A day spent paddling on the water is a fantastic way to enjoy the outdoors and get some exercise. But before you head out, it’s crucial to prioritize sun protection and ensure you have the right gear for a safe and enjoyable experience.
Here’s a rundown of the essentials:
Sunscreen
Sunscreen is at the top of our list for skin protection. This is your top defense against sunburn. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and apply liberally to all exposed skin at least 30 minutes before heading out. Reapply every two hours, or more often if sweating or swimming. My favorite sunscreen is Sun Bum, it smells like summer!
Hydration
Hydration is important to your health and drinking enough fluids keeps your heart rate normal and your skin
moist. It is especially important to replace the fluids that are lost while adventuring in the heat or just hanging
out in the sun. As a general rule for hydration, it is recommended to drink half of your body weight in ounces
(i.e. 180 lbs = 90 oz). To stay hydrated, take your water with you. Look for insulated water bottles that will keep
your beverage nice and cold on your next SUP adventure.
Sunglasses
Protect your eyes from harmful UV rays with fully UV-protected sunglasses. Consider polarized lenses to reduce glare. Floating straps are a good idea to prevent them from getting lost if they fall off.
Footwear
Wearing proper footwear helps protect yourself from injury. There may be hazards or hidden dangers you
cannot see under the surface, such as sharp rocks or glass. While footwear may not be needed during the
paddle on the board, it is essential before and after or in the event of an emergency. I love these Simari water shoes. They are like a yoga mat for your feet that dry quickly and provide complete
protection. They are also comfortable, flexible, and lightweight. You won’t even notice you are wearing them!
Sleeves
Various types of clothing are available to protect your skin – long sleeves in light colors with high UPF ratings are
recommended. UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) is the rating system for apparel assessing its effectiveness
against both UVA and UVB rays. Rashguards and the lighter silkweight shirts are great options for the water and
stand up paddleboarding. Check out what NRS has to offer in these options – both are UPF rated providing full
protection from the sun. Safety tidbit – not only can
rashguards protect your skin, they can also be used in an emergency in administering first aid to open wounds.
