Holiday Gift Guide 2023

Welcome, outdoor enthusiasts and paddleboarding aficionados! As the holiday season approaches, finding the perfect gifts for those who revel in stand-up paddleboarding and outdoor adventures can become a challenging quest. Whether you're on a budget or ready to splurge, our curated holiday shopping list has you covered. From practical essentials under $50 to premium gear, we've compiled a diverse selection to cater to every need. Dive into the world of waterproof accessories, high-tech gadgets, and cozy gear that will elevate any paddleboarding experience. Let's make this holiday season unforgettable for the adventure seekers in your life!

Support your local SUP Shop

While this post has a lot of links to other websites selling SUP gear, I encourage you to support your local SUP shop when you can. Many of the local shops are independently owned and operated and these local businesses often serve as the heartbeat of the paddleboarding community. By choosing to shop locally, you contribute directly to the growth and sustainability of this community. Local paddle shops provide a personalized and knowledgeable experience, offering expert advice on equipment, safety, and local paddle spots. Moreover, supporting local businesses helps to stimulate the local economy, creating jobs and fostering a sense of community. When you invest in your local stand-up paddle shop, you're not just purchasing gear; you're nurturing a hub for passion, expertise, and a shared love for outdoor adventures. This support ensures that these valuable resources continue to thrive, providing a haven for enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

There are few paddle shops to support in the Maryland area (tell them SUPClubMD sent you). Check these places before you buy online.

• Earth River SUP- Bethesda

• East of Maui Board Shop - Annapolis

• Water on Water - West Ocean City

• Shore Pedal and Paddle - St. Michaels

(but if you do buy online use the links below to support this blog)

So, the next time you're in need of paddleboarding essentials, consider the impact of choosing local — you're not just making a purchase; you're investing in the spirit of paddleboarding itself.

Gift Idea Under $50:

• Waterproof Phone Case: Keeps their phone safe while they're out on the water. Check out the Aquacase, it is waterproof and more importantly, floats in case you drop it in while taking a selfie. .

• Microfiber Towel: Quick-drying and compact for outdoor adventures. Perfect for stashing in your paddling bag for those times you come back wetter than expected. The Nomadix Towel has a lot of colors to choose from and is one of the softest on the market.

• Water Bottle Holder for Paddleboard: Convenient for staying hydrated on the go. This one on Amazon is only $9 and straps to your bungie cord.

• Sun Protection Kit (Sunscreen, Lip Balm, Hat): Essential for outdoor activities. This Shelta hat is the go-to hat for sun protection and functionality, but this one is for fun.

• Paddleboard Deck Bag: Provides additional storage space for essentials. This is a waterproof deck bag that sits more snuggly on the top of your board and is completely worth the extra cost. This one from Earth River SUP is perfect and clips in seamlessly to your board.

• Dry Bag: Protects valuables from water during paddleboarding. There are so many reasons to have a dry bag while you paddling, pick a size and color to match your board. SUPClubMD is friends with the designer and creator of the Meraki Dry Bag, which are functional and fashionable.

• Quick-Dry Performance Shirt: A comfortable and moisture-wicking shirt for outdoor activities. Getting a UPF shirt that still breathes to protect from the sun is a game changer when paddling. There are hundreds to choose from on Amazon but if you want top quality sun hoodie check out these from Body Glove or the Hylas Hoodie from Stio.

• Floating Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker: Enjoy music while paddleboarding without worrying about it sinking. But if you are this person, keep the sound just loud enough so only you can hear… don’t be that person.

• Portable Camping Hammock: Perfect for relaxing after a day of outdoor activities. Having a hammock in your dry bag for that mid-paddle chill time can make for a perfect afternoon. This one on Amazon is always on sale

• Hydration Pack: A hands-free way to stay hydrated during outdoor adventures. These can be used on hikes, runs, or paddle days. Always have your water accessible with a hydration pack.

• Roof Rack Straps: Everyone could use a fresh set of tie town ratchet straps for their SUP (if they attach it to the roof of their car), a new pair will show that you care about their board and take care of it. Check out the ones from Earth River SUP in Bethesda, they are simple and easy to use..

Gift Ideas with a higher price tag:

• Inflatable Paddleboard: Get a whole new board for the Holidays, you…they deserve it. Check out 5 SUPs from Amazon for under $500 or learn about all the considerations when buying a new SUP.

• New Paddle: The paddle is your connection to the water and having a good paddle will change the way you Stand Up Paddleboard. Learn about what paddle to get with this post on the Gear Series- The Paddle.

• Quality Wetsuit: Ideal for colder weather paddleboarding. To learn more about Wetsuit choices check out our Wetsuit blog post on this confusing topic.

• Waterproof Action Camera: Capture their adventures on the water. If your board has a GoPro mount, then getting an action camera set up can make for really fun pictures and videos from your next SUP trip.

• GPS Watch: Ideal for tracking paddle routes and outdoor activities. Few watches can do it like the Garmin or Apple Watch (be sure to download the Paddlelogger app for Apple Watch)

• Electric Pump for Inflatable Paddleboard: Makes inflating and deflating the board quick and easy. These might be the best gift option you can get your SUPing friend. There are a bunch of options on the web but we recommend the Shark from Outdoor Master and this less expensive one on Amazon.

• Stand-Up Paddleboard Yoga Class: A unique experience for someone who enjoys both paddleboarding and yoga. Get them a SUP yoga class. Check out Warrior One Yoga for some of the best classes in the area.

• SUP Lessons: Book an experience like a guided paddleboarding tour, nature exploration, or how to paddle on whitewater. There are plenty of SUP Schools around but the SUP 2 and SUP 3 classes at PaddleStroke SUP in Potomac are taught by quality instructors on some of the best boards in the business, and on the historic Potomac River.

We hope that this list inspires you to get something for the Stand Up Paddler in your life. If you are shopping for yourself, enjoy your new SUP accessories.