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Life's Too Short to Stay Onshore, Let's go Paddle!
SUP the Map
Paddle Ready Gear
People always ask what gear I use for paddles like this. I've put my SUP the Map Paddle Ready Gear Kit on my website with boards, paddles, PFD's, and cold water essentials I trust. It's free, it's simple and it's what I'd put you on if you were paddling with me.
What to look for:
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Wider board (more stability = more confidence)
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Enough volume for your weight + gear
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Board width should match both your weight and your reach.
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Wider isn't always better. If the board's too wide for your height, you won't get a clean vertical paddle stroke - and your shoulders will feel it.
Boards I recommend for SUP the Map paddles
I always recommend testing boards or getting expert advice to make sure you get the right board for you. I buy my boards and gear at Gorge Performance in Portland, if you don't live in PDX, it's worth the drive.
1. Paddleboard (Stability & Versatility)
Best for: beginners, supventures, all-day paddles
What matters:
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Lightweight (carbon or carbon blend)
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Proper Length
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Blade Size
Paddles I recommend for SUP the Map paddles
If you already own a board and are looking to upgrade but lack a quality paddle, I recommend prioritizing the paddle first if you can only get one at a time. Choose a high-quality paddle that will protect shoulders. It will enhance your paddling experience and efficiency on the water!
2. Paddles (Your Shoulders Will Thank You!)
Best for: efficiency, comfort, longer paddles
What matters:
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Lightweight (carbon or carbon blend)
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Proper Length
-
Blade Size
Paddles I prefer for SUP the Map paddles
If you already own a board and are looking to upgrade but lack a quality paddle, I recommend prioritizing the paddle first if you can only get one at a time. Choose a high-quality paddle that will protect shoulders. It will enhance your paddling experience and efficiency on the water!
3. PFD (Non-Negotiable)
Best for: Everytime I paddle
My recommendation:
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Inherently buoyant PFD (non Inflatable) for cold water paddling
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Comfortable fit for paddling motion
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Bright Colors, you want to be seen especially on gloomy days
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I like the hydro pack on the back so I don't have to carry H2o on my board
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I wear the Waist Belt PFD once water temps are 60 degrees and higher.
Link to the PFD I recommend for Cold Water SUP the Map paddles:
Vaikobi's range of PFD's designed for paddlers, helps keep you visible on the water and provides the buoyancy needed in the event you fall off your board.
4. Cold Water & Weather Gear
Best for: Spring, Fall, Winter and Shoulder Seasons
Depending on conditions:
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Farmer Jane Wetsuit (no arms)
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Neoprene Booties
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Wind Layer
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Neoprene Gloves
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Beanie (ideally neoprene)
Links to Cold Water Gear I rely on:
Dress for the water temperature, not the air. Layer up, and bring a drybag to store layers. If it is really cold, I will wear a pair of latex gloves under my neoprene gloves to act as a vapor barrier. Your paddle in the cold water acts as a cold transfer right to your hands!
5. Safety Essentials
Best for: Every paddle
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Leash - Quick Release
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Whistle
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Dry Bag
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Phone with waterproof case
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Sunscreen & Lip Balm
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Water
Link to the leash I don't paddle without:
Every SUP the Map location is different - gear choices should match the paddle, weather and water temps.
Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you choose to use them, it helps support SUP the Map at no extra cost to you.
I only recommend gear I use and trust, or would confidently put a new paddler on.