Stand Up Paddle Boarding: Favorite Accessories

Active Junky’s been hitting the water hard (often, that is) and finding ways to make each outing more positive and memorable. Dive into this selection to upgrade your style and performance from coast to coast, churning surf to quiet mountain lake.

HydraPak Seeker 3L: Conscientious capacity

HydraPak Seeker 3L Starting at: $19.60

Ever thought about before and after the trip? As in, managing the footprint of your entire kit, hydration systems included, even in transit to the destination? Yes, HydraPak did with a collection of collapsible, soft storage systems launched in 2L and 3L versions. Active Junky grabbed the larger size as it’s enough to cover drinking and cooking while remaining nimble enough to hang, store and cluster in multiples when a viable water source is located. Testers applauded the attachment points in a seeing-is-knowing, window-gauged cylinder. Leaking is unlikely as the HDPE cap takes five wrist turns to seat itself. Oh, and the TPU handles hot water or having the contents frozen. Then rolls down palm size and nestles in the included stuff sack.

Best For: Extended domestic and international travel, multi-sport use including paddling and hiking

BodyGlove 3T Barefoot Warrior Watershoe: Wave dancer

BodyGlove 3T Barefoot Warrior Watershoe

The company offers toed watershoes up for all watersports including kayaking and SUP. Testers found the three-toed design grabbed their attention as much on land as on the water. Defying hot pavement, gritty inflations zones and slippery launching spots, Warrior stood tall to go from truck to lake with BodyGlove’s Integrated Drainage System that’s more than capable of expelling water from the shoe, an important factor in fall and spring when wet feet and wind equal cold feet and reduce control on the board. Getting Barefoot on was a challenge initially, one worth the effort for comfort, traction and protection. Elastic cord closure for the slip-on style was secure with quality toggles (with a bit of excess bungee to stow at the end). In total, this one from storied brand BodyGlove is an immediate upgrade to the paddling experience well worth the retail price.

Best For: Water-focused multi-sport use, performance paddling with the shoe’s surprising level of arch and sidewall support

Laird Hamilton Ascension Tech Hoodie: You know that look

Peter Reese

Those who surf, paddle or own the beach volleyball court will recognize the clean lines and thoughtful details that can only come from one of the greatest modern watermen. Laird’s love of the outdoors emerges in the 44% cotton, 44% polyester and 12% Lycra technical hoodie built around 4-way stretch performance. Testers took advantage of every pocket, a right-sized hood and rear hanging loop both on the board as well as prepping for North Carolina outings. Repeated washing failed to deter the piece from retaining a comfortable (but styled) look that handled abrasion and wind-blown grit. Call it classic. And then buy one for yourself, along with other pieces that complete the kit including the Tech Boardshorts and the Turtle Flat Peak Cap.

Best For: Beach and paddle outings with even more benefits to coastal athletes

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Sun Protection Zone PFD: In ripcord we trust

There’s something this beefy option from Sun Protection Zone doesn’t offer in this personal flotation device (PFD). It’s called judgment, and even the sure-fire auto Co2 system – and back-up oral inflation tube – won’t counteract foolish solo pursuits in open water. Reasonable paddlers get the security of a universal fit (30-52in chest size) along with a built-in emergency whistle. Active Junky likes the product’s durable build along with a zipper storage pouch to protect the bladder when not deployed. Rated as USCG Approved as a Type Inflatable PFD with Type III performance, this one’s an easy choice both to meet requirements and be prepared.

Best For: Offshore and extended paddling, wear during solo and group outings 

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Motionize Paddle Edge: For the long haul

How do some paddlers keep going long after others, even with good torso-based power, call it quits? Why do some kayaker and SUP enthusiasts seem to glide through rough water without heart-pounding effort (even coming out on the other side with a smile)? They cut the effort imparted into each and every stroke to cruise past their own inefficiencies. This electronic and virtual paddling coach, in early stage testing by Active Junky, takes off where even solid human coaching leaves off. Every training and touring session, equipped with either one or two multi-array sensors, dishes out data on stroke, speed and pace and even distance travelled. The trick here is to decide on each outing where to focus as this beast of a 3D system can overwhelm with too much good stuff. Focus. Monitor. Correct. Improve. Prevail.

Best For: The serious, the big trips and the athlete moving between paddling disciplines where their form needs tuning

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