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Paddleboard Accessories I Loved Most in 2022

Writer's picture: Pam MartinPam Martin

Updated: Mar 8, 2023


As many outdoor lovers, I’m a bit of a gearhead and love trying new products. I’m also always on the search for the best stand up paddle board gear so that, paradoxically, it won’t be necessary to keep searching - finding that “go to” maybe even more satisfying than the endless chase. And, when it comes to adventures on the water, knowing that what I reach for will be quality outdoor products and designs that are lasting and well-suited for the job is paramount.


Here is a list of my favorite tech, clothing, equipment, and other goodies that made my paddles safer or more enjoyable over the past year. Every one of them on the list will be on my board going forward and they would be great gifts for paddleboarders in your life.


Birkenstock Gizeh

I became a big fan of this brand after picking up Birkenstock Water-friendly Sandals last minute on my way to our Discovery Islands Lodge trip this summer. Lightweight for popping under the bungees on the front of my board, they slip on quickly for beach landings and stay snug enough that my foot stays pretty stable while navigating rocks and barnacles. The best part? They float if they happen to get washed away by a rogue wave or some ferry wake. The Gizeh model is also fast drying so I can pop into Brentwood Bay Lodge for some apres paddle sushi in style.



Pentax AD 8x25 Waterproof Binoculars

A thoughtful Christmas gift that fast became a staple in my drybag, these Pentax AD 8x25 Waterproof Binoculars have increased both the pleasure and safety on my paddles. Perfect for checking off species on a “paddle birding” life list, these are handy for navigational purposes as well. Having the ability to view natural handrails and distant landmarks adds an extra layer of certainty to my coastal tours, particularly in stormy or foggy conditions. My secret Santa picked mine up at MEC.



Garmin fēnix 7 Multisport GPS Smartwatch

While I am still learning all of the features of this Garmin fēnix 7 Multisport GPS Smartwatch, I love the extra chunky profile that doesn’t get lost under my drysuit cuffs or multiple layers needed when cold water paddling. While this is an investment, I love the SUP specific settings, GPS navigation capability, and waterproof resilience, all beneficial when touring or training out on the ocean. Tip: Watch for sales- I found mine at a greatly reduced price.



Standard Horizon HX890 - Floating VHF/GPS Handheld Radio


Standard Horizon HX890 - Floating VHF/GPS Handheld Radio There is a long list of great features on this safety device, but here are my highlights: a) It floats! b) It’s waterproof c) It is ruggedly built to military standards d) It has waypoint and route navigation e) The DSC button: quickly alert the Coast Guard of your SOS and position f) It comes in blue!



Vaikobi 25L Dry Back Pack


A dry bag is just a dry bag like any other, right? Well, not when it comes to the Vaikobi 25L Dry Back Pack. Here are the reasons why this dry bag is a permanent fixture on the front of my board:

a) Completely waterproof with easy roll top closure. b) Big enough to store lunch, snacks, first aid, emergency essentials, and extra dry clothes without becoming too large.

c) Two mesh side pockets let me carry both a water bottle and a thermos of tea on cold paddles or 2 water bottles in the heat of summer.. d) Backpack straps make it easier to launch and land with gear thrown on your back. e) Front zippered pocket holds sunblock and small snacks for quick access. Love it and perfect to take along on full and half day tours!



Mustang Torrens Thermal Crew Jacket

I purchased this Mustang Torrens Thermal Crew Jacket to wear under my drysuit and rain jacket for added warmth, then discovered that its breathability is ideal for training paddles on colder days. Now, It’s a go-to for all of my outdoor activities from paddling in BC, to hiking Gros Morne to strolling to the market. Its light, easily packable and streamlined fit makes it one of my most versatile pieces of gear.



Attitude’s Sensitive Skin Mineral Sunscreen Stick 30


Attitude’s Sensitive Skin Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 30 is vegan, ocean friendly, hypoallergenic, made in Canada with biodegradable packaging, and it works! As an added incentive to throw one of these in your dry bag for sunny paddles, ATTITUDE will plant a tree in partnership with two leading non-profit tree planting organizations, Eden Reforestation, and One Tree Planted.



Lemon Almond Quinoa Thermos


Fuel for long paddles Lemon Almond Quinoa Thermos. When I changed to a whole food plant based lifestyle, I worried that I may have trouble adapting my tried and true foods that had well fueled my paddles. I needn’t have worried. This is one of my own vegan recipes that keeps my energy up over long hours of paddling and even seems to reduce my recovery time. It’s delicious hot or cold and you can add meat if that’s your preference. An added benefit: research indicates that one of the best things you can do to protect the ocean is to adopt a plant forward diet. Read Dr. Sylvia Earle’s Mission Blue to get a better understanding of why.



Red Paddle Change Robe


Red Paddle Change Robe - I never head to Tofino without one anymore! Perfect for after a paddle, surf session, or chilly winter wild swim. Change under, warm up and hang out longer on the beach because no one wants to tear themselves away from the ocean stoke before they absolutely have to! Wrapped up in one of these robes, we can walk from Cox Bay right over to the Rancho on our Tofino Multisport Trips.


Earth Nullschool


Earth Nullschool: I am obsessed with this website introduced to me by Neil Gilson on a skills development course and even used it to find safe haven before Hurricane Fiona hit the East Coast of Canada this year. You can easily track wind, weather, and ocean conditions and their forecasts worldwide. Use this fascinating interactive animated map to help you plan your adventures and stay up to date while out on extended excursions. It’s also FREE and tracks other environmental factors such as particulate matter and pollution. I’ll be using it leading up to all of my multi day trips adding yet one more layer of safety. Too cool for school!



I hope you find this list helpful when wading through the vast number of paddling products out there. There are some great paddle boarding gift ideas in here. Have a look at our online Adventure Shop where you will find some of these or stop by our Blue Jellyfish SUP Adventures storefront opening this spring in Sidney, BC - a short drive from the ferries, airport, and Victoria.


Feel free to reach out if you have any questions about these or any other outdoor investments on your wish list. See you on the water!


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