Personal Gear for Paddleboarders: Wetsuits, Rash Guards, Footwear & Sun Protection
Personal gear for paddleboards must be comfortable and must help to stay safe. You need to equip yourself with top-rated wetsuits, rash guards, water shoes, and sun protection – Dress Smart, Paddle Better
You don’t need a full wetsuit or pro-level gear to enjoy paddleboarding—but choosing the right outfit makes all the difference. Personal gear helps you:
- Stay comfortable on the water.
- Avoid sunburn, rash, or cold exposure.
- Paddle longer, safer, and more confidently.
Here’s how to dress for SUP success—based on weather, water conditions, and your adventure type.
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Table of Content:
- Personal Gear for Paddleboarders: A Quick Guide by Weather
- Wetsuits vs. Drysuits
- Rash Guards & Performance Tops
- Footwear: Barefoot or Booted?
- Sun Protection Essentials
- Cold Weather Gear & Layering
- Personal Gear for Paddleboarders: Seasonal Outfit Checklist
- Personal Gear for Paddleboarders: Water Temperature Outfit Chart
- Recommended Gear Picks Recap
Personal Gear for Paddleboarders: A Quick Guide by Weather
☀️ Warm Weather:
- Rash guard or UV shirt
- Boardshorts or leggings
- Water shoes or barefoot paddling
- Hat & polarized sunglasses
- Reef-safe sunscreen
❄️ Cold Weather/Water:
- Wetsuit or drysuit
- Neoprene booties + gloves
- Paddle jacket or windbreaker
- Thermal layers & beanie
💡 Pro Tip: Dress for the water temperature, not just the air. Cold water can be dangerous even on warm days.
🤿 Wetsuits vs. Drysuits
Wetsuits:
- Made of insulating neoprene.
- Warms you by trapping a thin layer of water against your skin.
- Ideal for cool-to-cold water (55°F–75°F).
Drysuits:
- Waterproof shell worn over base layers.
- Best for freezing water and air conditions.
- Provides full-body insulation for extreme environments.
Wetsuit Thickness Guide:
| Water Temp | Thickness |
| 65°–75°F | 2mm spring suit or top |
| 55°–65°F | 3/2mm full suit |
| Under 55°F | 4/3mm+ or drysuit |
🛒 Top Pick: O’Neill Reactor 3/2mm Wetsuit
👕 Rash Guards & Performance Tops
Why Use One?
- UV protection (UPF 50+): Shields your skin from harmful rays.
- Prevents rashes: Reduces friction from paddles and boards.
- Quick-dry & breathable: Keeps you comfortable on and off the water.
Styles:
- Short/long sleeve options.
- Loose or compression fit for performance.
🛒 Top Pick: BALEAF UPF 50+ Long Sleeve Rash Guard
👣 Footwear: Barefoot or Booted?
Barefoot (Warm, Soft Water):
- Great for balance and feel.
- Not ideal for rocky shores or cold water.
Water Shoes/Booties:
- Protect from rocks, sharp objects, and cold.
- Provide better grip on docks and ramps.
| Type | Best For |
| Minimal slip-ons | Casual paddling |
| Neoprene booties | Cold water |
| Strap-on sandals | Touring/travel |
🛒 Top Pick: Body Glove 3T Barefoot Max Water Shoes
🌞 Sun Protection Essentials
🧢 Hat:
- Wide-brim or bucket hat with strap.
🛒 Top Pick: Sunday Afternoons Adventure Hat
🕶 Sunglasses:
- Polarized lenses reduce glare.
- Retention strap recommended.
🛒 Top Pick: Suncloud Polarized Sunglasses
🧴 Sunscreen:
- Reef-safe, water-resistant formula.
- SPF 30+ minimum.
🛒 Top Pick: ThinkSport Mineral SPF 50+ Sunscreen
Cold Weather Gear & Layering
- Windbreaker or paddle jacket.
- Thermal gloves & booties.
- Fleece base layers under drysuits.
🛒 Top Pick: NRS Endurance Paddle Jacket
📋 Personal Gear for Paddleboarders: Seasonal Outfit Checklist
☀️ Summer:
- Quick-dry boardshorts or leggings.
- Rash guard.
- Barefoot or water shoes.
- Sun hat & polarized sunglasses.
- Sunscreen + hydration pack.
🍂 Spring/Fall:
- 2mm shorty wetsuit or paddle jacket.
- Neoprene booties.
- Rash guard + gloves (optional).
- Beanie or headband.
❄️ Winter:
- 3/2mm+ wetsuit or drysuit.
- Base layers under drysuit.
- Gloves, booties, thermal beanie.
🎨 Personal Gear for Paddleboarders: Water Temperature Outfit Chart:
| Water Temp | Suggested Outfit |
| 75°F+ | Rash guard + shorts |
| 65–75°F | 2mm wetsuit or jacket |
| 55–65°F | 3/2mm full suit |
| <55°F | Drysuit + base layers |
🎯 Use this visual on your SUP Resources Page or Gear Guide.
🛍️ Recommended Gear Picks Recap:
| Item | Product | Why We Love It |
| Rash Guard | BALEAF UPF 50+ | Breathable & comfy |
| Wetsuit | O’Neill Reactor 3/2mm | Flexible & beginner-friendly |
| Shoes | Body Glove 3T Barefoot Max | Lightweight, protective |
| Jacket | NRS Endurance Paddle Jacket | Blocks wind & spray |
| Hat | Sunday Adventure Hat | Secure + full coverage |
| Sunglasses | Suncloud Optics | Glare-free paddling |
| Sunscreen | ThinkSport SPF 50+ | Reef-safe & sweatproof |
🎯 CTA: Stay Comfortable. Paddle Confidently.
Whether it’s sunny summer paddling or chilly spring mornings, smart paddleboarding apparel keeps you comfortable and safe.
Next recommended read: 80% SUP Fatalities
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