What to wear paddle boarding – Maddle - EN

Stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) is an outdoor activity that can be enjoyed whether it’s warm, cold, or raining. That is, provided you dress properly for it.

These are the key safety items you should be wearing on your rides:

Life Jacket or Personal Flotation Device (PFD)
SUP Leash
Safety Whistle
Waterproof Flashlight (For when the sun goes down)
Sunscreen
Helmet (For rough waters such as rivers)

What To Wear for Different Weather and Water Conditions

Hot weather:

Bathing suit
Rash guard
A lightweight t-shirt and shorts

Cold/Windy Weather:

Mid-layer: a neoprene wetsuit to retain body heat and protect yourself from hypothermia even if you fall in. The colder the weather, the thicker your wetsuit should be.
Outer layer: waterproof jacket
Neoprene gloves, a winter hat, and a beanie

Here’s a guide for your paddle boarding footwear choices:

	Pros	Cons
Bare Feet	Help you balance well on the board. Offer a good grip. Is a better option for SUP yoga. Feel good in warm weather. Free.	No protection for feet in cold weather. No protection against rocks or corals that can cause cuts and scratches on your bare feet.
Neoprene Shoes	Protect your feet from rocks. Insulate you from the cold. Still allow use of toes for balancing. Provide a good grip. Can swim comfortably while wearing them. Fast drying. Breathable.	Expensive. Can wear out faster with frequent usage. Water-resistant but not entirely waterproof.

Another great option is waterproof socks–or aqua socks–as they can be worn on their own without any shoes.

For a more in depth explanation of the different apparel, please read our blog post below!

What To Wear Paddle Boarding

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