16 of the best gifts for paddleboarders
A few years ago we bought a paddleboard after a few failed attempts with an inflatable kayak. Since then we’ve paddle boarded on Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park, down rivers near Vancouver, and on the ocean and lakes throughout British Columbia in Canada.
They’re still going strong and we LOVE our paddleboards.
If you’re the owner of a paddleboard or searching for a gift for paddleboarders in your life, you’re in the right place.
There are some awesome Christmas gifts for paddleboarders (or gifts for any time of year) that can make getting out on the water even more enjoyable!
Best Gifts for Paddle Boarding
Paddleboarding can be made even more fun with some awesome accessories for paddleboards. They’ll help keep your drinks cool, keep you looking stylish and just add to the whole experience. Here’s my pick of the top paddle board gifts in 2023.
Not got a paddleboard yet but want one? I highly recommend iRocker SUP! We bought them in 2020 and they’re just like new plus they came with a great storage bag, dual valve pump, leash and fins. Several of our friends now own them too. For a good deal, look for the end-of-season sales or when they sell off last year’s colours for cheaper. Browse here.
1. Paddleboard Leash
Paddleboard leashes are a vital piece of safety gear for paddleboarders. If you fall off your paddleboard, wearing the leash means you won’t get separated from your board which can help keep you afloat.
While many paddleboards these days do come with a leash, not every paddleboard does especially if you’ve gone with a cheaper model. Even if yours did come with one, you might be looking for a new one or even a more colourful one.
The company that made your paddleboard probably sells leashes separately. Otherwise, you can get a leash elsewhere, just double-check it fits your board!
This paddleboard leash would make a great gift for paddleboarders in your life!
2. PFD for Paddleboarding
PFDs, personal floatation devices, will help keep you afloat should you fall in the water or decide to go for a swim while paddleboarding. In many countries, wearing a PFD while paddleboarding is actually a requirement by law.
However, many PFDs can be a bit bulky and not super comfortable which leads paddleboarders to not wear them and put their safety at risk.
If you know a paddleboarder, you can gift them a more stylish-looking PFD that’ll keep them safe while they’re out enjoying the water!
This is my favourite stylish PFD for paddleboarders and it makes great SUP gifts.
3. Lights for Paddleboarding
Sometimes there’s nothing better than heading out on the water at sunset (or if you’re reading this from Vancouver, heading out onto the water to watch the Celebration of Lights fireworks in Vancouver in summer!).
But, this can be dangerous once it starts to get a bit dark, especially if you’re somewhere with lots of boat traffic.
Keep safe and seen by adding some lights for your paddleboard!
These paddleboard lights are great paddle-boarding gifts and come in several colours for the front and back as well as a waterproof bag for the lights!
4. Waterproof Speaker
Enjoy some music while you’re paddleboarding by getting a waterproof speaker. That way it doesn’t matter if it gets a bit wet or falls in!
The Ultimate Ears speakers are waterproof and also produce some great sound. So whether it’s a podcast, audiobook or some great tunes, you’ll be able to listen while out paddleboarding.
5. Kayak Conversion Kit for Paddleboarding
When we bought our iRocker Paddleboards we also added the kayak conversion kit which included a seat and extra oar so you can use the board sitting down like a kayak.
This was how we got to Twin Islands when we camped with our paddleboard and was super useful when the water was a little bit choppy for standing up.
This kayak conversion kit for paddleboards should work with most or all iRocker SUPs and if you have D-rings on your paddleboard it’ll likely work with yours too – but doublecheck yourselves!
6. Dry Bags for Paddleboarding
Keep spare layers, keys, phones and more safe and dry when you’re out paddleboarding with some dry bags. Dry bags are useful for so many things and are one of my top accessories for backpackers too!
These dry bags come in multiple sizes and colours and would be great to keep your items dry. Just note that they’re not suitable for fully submerging your stuff, but will keep them safe from splashes!
7. Cool bag for Paddleboarding
Paddleboarding on a hot summer’s day? Pack some drinks and snacks to keep you fuelled while you’re out, or pack a picnic for your destination with these cool bags for paddleboards.
What makes cool bags for paddleboards different is that they use a splashproof material and usually come with straps and suction pads to secure them to your board.
This cool bag would make a great gifts for a paddle boarder!
8. GoPro
Help your favourite paddleboarder capture great memories from their trip with a GoPro. GoPros are the ultimate adventure camera and, as a bonus, they’re waterproof too.
The latest GoPro not only takes great quality photos but has super stabilization too – so no more shaky videos!
9. Electric Paddleboarding Pump
One of the worst things about inflatable paddleboards is having to pump them up. While it takes 5-10 minutes, sometimes the thought of having to do it is enough to prevent you from using your paddleboard.
Luckily you can get electric paddleboard pumps that can be powdered from wall outlets in a garage, or from 12V plug-in your car. These take away the effort and probably mean you’ll be tempted to get out there more.
If you’ve got an iRocker SUP you can get an electric paddleboard pump from iRocker, otherwise, there are plenty available on Amazon which could work with your board.
10. Paddleboard Wall Mount Hanger
If you have a garage or some space to store your paddleboard, a wall mount hanger for your paddleboard can help keep it off the floor and take up less space. You can also get a ceiling mount for a paddleboard too.
This would be a great gift for a family member with a paddleboard!
11. Waterproof Phone Case
Chances are you’ll be taking your phone with you while paddleboarding and you don’t want it to break or get lost when it falls in.
A waterproof phone case is a must-have for paddleboarders!
12. Floating Straps
Floating straps can be used to keep your valuables at the top of the water should they fall in.
They’re a super useful paddleboarding accessory and make a great gift for paddleboarders!
13. Anchor for Paddleboards
Sometimes you might want to just sit in the same place and enjoy the views while you’re paddleboarding. While you can do this without an anchor for a paddleboard, you’ll tend to float around and find yourself having to paddle to stay in place.
An anchor for your paddleboard can solve this and allow you to sit in one place while soaking up the views or enjoying some snacks and a drink!
14. Long sleeve, SPF swimsuit
I love my long-sleeve swimsuit from Body Glove and it also gives me SPF protection. It’s a little like a rashguard but not quite as thick and I use it whenever I’m out on my paddleboard.
A rash guard, paddle suit or long-sleeve swimsuit are great paddle board-themed gifts. They’re even better if you’re looking for stand-up paddle board gifts for her!
Long-sleeve swimsuits and paddle suits have got popular in recent years and I’m here for it. Some great places to find them are:
15. Wetsuit for Paddleboarding
In winter or colder waters, getting a wetsuit for paddleboarding is a great idea. Not only will it keep you warmer, but wetsuits provide extra buoyancy should you fall in too.
I’ve had a Roxy wetsuit for several years now that I use for ocean swimming and it’s been great. You can also find wetsuits on Amazon.
For cooler waters such as those in Canada and the UK, a 3/4mm wetsuit or thicker should serve you well, but thickness depends on personal preference and your experience with cold waters.
16. Water Shoes
I don’t know about you but my feet get super cold!
Water shoes can help keep them a bit warmer and, in addition, it doesn’t matter if they get wet!
Another bonus is that if you live near a stony or pebbly beach then these shoes can help take the pain away from walking on the stones!
Another great idea for gifts for paddleboarders.
FAQs about these best paddle board accessories gifts
What are the best gifts for someone who paddleboards?
What every paddleboarder needs?
A stand up paddle board, a paddle, a personal flotation device (PFD), pump (for inflatable SUP), fin(s) for SUP, SUP leash, rescue whistle, a headlamp or flashlight (required if paddling after sunset)
What do paddleboarders wear?
Final thoughts on the best paddleboard gifts and presents for paddleboarders
When it comes to gifts for stand up paddle boarders there are plenty of options available. Some of the best paddle board presents include paddleboard accessories such as a paddle or a life jacket, a waterproof camera to capture their adventures, a paddleboard rack for safe storage, a portable Bluetooth speaker, or a new wetsuit or swimwear.
The key is to choose a presents for paddleboarders that align with their interests and needs, so they’ll use and enjoy it for years to come.
Last Updated on March 23, 2023 by Hannah
Hannah started That Adventurer after graduating back in 2013 and has documented all of her adventures since then. From backpacking South America to city breaks in Europe, a 3 month road trip across the USA in a self-converted van and 6 years living in Canada, you’ll find posts on all of this.
Hannah specialises in active travel and on That Adventurer you’ll find hiking, walking, biking, skiing and all sorts of active travel guides to allow you to see a destination in an adventurous way.
Now back in Europe, you’ll find new guides as Hannah and her husband spend the next year ‘digital nomading’ from Norway to Portugal, Switzerland to Scotland and places in between.
