to water, I’ve also used the 36 oz Rambler to pack a protein meal replacement smoothie for an easy, filling, nutritious on-the-go meal.
Standup Paddle Board Leash
Another common mistake I see paddlers make is allowing their paddle to drift off from their board or kayak. This can easily happen accidentally, but it can have big consequences.
To stay safe and prevent this from happening, I suggest investing a few dollars in a paddle leash. Paddle leashes are nylon, stretchy lanyards that easily connect your paddle to your board or kayak.
Paddleboard Mesh Deck Bag
Don’t let your shoes, sunblock, or other gear float away. This mesh bag from MORXPLOR hooks to the top of your board or boat to conveniently store them.
Stream2Sea Mineral Sunscreen
No matter what type of vessel you’re paddling, don’t leave home without the SPF. I adore this mineral sunscreen tin from Stream2Sea. It’s convenient to throw in your dry bag, and it goes on so sheer you can put it on with one hand (video coming soon)!
Other things to love about Stream2Sea? It’s reef-safe, made by a woman marine biologist, and contains powerful antioxidants like green tea and squalane.
Life Vest & Whistle (Required By Law)
A USCG-approved life jacket and a whistle are legally required for paddleboarding in the United States, according to the United States Coast Guard. And the whistle must be carried on board and must be capable of being heard from at least one-half nautical mile.
I have a Body Glove life vest very similar to this that I picked up at Walmart. However, a friend I recently paddled with has this inflatable lifebelt that I would like to get, as it is considerably smaller and takes up less room than a regular life jacket.
Insulated Cooler
A cooler is essential to take on your board or boat for extended trips of 2 hours or so. At that point, you will want to take multiple drinks and food with you to fuel you. A flat cooler like this one from Moishow sits flat at the top of your board and hooks on for secure transport.
This roomy square cooler keeps drinks and food cold for up to 12 hours and also has a water-repellent coating to keep the water out.
I have a similar RTIC cooler to this that I received as a gift, which works similarly and that I really like. However, I may upgrade to this paddleboard cooler as I have heard a lot of good things about it, and it’s quite a bit bigger than the one I currently have.
Rainleaf Travel Towel
Dry your hands off, dry your body off, dry your phone off, or simply use it to sit on; a travel towel is a must when heading out on the water.
I’ve had a few different versions, including some from Walmart and West Marine, but these Rainleaf microfiber towels from Amazon remain my favorite.
A few reasons to love them include:
- They’re quick-drying
- They’re super absorbent
- They fold up pretty small and are ideal to throw in a beach bag, dry bag, or suitcase when adventuring.
Nite Ize Reusable Gear Tie
Skip the bulky bungees and tangled rope. Nite Ize Gear Ties are lightweight, flexible, and incredibly easy to use. Simply twist them around your gear, and you’re ready to hit the water in seconds.
I also use them to secure my paddleboard to the dock and to bundle boards together. They take up almost no space, so I always keep a pair in my dry bag for whatever adventure comes next.
Shop My Amazon Store
For your convenience, I’ve linked all paddle board and kayak essentials in my Amazon storefront.
Where to Paddle Board & Kayak
These are the best resources to find a place to paddle near you, solo or with others.
- Meetup: I’ve joined several group paddles and met some pretty cool people through Meetup. There are outdoor groups for just about everything, including kayaking and paddleboarding.
- Facebook, Instagram, & TikTok: In Florida, there are several girls-only and co-ed paddle groups I have found on TikTok. Just search your state or location and “paddle,” and you are sure to find a group near you.
- Apps: There are a few apps, like Paddle.com and AllTrails, that you can use to find places to paddleboard or kayak. Please note that I have not personally used them, but they seem to be highly used by others.
Beginner SUP & Kayak Mistakes
- Going out when it’s windy. Always check the weather before you go. Ideally, the wind should be 10mph or less for safe paddling.
- Standing too early. Don’t fall off. Gain your balance slowly.
- Not checking tides. Always check the tide and water conditions before you go, and understand that they can change at any moment. I usually just type [place] + paddle conditions into Google, and it gives me the paddle report and tells me if it’s ok to go or not.
- Not securing phone/keys. This is the fastest way for you to have a bad day on the water.
- Launching in the wrong spot. This could be annoying, but more importantly, dangerous. So always make sure you research launch spots before launching.
My Favorite Florida Paddle Spots
There’s a variety of lagoons, islands, and waterways to explore in Florida. Here are some of my favorites so far.
- Peanut Island – This manmade island in West Palm Beach features Caribbean blue water and lots of marine life. It’s perfect for boarding and snorkeling.
- Oleta State Park – This is how I paddled out to the famous Raccoon Island near Miami.
- McAuthor State Park- This Florida park has become a favorite launch spot lately due to its ease and water quality.
Don’t have your own board or kayak? Check out these amazing Viator tours in Florida:
- Bioluminescence kayaking near Cocoa Beach, Florida
- Raccoon Island Exploration in Miami
- Clear kayaking glow tour in Tampa
My Favorite Texas Paddle Spots
Whether you’re looking to paddle lakes or rivers, Central Texas offers plenty of amazing places to launch your own board or rent one. Here are some of my favorite places to stand-up paddleboard and kayak.
The San Marcos River in San Marcos, Texas
Day or night, the San Marcos River is a delight to paddle. I did a guided tour with Paddle SMTX.
Blanco River in Wimberly, Texas
There are several public launch spots in Wimberley. However, I would only recommend kayaking down the river and paddleboarding certain stretches of the river, as the rapids are pretty intense in some areas.
Blanco State Park has several areas of water that are calm and flat, and vacation destinations like 7A Ranch offer kayak and paddleboard rentals.
Barton Creek Greenbelt / Town Lake in Austin, Texas
I have paddle boarded on Town Lake in Austin since at least 2013. The Rowing Dock used to offer 1 free hour every Saturday or Sunday back in the day, so I would wake up at the crack of dawn, go down there, and spend some time out on the water.
While I don’t think they offer free sessions anymore, they still rent boards! I also put my own board in several times at the free side of the greenbelt and also at Walsh Boat Landing near the Hula Hut.
And don’t miss this glow paddle tour that takes you to see the bats at night!
Eat Well Adventure Often Wants to Know
Where’s your favorite place to paddleboard or kayak?
