Essential SUP Gear

Before thinking about bags and accessories, start with the fundamentals.

Depending on where and how you paddle, your basic SUP gear should include:

• Stand up paddle board
• Paddle
• Appropriate leash
• Personal flotation device where required or appropriate
• Drinking water
• Sun protection
• Suitable clothing
• Mobile phone
• Small first-aid kit
• Snacks
• Dry clothing
• Waterproof storage

For longer paddle boarding trips, you may also want navigation, additional food, a power bank and extra layers.

Local regulations and conditions vary, so always check the safety requirements for the water you're planning to paddle.

What Needs to Stay Dry on a Paddle Board?

This sounds obvious until you're actually on the water.

Your board is wet. Your paddle is dripping. Your hands are wet. Every time you kneel down or climb back onto the board after swimming, more water appears.

Anything carried on a SUP should therefore be considered potentially exposed to water.

The most common items worth protecting include:

• Phone
• Car keys
• Wallet
• Dry clothing
• Towel
• Food
• Power bank
• Camera
• Documents

For larger items, a dry bag is usually the simplest solution.

For things you need constantly, however, smaller waterproof storage can be much more practical.

Choosing a Dry Bag for SUP

A good SUP dry bag should be waterproof, durable and easy to secure to your board.

You don't necessarily need a huge bag.

For a short afternoon paddle, you might only carry:

• A towel
• T-shirt
• Snacks
• Sunscreen
• Small first-aid kit

A compact dry bag keeps these items together without taking up too much space on the board.

Recommended: Zulupack Tube IP67

The Zulupack Tube IP67 is a classic roll-top dry bag that's particularly well suited to paddle boarding, kayaking, canoeing and other watersports.

Different capacities allow you to match the bag to the length of your adventure rather than carrying unnecessary volume.

→ View the Zulupack Tube collection

Pro Tip: Leave Enough Space to Close Your Dry Bag Properly

Don't fill a roll-top dry bag right to the opening.

You need enough material to roll the closure tightly at least three times before fastening the buckle.

A slightly larger bag closed correctly provides better protection than an overfilled bag that can't be properly sealed.

Where Should You Put Your Dry Bag on a Paddle Board?

Most touring and all-round SUP boards have a bungee storage area where a dry bag can be secured.

Use it.

A dry bag sitting loosely on the deck may remain perfectly dry while you're paddling—but it won't be much help if it slides off the board.

Make sure the bag:

• Is securely attached
• Doesn't interfere with your stance
• Doesn't obstruct your leash
• Doesn't affect your ability to climb back onto the board
• Remains accessible when you need it

Heavier items should generally be kept relatively central and low to minimise their effect on the board's balance.

Your Phone Is Different

Your spare T-shirt can stay inside a dry bag for three hours.

Your phone probably can't.

During a SUP trip, you may use it for:

• Navigation
• Checking the weather
• Taking photos
• Recording videos
• Communication
• Emergency calls

If the phone is buried inside a dry bag secured beneath the board's bungee cords, you'll need to stop paddling and open your waterproof storage every time you want to use it.

There's a better solution.

Recommended: Zulupack Phone Kit IP68

The Zulupack Phone Kit IP68 provides dedicated waterproof protection while keeping your smartphone accessible.

It's particularly useful for SUP because your phone remains available without repeatedly opening your main dry bag.

→ View Zulupack Phone Kit IP68

Pro Tip: Attach Your Phone to Yourself, Not Just Your SUP

A board can drift away surprisingly quickly if you become separated from it.

Whenever practical, securely attach your waterproof phone pouch to yourself or your PFD, rather than relying solely on the board for storage.

That way, your means of navigation and communication stays with you.

What About Your Keys, Wallet and Other Small Essentials?

This is where SUP gets interesting from a packing perspective.

You don't want your car keys loose on the deck.

You don't necessarily want them buried at the bottom of a dry bag either.

And constantly opening your main waterproof storage increases the chance of water getting inside.

A compact waterproof waist bag can be a much better solution.

Recommended: Zulupack Froggy

The Zulupack Froggy keeps small valuables close at hand while leaving your arms and shoulders completely free for paddling.

It's ideal for carrying items such as:

• Car keys
• Wallet
• Small snacks
• Sunglasses
• Other frequently used essentials

And because it's worn on the body, your essentials stay with you when you step off the board to explore the shore.

→ View Zulupack Froggy

Pro Tip: Separate “Must Stay With Me” from “Must Stay Dry”

These aren't always the same thing.

A spare T-shirt needs to stay dry.

Your car key needs to stay with you.

Before launching, divide your belongings into two groups:

Gear that must stay dry → dry bag

Small valuables that must stay accessible → waterproof pouch or waist bag

This simple distinction makes SUP packing much easier.

When a Waterproof Backpack Makes More Sense

Not every paddle boarding adventure begins beside the water.

Sometimes you have to walk from your accommodation or car park to the launch point. You may spend part of the day hiking, exploring a town or travelling by public transport before getting onto your SUP.

In these situations, a waterproof backpack can be more practical than a traditional dry bag.

Recommended: Zulupack Indy 20L / 25L IP67

The Zulupack Indy is particularly useful for adventures that combine paddle boarding with hiking, travel or everyday use.

You can comfortably carry your gear to the water, secure the backpack during your paddle and continue using the same bag afterwards.

It's a good example of why there isn't one universal waterproof bag for every activity.

→ View the Zulupack Indy collection

If you're unsure which style is right for you, see Dry Bag vs Waterproof Backpack: Which One Should You Choose?

What to Wear for Paddle Boarding

What you wear should depend on the water temperature and conditions, not just how warm it feels on shore.

On warm summer days, this may mean:

• Swimwear
• Quick-drying shorts
• UV-protective shirt
• Hat
• Sunglasses with a retainer

In colder conditions, suitable thermal protection such as a wetsuit or drysuit may be necessary.

Remember that even experienced paddlers fall into the water.

Dress accordingly.

And pack a dry layer for afterwards.

Don't Forget Sun Protection

Being on the water can make sun exposure surprisingly intense.

Bring:

• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Hat or cap
• UV-protective clothing
• Drinking water

Apply sunscreen before launching and carry enough to reapply during longer trips.

A small tube stored somewhere accessible is much more useful than a large bottle buried at the bottom of your dry bag.

Hydration Matters More Than You Think

SUP may look relaxed, but continuous paddling is physical exercise.

It's easy to underestimate how much water you need, particularly because the breeze on open water can make hot weather feel cooler.

For longer paddles, bring enough drinking water for the entire trip and a little extra in case you're delayed.

Don't rely on being surrounded by water.

Most of it isn't safe to drink.

What Should You Pack for a Short SUP Trip?

For a relaxed one- or two-hour paddle, keep things simple:

• Water
• Phone
• Car key
• Sunscreen
• Small snack
• PFD where appropriate
• Dry bag for essentials

A Tube + Phone Kit combination may be all you need.

What Should You Pack for a Full-Day SUP Adventure?

Once you're spending most of the day on the water, add:

• Extra drinking water
• More food
• Dry clothing
• Towel
• First-aid kit
• Power bank
• Weather protection
• Navigation
• Additional sun protection

At this point, combining different waterproof storage solutions becomes useful.

For example:

Tube → dry clothing and equipment
Phone Kit → smartphone
Froggy → keys and frequently used valuables

Everything has its place.

SUP Touring: Think Beyond the Board

Longer-distance paddle boarding starts to overlap with hiking, kayaking and adventure travel.

You may stop at beaches, explore riverside towns, carry your equipment between sections or spend an entire day away from your starting point.

For this type of adventure, ask yourself three questions:

What must stay completely dry?

What must remain immediately accessible?

What will I need once I leave the water?

Packing around these three questions is usually more useful than simply making one long equipment list.

Final Thoughts

Stand up paddle boarding doesn't require huge amounts of equipment—and that's part of its appeal.

The key is choosing a few pieces of gear that genuinely make your time on the water easier.

A dry bag protects spare clothing and larger equipment. A waterproof phone pouch keeps navigation and communication accessible. A waterproof waist bag keeps your smallest valuables close. And when your SUP adventure includes walking, travel or exploring away from the water, a waterproof backpack can bridge the gap between watersports and everyday outdoor life.

Pack light.

Keep the important things dry.

Secure everything properly.

And leave enough room on the board to enjoy the reason you went out there in the first place.

Recommended Waterproof Gear for SUP

Zulupack Tube IP67

Classic roll-top dry bag for protecting clothing, towels, food and outdoor equipment during SUP, kayaking and other watersports.

→ View Zulupack Tube

Zulupack Phone Kit IP68

Dedicated waterproof smartphone protection for navigation, photography and communication on and around the water.

→ View Zulupack Phone Kit IP68

Zulupack Froggy

Compact waterproof waist bag for keeping keys, wallet and frequently used valuables close at hand while paddle boarding.

→ View Zulupack Froggy

Zulupack Indy 20L / 25L IP67

Versatile waterproof backpack for adventures that combine SUP with hiking, travel and everyday outdoor activities.

→ View Zulupack Indy

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I take paddle boarding?

For a typical SUP trip, bring a paddle, appropriate safety equipment, drinking water, sun protection, your phone and waterproof storage for valuables and spare clothing. Longer trips may also require food, navigation, a first-aid kit, extra layers and a power bank.

Do I need a dry bag for paddle boarding?

A dry bag is highly useful whenever you carry clothing, electronics, food or other items that need protection from water. Even if you never fall from your board, paddle drips, waves and wet hands can expose your belongings to moisture.

What size dry bag is best for SUP?

For short recreational paddles, a small or medium dry bag is often enough for a towel, spare clothing, food and essentials. Longer touring trips may require additional capacity or several separate dry bags. Choose according to what you actually carry rather than automatically choosing the largest size.

Where should I keep my phone while paddle boarding?

A dedicated waterproof phone pouch keeps your phone protected and accessible for navigation, photos and emergency communication. When practical, secure the pouch to yourself or your PFD so your phone remains with you even if you become separated from the board.

Related Articles

• What Is a Dry Bag? Everything You Need to Know
• Waterproof vs Water-Resistant vs Water-Repellent: What's the Difference?
• Dry Bag vs Waterproof Backpack: Which One Should You Choose?
• Kayaking Checklist: Essential Waterproof Gear for Every Trip