What to Wear for Paddleboarding

Anyone who has tried using an inflatable paddleboard will rave about the experience! Whether you’re after a chill day on calm waters or want to catch some waves when the surf’s up – more people are getting on their boards than ever before.

As with all water sports, a little prep is required – especially where your kit is concerned. Although many enthusiasts invest in their own boards, allowing them to go out wherever and whenever they please, paddleboarding beginners will often favour hiring.

Regardless of if you’re hiring or buying, selecting the right SUP clothing and accessories is vital – poor choices could impact your experience. Read on to know what to wear for paddleboarding, whether it’s a full wetsuit or swimming gear.

This goes without saying, but make sure you double-check what it's like outside before heading to the water. One of the perks of paddleboarding is being able to enjoy it no matter the weather. However, different forecasts mean different paddleboard clothing.

If you’re lucky enough to live in a warm climate or have picked one of the UK’s rare hot days, a pair of swimming shorts and a rash vest will make for great paddleboarding wear. Unlike a standard shorts-and-tee combo, swimming gear is designed to dry quickly, meaning you can jump in and out of the water without worry.

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If you’re paddleboarding during the summer, we recommend a thinner wetsuit (usually less than 3mm neoprene). This will keep you warm but won’t be so thick that it will restrict movement – a shorty wetsuit also allows you to move easily.

Our neoprene jacket and shorts set is also a great option, as you can take off either the top or bottom to manage your temperature.

Winter wetsuits are usually made of neoprene at least 4mm thick, which will keep you warm in chilly waters. Maintaining your body heat is essential – not only for your enjoyment when paddleboarding, but also for your safety.

Paddleboarding during spring, While the air will begin to feel warmer, the water won’t have warmed up yet. Your body temperature may be high, but if you were to fall into cold water you could easily go into shock - at this time of year, it’s wise to wear a full-length wetsuit.

Up there with the most important things to wear paddleboarding is waterproof sun cream. A breeze may keep you cool while you’re on your board but will do nothing to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. In fact, it will do the opposite: many people unwillingly fall into the trap of thinking that it’s not as hot as it is, or it’s a cloudy day, so slack on SPF application.

Opt for a sun cream with an SPF rating of at least 30 to get a suitable level of protection. Make sure it’s waterproof – water-repellent options won’t make the cut. Remember: waterproof suncream will still need to be reapplied regularly, so be sure to take some out to sea with.

Even if your skin is covered by clothes or a wetsuit, don’t neglect your exposed areas – there’s nothing worse than burning the back of your neck or the top of your ears!

Even if you opt to hire a paddleboard, you can still get kitted out with your own accessories. 

We’d always recommend a hat, especially on sunny days. A peaked cap will help protect you from heatstroke and keep the sun out of your eyes. We’d also suggest investing in a pair of neoprene wetsuit boots – a paddleboard will often have a grippy surface, but boots provide extra friction, giving you full confidence on the water, as well as keeping your feet warm in cooler conditions.

One of the most valuable SUP accessories is a waterproof bag. Whether you’re heading to a local lake or planning an adventurous exploration of the coast – you can bring along essentials such as a change of clothes, food for the journey, or a map, making for a better experience.

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Wearing a SUP PFD (Personal Floatation Device) is widely recommended, particularly for beginners (note: in America it is illegal not to wear one). A PFD is less bulky than a standard life jacket, so you can wear it comfortably while on your board, but still benefit from enough buoyancy in the water.

So, from wetsuits to SPF to SUP accessories, now you know what to wear for paddleboarding to have the best experience. Check out our other guides on where to paddleboard and what to pack for your trip. Happy paddleboarding!