6 Useful Clothing Items For Stand Up Paddle Boarding

6 Useful Clothing Items For Stand Up Paddle Boarding

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Rash shirt

A rash shirt gets its name from its ability to protect the board rider from the irritation a shirtless board rider might experience from rubbing against his or her board. This should be less of a problem for stand up paddle boarders, due to them spending more time standing up. Rash shirts are often made from lycra material, and provide good protection from the sun. They cover the shoulders and back, which are both sensitive areas to sunburn.

Board shorts

A pair of swimmers is the absolute minimum a board rider needs, unless they are participating in the annual nude surfing contest at Bondi Beach, Sydney! For everyone else, a comfortable swimming costume is essential. A bikini or speedos may do this trick, while others may find board shorts more comfortable. Some board shorts are made of special material to help them dry quickly, once out of the water.

Wetsuit

In warmer weather (and warmer water) a rash shirt may be sufficient to ward off any slight chill. In winter, or in regions with constantly cooler water, some stand up paddle boarders may be looking for additional warmth. This can be found in the form of a wetsuit. In all but extremely cold locations, a wetsuit will keep the stand up paddle boarder very warm.

There are a couple of different varieties available. A "spring suit" type wetsuit provides body cover, but cuts off before the knees and elbows. A "steamer" style wetsuit is full length (down to the ankles and wrists) and provides additional warmth for colder waters.

Drysuit

In extremely cold locations around the world (such as surf spots in Ireland!), don't hit the water without a dry suit. Wetsuits allow a little water to enter through the neck area, but in conditions suitable for wetsuits, the wearer is still kept very warm. Drysuits on the other hand are designed to prevent water from entering at all. Rubber seals at the neck and ankles see to this.

Hat

A hat is very useful for keeping the sun off while out on the water. While holding on to it is more of a challenge in the surf, stand up paddle boarders on gentle waters should have no such problems. Specially designed surf hats with a neck strap are suitable for sun protection in the surf.

Sunglasses

Sunglasses are ideal for protecting against the sun's glare. One faces similar problems to that with hats, in that surf conditions may preclude one holding on to them. A sunglass strap for the neck might help. In gentler waves, and where the rider is skilled enough to stay upright, with the assistance of a paddle, losing sunglasses may be less of a concern.

All the above items can make a rider's experience more comfortable when riding stand up paddle boards. Protection from this sun is assured, as is protection from the cold. These items also add comfort to a stand up paddle boarder's day on the water.

About the Author:
Stand Up Paddle Gear Australia specialises in stand up paddle boards for all skills levels. Our policy is try before you buy and if you are not happy with your purchased board we will swap it for a board that works for you. For more information or to view our paddle boards, visit Paddle Board



Article Originally Published On: http://www.articlesnatch.com


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