When you set out on the water, a safe and successful trip depends on the right equipment. Whether you've just bought one of our popular inflatable SUP boards or are already an experienced paddler, the law and your own safety require you to pay attention to the details. Here on this page, you'll find all the necessary SUP accessories that not only make you legal on the water but also significantly enhance your experience. Forget worries about missing safety gear and wet valuables, and upgrade your trip with quality equipment that protects you, so you can fully focus on paddling away.
What paddleboard equipment do you need?
At Watery, we draw on many years of experience on the water and close dialogue with thousands of customers when advising on the right SUP equipment. We know exactly what it takes to create a safe and fantastic paddleboarding trip, and we have therefore handpicked the three most essential pieces of equipment, so you can set out on the water with confidence.
| Type of Equipment | Our Recommended Product | Why is it important? |
|---|---|---|
| SUP Life Vest | Baltic life vest for adults - Aqua Pro - Black | The best safety equipment you can get. Choose a CE-approved life vest with a snug fit. |
| SUP Leash (Safety Cord) | Watery SUP leash for paddleboard | Critical safety equipment. Should always be fastened before you set out. |
| Waterproof Drybag | Watery drybag - Waterproof 15L - Black | Highly recommended. Essential for both safety and practical storage on the trip. |
What equipment do you need when paddleboarding?
When you venture out on the water, your safety is always the absolute priority. It's the most important safety equipment you can get for paddleboarding. Our SUP expert Daniel clearly recommends choosing a SUP life vest over a traditional life jacket. A life vest provides the necessary buoyancy while ensuring full freedom of movement, making it much easier to pull yourself back onto the board if you fall in. Besides the vest, a SUP leash is crucial. It attaches to your ankle and ensures that your board doesn't drift away from you in wind or current. Here's an overview of the equipment you should consider for your trip:
- Life Vest: Provides buoyancy and maximum freedom of movement. Evaluation: An absolute must-have and a non-negotiable legal requirement.
- Leash: Connects you to the board so it doesn't drift away if you fall into the water. Evaluation: A critical piece of safety equipment that you should always own and use.
- Waterproof Bag (Drybag): Keeps your clothes, towels, and provisions completely dry during the trip. Evaluation: Very practical and highly recommended if you're going on longer trips.
- Waterproof Phone Cover: Allows you to call for help in an emergency or take photos along the way. Evaluation: Should be owned by anyone taking their phone on the water.
- SUP Board Carry Strap: Makes it easy to transport the board to and from the water over your shoulder and relieves your arms. Ideal accessory for longer walks with the board.
What is legally required to have on a paddleboard trip?
In many countries, a paddleboard is categorized as a small vessel, and it is therefore always recommended to bring a CE-approved vest for your own safety. Although a good fin under the board provides the necessary stability on the water, and an electric pump makes preparation on the beach a breeze, the vest is the absolute most important piece of equipment for your legal safety. When choosing the right life or swim vest for your trip, there are several crucial factors you should look for:
- CE Approval: Always check that the vest is CE-marked. It is your guarantee that it meets current European safety requirements and thus complies with the law.
- Freedom of Movement: You constantly rotate your upper body when pulling your paddle through the water. Therefore, choose a swim vest with large armholes to avoid chafing and paddle effectively.
- Snug Fit: The vest should fit snugly to your body. If you fall into the water, it must not ride up around your ears. Use the adjustable straps to tighten it properly before setting out.
- Buoyancy and Type: For SUP, we recommend a swim vest (50 Newton) over a traditional life jacket with a large collar. It provides sufficient buoyancy to float but takes up significantly less space, making it easy to pull yourself back onto the board.
How do I keep my valuables dry on my paddleboard?
When you're paddling away, your most important small items naturally need protection from water. At the same time, your choice of accessories plays a big role in your overall safety. Here are our best tips for practical storage on the board:
- The Phone: It's critical to have your mobile with you so you can always call for help in an emergency. Store it safely in a waterproof phone holder around your neck.
- Small Items and Keys: Your car keys and credit card are best packed away in a bum bag that keeps everything completely dry throughout the trip.
- Be Seen: Good visibility is crucial when sharing the water with other vessels. Attach an LED light for open water to your bag or vest, so you're always visible at dusk.
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What safety equipment is recommended for paddleboarding in Ireland?
To enjoy a safe trip, it is strongly recommended to wear a CE-approved buoyancy aid and always use a leash attached to your board. For coastal waters and longer tours, a waterproof phone bag and a drybag for extra clothing and valuables are essential to stay prepared for changing weather conditions.
Is a swim vest or life jacket better as an accessory for SUP?
A swim vest is better suited as an accessory for SUP than a traditional life jacket because it provides the necessary buoyancy without restricting your movements. It is significantly less bulky and has large armholes, making it much easier to rotate your upper body and pull yourself back onto the board.
Why is a leash an important accessory for SUP?
A leash is an extremely important accessory for SUP because it straps around your ankle and keeps the board close to you. If you fall into the water under challenging weather conditions with wind and currents, the leash effectively prevents your board from drifting away, keeping you safe.
How do you best keep your phone and keys dry on the paddleboard?
The best way to keep your phone and keys dry on the paddleboard is by using dedicated waterproof bags. Your phone should be carried in a waterproof mobile case around your neck, so you can quickly call for help. Car keys and other important small items are safest packed in a fully waterproof bum bag.
