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Essential Beginner Paddleboard Packing List

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My grab-and-go paddleboard kit! I keep everything in one big bag so I never forget anything. This is all I need for a chill day on the lake: board, pump, life jacket, dry bag, water shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses strap, phone pouch, towel, and a quick ...
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Gear

I only bring what makes lake days simple and stress-free. These are the things that help me get out on the water quickly without overpacking: a good board, an electric pump so I’m not sweaty before I even start, a dry bag for all my essentials, and s...

 
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My friend just bought this a few weeks ago and the quality is amazing! It comes as a complete set – paddle, pump, leash, fin, and backpack – so you can just inflate and go. The anti-slip EVA deck feels soft on your feet (and forgiving if you fall), m...
Niphean 10’6’’ Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board
 
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I bring this with me every single time I paddleboard and honestly…it’s life changing. No more standing in the sun, sweating and pumping forever while everyone else is already on the water. You just plug it in, let it inflate your board, and save all ...
FBSPORT 20PSI Electric SUP Air Pump
 
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Get this cute dry bag to store all your essentials – phone, keys, towel, wallet, and snacks. It keeps everything dry even if it splashes around, and I love that I can just toss it on my board and not worry. Plus, it doubles as a little pillow when yo...
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag with Phone Case
 
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I love these because they keep my feet from slipping on the board and protect me from rocks or sharp shells when I launch. They’re super lightweight, quick-dry, and honestly…the pink color makes me so happy. They pack flat in my paddleboard bag, so I...
UBFEN Water Shoes Aqua Swim for Men & Women
 
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These little clips come in handy for everything – I use them to clip my dry bag to the board, hang my water bottle, or keep my keys safe. They weigh nothing, take up no space, and somehow make everything more organized. I always keep a couple in my p...
sprookber 3" Aluminum Carabiner D Ring, Set of 10
 
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I never go out on the water without one of these. It keeps my phone safe if I fall in (or if it rains), and I can still take pictures and use the screen through the case. I clip it to my board or wear it around my neck so I don’t have to worry about ...
Pelican 2 Pack IP68 Waterproof Phone Pouch
 
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This is the one non-negotiable I always pack. Even on calm lakes, things can happen, and wearing a life jacket (or a slim belt-style PFD) just makes me feel safer so I can relax and enjoy my time on the water. It’s lightweight, easy to move in, and g...
Onyx USCG & Transport Canada MoveVent Paddle Vest
 
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This tiny whistle hooks right onto my life jacket or dry bag with a carabiner. It takes no space at all, but some lakes and states actually require you to have a whistle with you on a paddleboard for safety. I like knowing I have it just in case – an...
LuxoGear Emergency Whistles 2 Pack with Lanyard

Skincare

Spending hours on the water means a lot of sun and wind, so I keep my routine simple: sunscreen, lip balm, face mist, and a few little things that make me feel fresh after paddling. These aren’t fancy products – just the ones that keep me protected a...

 
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I love this spray for lake days because it’s so quick to apply – no sticky hands and no excuse to skip reapplying. SPF 70 gives me extra peace of mind when I’m out on the board for hours. It feels lightweight on the skin and doesn’t leave that heavy ...
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist SPF 70, 5oz, 3 Pack
 
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This is my go-to face sunscreen for paddleboarding and hiking because it feels so light, never greasy, and doesn’t break me out. It gives me strong SPF protection while still letting my skin breathe.
EltaMD UV Clear Face Sunscreen SPF 46 Oil-Free
 
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I never realized how sunburned lips can get on the water until it happened to me once – now I never skip this. A simple SPF lip balm keeps my lips soft and protected from the sun and wind.
Aquaphor Lip Balm Set with SPF 30, Jojoba & Shea
 
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After a few hours on the water my hair always ends up in little knots from the wind. A simple wide-tooth comb lives in my bag so I can fix it before heading home.
Tangle Teezer Ultimate Detangler Brush Pink
 
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My hands always feel a little dry from the sun and water. I keep a small hand cream in my bag so I can moisturize before driving home.
L'OCCITANE 20% Organic Shea Butter Hand Cream

Outfits

I like to keep lake day outfits cute but practical – things I can move in, that dry quickly, and that make me feel confident on the water. These are the pieces I actually wear when I paddleboard: simple swimsuits, easy cover-ups, and a few fun access...

 
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I love this one-piece because it’s secure enough to paddle in but still looks really chic. The little cutout and tie detail make it fun without being too revealing, and the material feels nice and moves with you on the water.
Malai Twix Cutout One-Piece Swimsuit