This post does a quick tour (in no particular order) of some our favorite accessories that we've discovered for our stand-up-paddleboards. We will likely add to this as we play around with more products!
As a quick note, our inflatable paddleboards are made by iRocker, so some of these specific accessories might not be compatible with every brand :(
In our opinion, this kayak paddle blade is hands-down the most useful accessory for our stand-up paddle setup. The kayak blade end simply swaps out with the handle of the standard stand-up paddle. The versatility of the kayak paddle is hard to understate. On calm days we might never take it out of the cargo bungee, but it can be a lifesaver if the wind picks up. The ability to paddle on opposing sides of the board in subsequent strokes more than doubles paddling efficiency. The kayak paddle provides a way to grind out progress in a 15 mph headwind which might otherwise seem hopeless with only one paddle end. This is particularly important if you find yourself downwind of your start point. Alternatively, just the peace of mind that you can negotiate a surprise wind shift can allow you to take on a grander, more adventurous day.
The kayak seat is the counterpart to the paddle mentioned above. Sometimes they are sold together as a package. The seat greatly improves comfort when sitting for an extended period of time. It's also a nice amenity for a good-sport passenger--like a child. We usually clip the kayak seats on if we plan on paddling a considerable distance or if it looks like wind may be a factor. They easily fold down when we decide we'd rather stand.
These straps are perfect for adding a few D-rings to your board and for connecting together with one or more friends. They are also very useful to attach a kayak seat if your board doesn't have built-in D-rings in all the places you would like. Check out the Nozou website for a product overview that's much more informative than what we could describe. And don't forget to pack along your friends!
The anchor is really nice for the days that you just want to float in one place for awhile. It is especially handy on a breezy day when you just want to relax in a calm, protected cove. If you're also equipped with Nozou straps, one good anchor can serve multiple friends!
This is a no-brainer if you're bringing a phone with you on the water. Smartphone screens easily respond to touch through the plastic. The covering is clear so you can even use the camera feature while it's in the protector. Tie the lanyard strip to your PFD or board so the phone won't sink if you drop it. Threading it through a piece of foam swimming pool noodle will also keep it afloat. We have field tested these (unintentionally) to 3 months under 20 feet of submersion and they're legit!
This beverage cooler is low profile and easily clips to D-rings on the front or back of the board. For a half-day on the water, one or two of these should have sufficient space.
Rtic ice packs are much cleaner and more convenient that old-fashioned ice. Pop a couple in the freezer the night before and they'll keep snacks and beverages cold all day, or longer.
This iRocker cup holder mounts onto newer iRockers or any board with a screw-in mount. Separate stick-on mounts are available for boards without a built-in mount. These are great for beverages but also make a good snack cup for kids!
These are nice drink holders in a cute little coat! With a few dollars worth of clips and string at the hardware store, these can easily become a wearable drink holder that are very useful when standing on the board.
This is the whimsically-named Barnacle speaker by Speaqua. It's waterproof, connects to a smartphone via bluetooth and it floats! Ours took an accidental swim in a rocky stretch of the Colorado River and kept jammin even as we rescued and re-mounted it.
We will likely add to this list as we experiment with more toys. If you have any feedback on any of our selections, or if you have suggestions of products that deserve to be in the list, please share in the comments section.
As much fun as these accessories may be, always ensure that you're prepared with the paddleboarding essentials:
In particular always have these:
Sound producing device, such as a whistle
Name and contact info on board:
A search must be initiated for potential lost occupants of any unattended crafts; if your board has simply gotten away from you in the wind--and it's labeled with your info--a park/wildlife of sheriff's department official can simply call you to make sure that no one is missing on the water.
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