Paddle Gear & Essentials

Paddle Gear

Drifting off doesn’t always mean we’re lost. Paddling lets us find new perspectives and quite literally enables us to tune in to nature’s current. Whether it’s the weightless feeling of floating that brings serenity, or the rush of whitewater that activates all our senses, there’s no other environment where we’re as subjected to the will of Earth’s greatest resource.

Floating over that resource can be as simple or complex as you’d like, so we’ve outlined this guide with all the essentials to match the wide range of ways to paddle. Start channeling your inner amphibian with the apparel, PFDs, and footwear for aquatic activity, or go deeper with our top stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, and more watercrafts.

Stand-Up Paddleboards (SUPs)

Stand-up paddleboards are a type of watercraft resembling a larger and wider surfboard, designed for standing on while paddling with a single-bladed paddle. They’re extremely versatile and approachable, offering a way for paddlers of all levels to explore their water networks, but there’s a few things to know and consider before you head to the water with yours.

Solid Vs. Inflatable Boards: SUPs are made from either solid materials like plastic, fiberglass, or carbon, or inflatable materials like drop-stitched PVC.

• Solid SUPs are a bit more stable and durable, and they perform better in choppy waters. However, they’re more cumbersome to transport and store.
• Inflatable SUPs are easier to travel with, transport, and store. They usually roll or fold when not in use, and they come with an air pump. This makes them ideal for bringing to waterbodies that are only accessible by foot, too. We also like having an electric SUP pump to make the inflation process smoother, and get us on the water sooner.

Hull Type: The hull plays a key role in performance, and it’s broken out into two types: planing hulls and displacement hulls.

• Planing hulls are flat and wide, making them highly stable and maneuverable. They’re a good choice for beginners, leisure paddling, SUP yoga, and whitewater.
• Displacement hulls feature pointed noses, making them faster and more efficient. They’re best for fitness paddling and long-distance SUP touring.

Volume & Weight Capacity: Consider the total amount of weight your board will be carrying, including your body weight plus the weight of your gear. Higher volume boards can handle greater amounts of weight, and most boards will have unique rider weight capacities.

Length: Longer boards are faster and track straighter, but shorter boards are more nimble. If you’re paddling through tight canyons or streams, you might be better off with a shorter board, whereas a longer board will be better suited for longer trips in open water. SUPs range from about 9ft to 14ft, and a good all-rounder will land at about 10ft to 12 ft.

Width: Wider boards will always be more stable, so if you’re new to paddleboarding, consider opting for a board on the wider end. If you’re planning on extended trips that require coolers, tents, and more gear, a wider board will also accommodate that extra space. Wide boards can be slower (and harder to paddle) than skinnier options, though. Generally, you can match your body size to the board. If you’re a smaller person or experienced paddler, a narrow board should be just fine. SUPs widths range from about 31in to 36in.

Fins: There are three common fin configurations you’ll come across: single fin, 3-fin, and 2+1 fin setups.

• Single fin setups provide solid tracking with minimal drag and are best for flatwater.
• 3-fin setups usually have fins that are all about the same size and they offer better control in surf.
• 2+1 setups feature one large and two smaller fins and they’re common on SUPs designed for surfing.

More Ways To Get On The Water

Packrafts, as their name suggests, combine aspects of both backpacking and rafting. They’re durable, lightweight, compact, singe-user vessels designed to be packed and carried, opening up opportunities for exploring water bodies you normally wouldn’t be able to reach. Most packrafts weigh between about 4 and 13lbs.

Our Herd prefers packrafts that are light, tough, and versatile, so they can withstand miles of floating and bobbing off rocks or other obstacles whether it’s in rowdy whitewater or calm streams. Depending on where we’re traveling, we might opt for a packraft with a fin to help us track in low-flow zones, a self-bailing floor that prevents water buildup in the vessel, internal storage to keep our gear safe and dry, or a packraft with a skirt for cold rapids.

Kayaks are best for floating trips that aren’t hike-intensive. These vessels are less concerned with weight and storage savings, and more concerned with making the most of your time on the water.

• Recreational hardshell kayaks are beginner friendly and the most affordable option. They’re stable, easy to get in and out of, and easy to maneuver. They’re best for flatwater or tame rivers, and they come in either sit-on or sit-in models.
• Whitewater hardshell kayaks generally have rockered shapes and sharper edges that make them suitable for fast and choppy water. But there are a lot of aspects that play into a whitewater kayak’s performance, so we recommend reading our How To Choose A Whitewater Kayak Article for the best intel.
• Inflatable kayaks (IKs) are typically made from durable materials like PVC or rubberized fabrics. These kayaks come in various sizes and designs, ranging from solo to tandem models, and they're suitable for recreational paddling, fishing, whitewater rafting, or touring. Despite being inflatable, they can offer stability and performance comparable to traditional hardshell kayaks. Inflatable kayaks are more portable and easier to travel with, too.

Rafts are large watercrafts built for big water. They’re roomy and can carry a lot of weight, making them a great choice for families or big groups. Hypalon or PVC are materials of preference here. Frames can be added for additional cargo or fishing capabilities. And as far as sizing, 12ft to 14ft boats can be used for three or less people on short overnight trips, while 14ft to 15ft boats are better suited for longer trips with four or more people.

Personal Floatation Devices (PFDs)

If you’re a leisurely paddler, there may be nothing wrong with wearing the classic life jacket you probably have floating around the garage. But for more demanding, multi-mile missions, paddle-specific PFDs offer a more suitable fit and additional features for easy, comfortable water-going.

U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) approval ratings categorize PFDs into types I–V, each indicating the PFD’s flotation efficacy in specific water conditions.

• For whitewater paddling, a type V PFD made specifically for this activity is essential.
• For stillwater paddling, we recommend wearing any type III USCG-approved PFD that you find comfortable.

Standard PFDs are the most common and resemble a vest. They rely on flotation material like foam for buoyancy.

Inflatable PFDs

UPF Apparel For Paddling

Floating in wild weather can be its own unique adventure. But if you’re anything like us, heat waves are more likely to lure you into the water than storm systems. Here are the key considerations and top picks for sun-proofing your skin under the sun and on the water during golden, warm-weather days.

Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF): Sun-protective clothing is the simplest way to keep your skin safe. Garment construction, color, treatments, and fiber type all contribute to a specific piece of clothing’s UPF rating, which ranges from 10 to 50+.

We recommend 50+ rated apparel to get the most peace-of-mind for your body. The best UPF apparel has a hood to cover your neck and thumbholes to cover your hands. It should breathe easily to keep you cool while you’re wearing it, too. Non-abrasive materials and seams are another important consideration to prevent chafing or rubbing against your arms or torso during long days of paddling.

Water Footwear

Every waterway will have its own footwear champ, determined by factors like water temperature, anticipated conditions, and the type of paddling you'll be doing. High-intensity missions in cold weather often call for footwear that keeps your feet warm when they inevitably get wet, such as neoprene booties or wetsocks. But for most paddle trips, especially those in warm-weather, we’re keen on keeping it simple with a pair of sandals, or hybrid sandal/shoe combos.

How We Choose Water Shoes

When we’re choosing a pair for paddling, we look for a solemate that gives us traction for slippery put-ins and take-outs, and materials that won’t rub against our skin and cause blisters—whether wet or dry. We also opt for a pair that’ll hold up through seasons of logging water miles, so we like sandals with materials that pair with water and that withstand repeated water exposure without degrading.

With sandals available in various shapes and designs, and every foot being unique, we recommend giving a few different closure-types a test-drive to see what floats your boat and keeps your feet going swimmingly. But here are a few of our Herd’s faves for water- and sun-soaked days.

Drysuits & Accessories

Drysuits and dry tops come into play during paddling trips in cold water. Even in warm weather, paddling in cold water can be extremely dangerous. Cold water can quickly lead to shock and hypothermia, thus the need for clothing that seals out water to keep paddlers dry and warm. The "120 rule" is a guideline often referenced in kayaking safety. It suggests that if the combined air and water temperature is less than 120°F, then extra precautions should be taken to prevent hypothermia and other cold-related risks.

Dry tops waterproof your upper body by completely sealing water out of your neck and waist—although leaks are almost inevitable in the event of a swim. They’re primarily used for flatwater kayaking and can be paired with dry bottoms or a kayak skirt to further increase their waterproofing. Rafters, packrafters, and kayakers paddling in cold water usually opt for full drysuits since those activities have a greater risk for water exposure.

Accessories like drybags, navigation devices, and other safety gear add an extra layer of comfort and security to our water adventures. Keep scrolling to explore the other essentials we’re paddling with.