Stand-up paddle boarding, or SUP, has grown in popularity in recent years, providing a new way to explore waterways and enjoy the great outdoors. As with any water sport, wearing the proper clothes is critical for comfort, safety, and performance. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll go over everything you need to know about choosing the best SUP clothes for your paddleboarding activities.
Understanding the importance of SUP clothing.
Before getting into the technicalities of SUP clothing, it’s necessary to understand why correct attire is essential for this water sport. The appropriate SUP apparel serves various purposes:
SUP attire protects you from sun, wind, and water exposure.
Temperature regulation: Proper SUP apparel helps keep your body temperature stable in a variety of weather conditions.
Freedom of movement: Well-designed SUP apparel allows for free movement when paddling.
Safety: Certain SUP apparel pieces improve visibility and buoyancy on the water.
With these considerations in mind, let’s look at the key components of a well-rounded SUP apparel collection.
SUP Clothing for Various Seasons
One of the most crucial factors to consider when choosing SUP clothing is the season and weather conditions in which you will be paddling. Let’s go down the best SUP gear options for each season.
Summer SUP Clothing
During the hot summer months, your main priorities are sun protection and keeping cool. The essential summer SUP apparel essentials include:
Rash guard or UV-protective shirt: Select lightweight, quick-drying fabrics with UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) ratings.
Board shorts or quick-drying shorts: Choose soft, non-chafing materials that dry rapidly.
For the best sun shielding, use a wide-brimmed hat or cap with neck protection.
Polarised sunglasses with a tight strap can help minimise glare and prevent loss.
Spring & Autumn SUP Clothing
As the weather gets milder, you’ll need SUP attire that provides more coverage and warmth. Consider the items listed below:
Wetsuit or drysuit: Depending on water temperature, a full or spring wetsuit may be required.
Thermal base layers: Choose moisture-wicking, insulating materials to wear below your wetsuit.
Water-specific footwear, such as neoprene boots, keeps your feet warm and safe.
Neoprene gloves can aid retain dexterity in chilly weather.
Winter SUP Clothing
Proper SUP apparel is critical for safety and comfort for those courageous enough to venture out in the cooler months. Essential winter SUP clothing consists of:
Choose a thick wetsuit (5/4mm or 6/5mm) or a drysuit for severely cold weather.
Thermal Underlayers: Wear many layers of insulating, moisture-wicking textiles below your wetsuit or drysuit.
Neoprene hood: A well-fitting neoprene hood will protect your head and neck from heat loss.
Thick neoprene gloves and boots: Choose 5mm or 7mm thickness to keep extremities warm.
SUP Clothing Materials
When buying for SUP clothes, pay special attention to the fabrics. The greatest SUP apparel blends utility, comfort, and durability. Here are some common materials you’ll come across:
Wetsuits and other cold-water SUP apparel are made primarily from neoprene, a synthetic rubber. It offers insulation and flexibility.
Polyester is a lightweight, quick-drying fabric that is commonly used in rash guards and board shorts.
Nylon: Another synthetic fabric, nylon is both sturdy and water-resistant, making it excellent for SUP apparel.
Spandex/Lycra: These elastic materials are frequently combined with other fabrics to create flexibility and a close fit in SUP apparel.
Merino wool: A natural material with high insulation and moisture-wicking characteristics, ideal for base layers in colder climates.
When choosing SUP attire, search for pieces that blend these materials to enhance performance and comfort.
Essential SUP Clothing Features:
While shopping for SUP apparel, keep an eye out for these crucial features:
UV protection: Choose SUP gear with a high UPF rating to protect your skin from damaging sun rays.
Quick-drying properties: Choose textiles that dry quickly to avoid chafing and pain.
Flatlock seams prevent friction and chafing, which is especially significant with wetsuit-style SUP apparel.
Reinforced knee and seat sections: SUP gear with increased durability in high-wear areas lasts longer.
Look for SUP apparel with adjustable cuffs, waistbands, and necklines to ensure a perfect fit.
Pockets and attachments: Some SUP apparel has waterproof pockets or attachment points for small items.
SUP Clothing for various paddling styles
Your choice of SUP clothes may also be determined by the type of paddleboarding you intend to conduct. Here are some considerations for various paddling methods.
Recreational SUP Clothing
For casual kayaking on calm waters, comfort and sun protection are essential. Choose lightweight, breathable SUP apparel that allows for easy movement and quick drying.
SUP Surfing Clothing
If you intend to catch any waves, you’ll need SUP apparel that provides greater protection and flexibility. Look for surf-specific wetsuits or rash guards that have increased durability in high-wear areas.
SUP Racing Clothing
For competitive paddlers, streamlined SUP apparel with low drag is important. Look for form-fitting designs and materials that improve performance while allowing for a complete range of motion.
SUP Yoga Clothing
If you enjoy SUP yoga, choose SUP apparel that allows for unfettered movement and offers modest coverage. Look for textiles that dry quickly, are elastic, and do not become transparent when wet.
SUP Clothing Accessories
To complete your SUP apparel look, consider these useful accessories:
Water shoes: Protect your feet from rocks, shells, and hot surfaces by wearing water shoes.
A waterproof dry bag is ideal for storing valuables and backup SUP clothing.
Neoprene socks: Wear them under boots or on their own for extra warmth and protection.
Rash guard shorts: Wear these under board shorts or wetsuits to prevent chafing.
Changing robe: A specifically designed changing robe will make it easy to put on and take off your SUP clothing.
Care for Your SUP Clothing
To make your SUP apparel last as long as possible, follow these care tips:
Rinse well with fresh water after each usage to remove salt, sand, and chlorine from your SUP apparel.
Dry properly by hanging your SUP clothing in a dark spot away from direct sunshine.
Use appropriate detergents: To maintain the fabrics, wash your SUP clothing with mild, wetsuit-specific detergents.
Store properly: Store your SUP clothing in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunshine and heat.
Inspect regularly: Inspect your SUP clothing for signs of wear and tear, and repair or replace as necessary.
Finding the Right Fit.
Proper fit is essential for SUP apparel to operate properly. Here are some suggestions to ensure that your SUP apparel fits properly:
Try before buying: Whenever possible, test on SUP clothing before buying to ensure a good fit.
Consider your body type. numerous brands and styles may fit differently, so try numerous options to see what works best for you.
Allow for movement: Make sure your SUP attire provides a full range of motion without constraint.
Check for gaps: There should be no substantial openings in wetsuits or drysuits that could allow water to enter.
Consider layering: If you plan to wear numerous layers of SUP apparel, make sure they fit comfortably together.
Budget Considerations:
SUP clothing prices range greatly, from low-cost alternatives to high-performance gear. When budgeting your SUP apparel budget, consider the following:
Frequency of use: If you paddle on a regular basis, investing in high-quality SUP clothing may save you money in the long run.
Versatility: To maximise value, choose SUP clothing that can be worn in a variety of scenarios.
Seasonal sales: Look for end-of-season bargains to get the best deals on SUP clothing.
Prioritise essentials: Focus on crucial SUP apparel items first, then progressively expand your collection over time.
Conclusion
Finding the correct SUP clothing is vital for having a safe and comfortable time on the water. Consider season, paddling style, and material quality to create a diverse SUP apparel wardrobe that suits all of your demands. When choosing your SUP attire, keep sun protection, insulation, and ease of mobility in mind, and remember to properly care for your gear to preserve its lifespan. With the proper SUP attire, you’ll be well-prepared to make the most of your stand up paddle boarding activities, regardless of the weather.