The Ultimate BC Stand-Up Paddle Boarding Checklist

The Ultimate BC Stand-Up Paddle Boarding Checklist

Written by: Anastasia (@anastasia.ventures)

So, you are thinking about hitting the water! This may be your first time stand-up paddle boarding or one of many. Nevertheless, you are looking for a comprehensive list.

If you just want the checklist, here is the PDF. If you're looking for some tips and gear recommendations, read on!

I’ve always wanted a stand-up paddle board, and I finally pulled the trigger on buying one last year. The first time I went out, I was wildly unprepared. I got sunburned, ran out of snacks, and would have been in serious trouble if a sunken log had popped my board. I needed a checklist.

This checklist is designed for summer. Paddle boarding in cold conditions involves a different set of gear, which I will touch on in Part 2 below.

Part 1: The Summer Paddle Boarding Checklist

Paddle boarding can be so peaceful: floating on the water, listening to your favourite tunes, and soaking up the sun. It’s a perfect summer activity. Despite being relatively beginner-friendly, SUP incidents mostly occur due to preventable factors like not wearing a personal flotation device (PFD), underestimating weather or water currents, and using an improper leash. We will cover these safety basics before jumping into the packing list.

Personal Floatation Devices (PFD)

Under Transport Canada Regulations a personal floatation device and safety gear is mandatory when navigating a Stand-up Paddle Board. The fine is upwards of $200!

Option 1 (Wearing it): You are required to wear a properly-sized & approved PFD with a sound-signalling device (ie. a whistle)

Option 2 (Carry it): Keep an approved PFD on your SUP, along with an approved PFD and a 15 meter floating throw rope

Note: Exceptions apply when you aren’t actively navigating, such as when anchoring in place for SUP yoga or surfing near the shore.

There are 2 types of wearable PFD: standard PFD (ie. lifejackets) & inflatable PFD (& inflatable vests & waist belts)

I prefer an inflatable belt PFD because it is comfortable on hot days and easy to move around in when I want to swim. However, a standard lifejacket requires lower maintenance and does not require manual activation to provide buoyancy. If you fall into the water and are an inexperienced swimmer or become injured, a standard lifejacket automatically keeps you afloat.

This is especially important in cold water, where exposure can trigger the cold-water shock reflex which is an involuntary gasp for air. This reflex risks hyperventilation and swallowing water, which could prevent you from manually inflating a belt PFD.

When purchasing a PFD, ensure you select the right size, fit, features, and specifications for your needs. While I won't cover a full buyer's guide here, note that a Level 70 / Type III PFD (or higher) is recommended for most SUP paddlers.

Leash Safety

A leash is vital because it prevents your board from drifting away if you fall off.

Coiled leashes are recommended for flatwater paddling on calm bays and lakes because the coils stay on top of the board, reducing the risk of tripping or snagging underwater debris. However, when paddling in moving water or rivers, traditional leashes pose a severe drowning hazard if entangled. Quick-release waist-belt leashes are essential in these environments, as they allow you to instantly detach yourself if caught on a rock or submerged branch.

I did not mention this in the list, but I love to bring a warm change of clothes and an extra water bottle to leave in my car. The dry clothes are a lifesaver for the drive home! Last week, as I stepped off my board near the shore, I accidentally stepped off a drop-off into neck-deep water, so having dry clothes waiting in the car was a huge relief.

If you're looking for exact product recommendations, here is my personal SUP packing list, complete with links to Valhalla’s store!

Anastasia’s Stand-up Paddle Boarding List

The Essentials 

Clothing & Footwear

  • [ ] Quick drying clothes (avoid cotton)
  • [ ] Rashguard or sun shirt
  • [ ] Water shoes/crocs/sandals
  • [ ] Sun Hat
  • [ ] Sunglasses (with straps)

Nutrition & Hydration

Personal Items

  • [ ] Towel
  • [ ] Lip Balm (SPF)
  • [ ] Sunscreen
  • [ ] Insect Repellent
  • [ ] Camera
  • [ ] Cellphone/Satellite Phone (if your out of service)
  • [ ] Speaker
  • [ ] Power Bank
  • [ ] Anchor/Rope
  • [ ] Passes/Permits (if needed)

Part 2: Stand-up Paddle Boarding in the Cold

Are you paddle boarding in the cold? That depends on the weather and the water temperature. You want to dress for the water temperature not the air temperature since if you end up in the water hypothermia can happen fast. 

First, avoid cotton completely. Cotton retains moisture and chills your core. You need fast-drying, technical synthetic materials. Even if you climb back onto your board quickly, prolonged exposure to wet clothing in cool air poses a major health risk.

For cold weather or cold water, you’ll want to choose clothing that insulates you. So you’ll want to swap out your shorts and sun hat for a:

  • [ ] Neoprene top & short or a wetsuit
  • [ ] Paddling gloves
  • [ ] Wool/synthetic caps
  • [ ] Wool/synthetic socks

Always make sure to check out current weather and currents for the most up-to-date forecast prior to setting out on the water.

Part 3: Golden Rules for Paddling

Before heading out on the water, keep these four safety rules in mind. They will help keep you safe in an emergency and protect British Columbia's natural spaces for everyone.

  • Always Make a Trip Plan: Let a trusted friend or family member know exactly where you are going, what route you are taking, and when you expect to be back. It’s a great way to spark a convo, send pictures, tell someone you love them, and, most importantly, get help if something goes wrong.

  • Weather Changes Fast: Weather can change throughout the day. Check the forecast multiple times leading right up to your paddle, and be prepared to turn back if conditions turn sketchy.

  • Download Your Maps Ahead of Time: Cell service can disappear quickly on the water. If you are using AllTrails or Gaia, download your maps offline before you lose service at the trailhead. I like to use AllTrails for my paddles and Gaia to navigate the landscape.

  • Leave No Trace (LNT): Always pack out your garbage and food scraps. If you pack it in, pack it out! Leaving garbage is bad for the environment, animals, and others who come after you. 

Sometimes, hitting the water doesn’t go quite as you imagined. Between shifting currents, incoming weather, and those accidental swims, things can get sketchy fast! Staying thoroughly prepared is what turns a potential emergency into a great story to tell later.

I hope that no matter what your adventure brings you, this checklist helps you stay prepared and have a great time.

Happy paddling!

Disclaimer: This list reflects my personal gear preferences and is a starting point only. You are entirely responsible for your own safety, trip planning, and gear research. Please verify local trail conditions and official park resources before heading out, as I am not liable for your packing choices or trip outcomes. Stay safe and have fun out there!

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