THE PAU HANA SUP SCHOOL RUN THROUGH THE IDEAL CLOTHING OPTIONS FOR EVERY PADDLE SESSION.

One of the most frequently asked questions for new paddleboarders is ‘what should I wear?’. Well, there are a few things you should take into consideration when choosing your water wear and we’ve put together this article to help you determine what clothing you will be needing on your next trip out.

The first point to consider is what type of paddle boarding you will be participating in. If you are into surf SUP then you can be expecting to spend a bit of time off the paddleboard and in the water, if you are going fishing, you may be standing on your board holding a rod for a while, race training and you will be getting pretty hot and sweaty. So you’ll need to tailor your water wear to your activity.

Next is to consider where you are. If you're in the Bahamas, the chances are you won’t be needing much in the way of clothing at all! A swimsuit or board shorts will be appropriate. However, those not lucky enough to live in the Bahamas may want to consider clothing a bit more carefully. You should also take into consideration the weather forecast for the day, changing weather has caught many people out, leaving them cold and wet and far from shore. If you think the weather could change for the worse, consider packing a jacket or spare thermal in a fanny pack, or stay close to the shore for an easy escape back to the car. Likewise, if you’re expecting a scorcher of a day, make sure you pack sunscreen, a cap, and a long sleeve rash guard for UV protection and remember that water intensifies your exposure to the sun.

We would recommend using a PFD (personal floatation device) on the water, and sometimes they are mandatory depending on where you are. So it might be worth checking out the local water regulations to make sure you abide by the rules and don’t end up with a fine. There are plenty of PFD’s on the market, from ones that fit into a fanny pack to those you wear like a vest. Shop around and find one that is comfortable and gives you the range of motion you require for paddling in.

What to wear in the Winter.

NOTE: Activewear has become a big industry and in recent years there have been a lot of activewear brands emerging onto the market, which is great for those of us who are, well, active! Look for brands that use quality materials, breathable waterproof garments, merino wool base layers, lycra stretch fabrics, and GoreTex. These garments are not only great for hitting the gym but also are great for use on the water. Try and steer clear of fabrics like cotton that have no insulating properties when wet and instead look out for moisture-wicking fabrics that will aid in helping your sweat evaporate, keeping you drier and warmer.

Got any brands or gear you would like to share with us? Leave us a comment below.