Guide for the Best Paddleboard Gifts for your Enthusiasts - 2024

It's that time of year again when we want to show our appreciation for our loved ones with the perfect holiday gift. If you have a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) enthusiast in your life, you're in luck, we have perfect paddle board gifts for your loved one! This blog is your guide to finding the best paddleboarder gift for those who love nothing more than hitting the water on their SUP. Whether you're looking for paddle board gift ideas, holiday presents, or something to help someone learn to paddle board, we've got you covered.

Best Gifts for Paddleboarders

1) SUP Lessons:

For newcomers to stand-up paddleboarding or even experienced paddlers, a fantastic gift idea is to provide them with SUP lessons or guided tours. It's an incredible way to enhance their skills and explore new and exciting locations. Stand Up Paddle Board Lessons are available in many areas around the country, providing a unique and memorable experience. If you happen to be in the Chicago area, you can even request a private SUP lesson on Lake Michigan. This is an opportunity to learn and connect with a local expert while enjoying the beautiful waters of the lake. Request To Book Private SUP Lessons | Lakeshore Paddle.

2) Unique Etsy Finds:

Supporting independent business owners is always a great choice. Etsy offers a treasure

trove of beautiful and unique gift ideas. Check out their "Paddleboarding Gifts" section, where you'll find over 60 gift ideas specifically tailored to SUP enthusiasts. One special item that caught my eye is a ring that I received as a gift a few years ago. I wear it every day, appreciating its simple yet elegant design that has stood the test of time. It's a testament to the enduring appeal of handcrafted gifts.

3) Innovative Stand Up Paddle Board Storage Solutions:

One of the challenges faced by paddleboarders is how to store and transport their boards efficiently. StoreYourBoard has some of the most innovative and high-quality storage and transport options available at reasonable prices. They offer solutions that cater to different board sizes and needs, ensuring that your SUP stays safe and in excellent condition when not in use. For those with boards that are no more than 9 feet, consider the SUP Bike Rack, a removable paddleboard holder that makes getting your board to the water a breeze. It's a practical and stylish solution for transporting your board.

Photo credit: StoreYourBoard Bike Rack

4) Standup Paddle Board Gift Ideas:

If you're exploring gift options in different price ranges, GILI Sports offers a great resource with their list of "30 Gift Ideas for Paddle boarders." This collection is perfect for those who want to find the right gift that fits their budget. With a wide range of items and accessories, you're sure to discover something that will delight your favorite SUPer.

Paddle Boards: Choosing the Perfect SUP

• Paddles: Finding the Right Stroke: It is important the paddle is the correct length for the paddler, or get an adjustable paddle. The best way to get the right length is to take your height and add about 8-12 inches (20-30cm). Another key factor to consider is the material used to construct the paddle. For example, aluminum alloy is functional and affordable, but not as lightweight or strong as fiberglass and carbon fiber. Fiberglass is lightweight and stiff but not as much as carbon fiber. Finally, carbon fiber is the lightest and stiffest material, however it is also the most expensive.

  • Blackfin carbon paddle makes a high quality paddle for $99

  • REI has a great range of options REI paddles

• Leashes: Can't go wrong with a coil leash

• PFDs: These are a personal choice and should be based on paddle and swimming ability, as well as conditions.

  • Belt options are great for more experienced paddlers due to their low profile

  • REI has a nice selection of jackets with large arm openings for comfort while paddling

Check out our Guide To Buying A Paddle Board >

Accessories for Enhanced Paddling Experiences

• SUP Lights: There are several lighting options to add holiday cheer or use for utilitarian reasons when paddling at night.

  • Safety Navigation Lights | NIXY - The package includes three bright lights: green, red, and white. They are super easy to attach to your SUP and are great for other vessels too including kayaks and canoes

  • .SUP Glow Light Kit for Paddle Boards LED - Etsy LED Glow kit can be installed on top or around the sides of your paddle board using proprietary mounts that are included with set screws to pull the light tightly around the board. It works with both hard boards and inflatable boards

• DryBags & Waterproof Cases: If you have things you really want to keep dry, take my advice and don't get a knock off cheap dry bag because they won't work well or won't last more than one season. Overboard has a large variety of high quality dry bags and waterproof phone cases

SUP Glow Light Kit for Paddle Boards LED

Comfort and Style: SUP Apparel and Apparel Accessories

• Rash Guards: Help your SUPer protect their skin with a stylish rash guard shirt; they can also offer sun protection so check for an SPF rating

• Sunglasses A MUST: These straps made by Croakies will ensure your favorite sunglasses will float even if you take an unexpected dip in the water

• Footwear: During the summer I personally don't like wearing anything on my feet while paddling, however sometimes it is necessary to protect from rocky beaches. During the colder season, neoprene shoes or boots help keep your feet warm and ultimately extend your paddle season

Standup Paddle Board Tech Gadgets and Innovations

VIBE Waterproof Speaker

• GPS Devices: Navigating with Precision: The Makai is the first GPS that’s specifically designed for SUP, you can see your speed right in front of you on your board

• Waterproof Bluetooth Speakers: Grooving on the Go

• Action Cameras: Capturing the Adventure - GoPro was one of the first adventure cameras in the market and continues to make durable cameras that take clear pictures and videos

More Great Gift Ideas For Your SUPer!

Nutrition and Hydration: Fuel for Paddling

Coleman RoadTrip 285 Standup Propane Gas Grill

• Hydration Packs: Staying Refreshed

• Snacks and Energy Bars: Sustaining Energy

• Portable Grills: Savoring the Outdoors

• Recipe Books: Crafting Paddleboarding-Friendly Meals

Apparel and Gear for All-Season Paddleboarding

• Neoprene Socks

• Wetsuit Hat

• Keeping Your Wetsuit in good condition: Changing Mat converts to a wetbag and protects your wetsuit from sand and dirt

• Wetsuit Hanger

• Drysuits: Paddleboarding in Winter

• Thermal Wear: Staying Warm in Style

• Cold Water Gloves: Protecting Your Hands

Personalized Paddle Board Gifts: Adding a Special Touch

• Customized Boards: Making It Theirs

• Engraved Paddles: Paddle with Pride

• Personalized Jewelry: Wearing Your Passion

Learning and Adventure: Gift Experiences

• SUP Lessons: Enhancing Skills

• Guided Tours: Exploring New Waters

• Camp and Retreats: Immersion in Paddleboarding (take me with you please!)

• Race Registrations: Testing Skills in Competitions

  • International races

  • If you are in the Midwest and just getting started racing the Beach2Beach Race is really fun and offers a "family 1 mile" option

Stocking Stuffers and Small Surprises

• SUP Stickers: Personalizing Gear

• Paddle Grips: Comfort and Style

• Board Repair Kits: Handy and Thoughtful

  • Inflatable Repair Kit for Paddle Boards

  • Hard Board Repair Kit: Epoxy Ding Resin

• Waterproof Phone Pouches: Keeping Tech Safe

• Sunscreen: Defending Against the Sun

• Paddle Board Ring

HAPPY HOLIDAYS from Lakeshore Paddle!

This holiday season, make your stand up paddle board enthusiast's day by choosing the perfect gift that aligns with their passion. Whether it's lessons to enhance their skills, handcrafted treasures from Etsy, innovative storage solutions, or a variety of other thoughtful items, you have plenty of options to put a smile on their face. Happy gift-giving, and here's to many more memorable moments on the water with their beloved SUP!