12 must-have SUP accessories that enhance the experience

Have you invested in a quality SUP board but feel like something is missing for the perfect paddling experience? You've got the right feeling - the right accessories can really transform your time on the water from good to great.

As Scandinavia's leading SUP experts with over 18 years of experience, we have seen how the right accessories not only improve performance and comfort, but above all increase safety on the water. Swedish conditions with changing weather and varying water temperatures require well-thought-out equipment.

In this guide, we present 12 essential SUP accessories that combine safety, functionality and an enhanced experience. We have divided the recommendations in order of priority – from absolutely necessary safety accessories to advanced performance upgrades.

Each accessory is chosen based on our Scandinavian design philosophy where functionality is at the center. You'll get concrete product recommendations, practical usage tips, and honest guidance on what really makes a difference to your SUP adventures.

Whether you're a beginner building your first complete SUP setup or an experienced paddler looking to upgrade your equipment, this list will help you prioritize the right investments for maximum value and enjoyment on the water.

Table of contents

• Safety accessories (4 essentials)
• Transport & storage (3 important)
• Comfort on the water (3 upgrades)
• Performance & Training (2 advanced)
• Budget tips & prioritization
• FAQ about SUP accessories

Safety accessories (4 essentials)

Safety on the water is never negotiable, especially in Swedish conditions where weather and water temperatures can change quickly. These four accessories should be part of every SUP setup from day one.

1. Safety rope (Leash) - Absolutely necessary

The safety line is your most important safety accessory and mandatory according to Swedish shipping regulations. It prevents you from being separated from your SUP board in the event of a fall, which can be life-threatening in fast water or strong winds.

For Swedish conditions, we recommend spiral models such as the 15-meter foot leash for general paddling or the 6-foot ankle model for racing and shorter trips.

The spiral design minimizes water resistance while providing sufficient reach in the event of a fall. Always choose the right length – too long a leash can get tangled, too short will unnecessarily restrict freedom of movement.

2. Life jacket - Life-saving safety

Although life jackets are not mandatory for adults in all situations, we strongly recommend having one on board at all times. A SUP life jacket is designed specifically for paddling activities with minimal restriction of arm movement.

For Swedish conditions with colder water, a life jacket is extra important because the cold can quickly affect swimming ability in unexpected falls. Modern SUP life jackets are so comfortable that you barely notice you're wearing them.

Baltic offers several variants for different needs and preferences regarding color and functionality.

3. Emergency flotation aid - Extra safety for longer trips

Emergency buoyancy aids act as backup buoyancy and can save lives in emergency situations. The compact design means you can easily carry it on all your trips without it getting in the way.

For touring and longer adventures where you paddle far from land, an emergency buoyancy aid is a wise complement to regular safety equipment. It activates quickly when needed and provides extra buoyancy that can be crucial in critical situations.

Swedish The Lifesaving Society recommends always having redundant safety equipment when paddling in open water or in challenging conditions.

4. Repair Kit - Prepare for the Unexpected

A A repair kit is essential for anyone who paddles inflatable boards. Even small punctures can be fixed on the spot with the right tools and materials.

A complete kit should include repair glue, cloth patches in various sizes and a valve tool. Swedish conditions with rocks, roots and ice require you to be prepared for minor damage.

Learn basic repair techniques before you embark on longer adventures. A quick repair can often make the difference between a finished trip and a continued enjoyable day on the water.

Transport and storage (3 important)

The right transport and storage solutions make SUP life much easier and protect your investment over time. These accessories improve both convenience and the longevity of your equipment.

5. Premium Carrying Case - Protection and Convenience

A The SUP transport bag is designed to make transporting your SUP as smooth as possible. With wheels and ergonomic handles, even longer transports are comfortable.

The reinforced construction protects your SUP board during transport and storage. For Swedish conditions where transport often takes place over varying surfaces, a robust bag is a wise investment that extends the life of the equipment.

We offer different models adapted to different needs and budgets without compromising on basic protection and functionality.

6. Waterproof Storage Bag - Keep the important stuff dry

A This waterproof bag is perfect for longer trips where you need to keep clothes, food and electronics dry. It doubles as a comfortable backpack on land.

For shorter trips or as a complement, smaller variants are also available. Both models are made to withstand Swedish weather conditions and intensive use.

Waterproof storage is especially important for Swedish conditions where unexpected rain showers and waves can destroy valuable equipment. Invest in quality that will last when it matters.

7. High-performance pump - Efficient setup

A SUP pump significantly reduces pumping time compared to standard pumps. It pumps air on both the up and down strokes for maximum efficiency.

For Swedish conditions where setup often takes place in cold or windy weather, fast and efficient pumping is valuable. A good pump makes the difference between frustrating preparations and a quick start on the water.

We offer different pump models that all provide good performance, adapted to different usage frequencies and budgets.

Comfort on the water (3 upgrades)

These accessories enhance your experience on the water through increased comfort, convenience, and the ability to enjoy your SUP adventures for longer.

8. Spare fin system - Adapt for different conditions

A SUP fin kits allow you to optimize your SUP's performance for different water conditions. Different fins provide different handling characteristics and stability.

For Swedish conditions with everything from calm lakes to more demanding coastal waters, it is valuable to be able to adapt the fin to the situation. Smaller fins for speed, medium size for all-round or larger fins for maximum stability.

Carbon fins provide better response and durability compared to plastic fins, especially during intensive use or demanding conditions.

9. Quality Water Bottle - Stay Hydrated

A Thermal water bottle keeps drinks at the right temperature throughout your SUP trip. Stainless steel construction withstands saltwater and intensive use.

For environmentally conscious paddlers, there are also ecological alternatives made from sustainable materials without compromising on functionality.

Proper hydration is especially important when SUP paddling because you are often exposed to sun, wind and physical exertion for extended periods.

10. Spare paddle - Safety and convenience

A Spare paddle is a compact spare paddle that should always be on board. It takes up minimal space but can save the day if the main paddle breaks or is dropped.

For those who often paddle together, there are also double tension paddles that can be shared between two people if needed. A smart solution for families and groups.

Swedish conditions with calm mornings that can turn into windy weather make a spare paddle extra valuable for a safe return trip even when conditions change.

Performance and Training (2 advanced)

For paddlers looking to develop their technique and performance, these advanced accessories offer opportunities for training and objective tracking of progress.

11. Performance metrics - Data for development

A Training computer provides detailed data on speed, distance and stroke rate that helps you develop technique and fitness systematically.

For serious training paddlers and those participating in Kona Sports events provide objective data to track progress and optimize training. Especially valuable for preparation for Swedish SUP competitions.

Training data can help you identify areas for improvement and set realistic goals for your SUP development. Modern technology makes training data accessible to all levels.

12. Premium Carbon Fiber Paddle - Ultimate Upgrade

A Carbon fiber paddle represents the top level in SUP paddles with optimized weight, strength and performance for serious paddlers.

Carbon construction provides superior power transfer and reduces fatigue during longer sessions. For those paddling intensively or participating in racing, the performance benefits justify the higher investment.

Quickblade offers several carbon models with different features for performance, comfort and UV protection depending on specific needs and preferences.

Budget tips and prioritization

When building your SUP accessory arsenal smartly, it's important to prioritize correctly to get maximum value for your investment.

Start with safety first

Always start with the four essential safety accessories: lifeline, life jacket, emergency buoyancy aid, and repair kit. These are non-negotiable and relatively inexpensive compared to the safety they provide.

Total cost for basic safety: around 2000-3000 SEK. It's a small investment in safety that can save lives and ensure you can enjoy SUP for many years to come.

Build gradually

After safety accessories, prioritize transportation and storage based on your specific needs. If you transport your SUP frequently, invest in a quality bag early. If you paddle longer trips, prioritize dry bags and a good pump.

Comfort upgrades can wait until you have used your SUP regularly and know which improvements would make the biggest difference for your particular paddling style.

Quality over quantity

Choose fewer high-quality accessories instead of many cheap options. Kona Sports accessories are designed for long-term use in Swedish conditions and save you money in the long run.

A quality accessory that lasts 5-10 years is more economical than having to replace cheaper alternatives every season.

Betting for enthusiasts

For those who paddle regularly and see SUP as a long-term hobby, investing in performance accessories like carbon fiber paddles and training instruments is justified. Calculate cost per use for the right perspective.

Contact our experts for personalized advice on which accessories provide the best value for your SUP goals and budget.

Seasonal purchases

Plan accessory purchases strategically. Buy during the off-season for the best prices, but remember that safety accessories should never wait for sale prices.

Stand up people. Stand up life. The right accessories not only unite body, movement and equipment – ​​they create the conditions for safe, comfortable and rewarding experiences that will keep you coming back to the water time and time again.

Explore our complete range of accessories here

Frequently Asked Questions About SUP Accessories

What accessories are absolutely essential for safe SUP paddling?

The four essential safety accessories are a safety line (mandatory according to Swedish law), a life jacket, an emergency buoyancy aid and a repair kit. A The safety line prevents separation from the board in the event of a fall, which can be life-threatening.

A SUP life jackets are highly recommended for everyone and are mandatory for children under 13 years of age. Swedish The Lifesaving Society emphasizes the importance of proper safety equipment, especially in Swedish waters with varying temperatures.

A Repair kits are essential for inflatable SUPs because even small punctures can be fixed on the spot and prevent an interrupted trip.

How do I choose the right length of safety line for different SUP activities?

For general SUP paddling, the 15-meter spiral foot leash is recommended, which provides good reach without hindering freedom of movement. For surfing and racing, the shorter 6-foot ankle model is used.

Spiral design is preferred as it minimizes water resistance when the line is relaxed but provides full length when needed. Avoid overly long lines in running water where they can get caught.

Under demanding conditions according to The Swedish Transport Administration may find it appropriate to use a quick-release system that allows you to quickly disconnect the line if necessary.

What type of pump provides the best performance for inflatable SUPs?

A Double-acting pumps are most efficient because they pump air on both the up and down strokes. This halves the pumping time compared to single-action pumps.

For regular use, investing in a high-performance pump is justified as it saves time and effort with each setup. Especially valuable in Swedish conditions where cold can make pumping more demanding.

Make sure the pump has a pressure gauge to ensure the correct PSI (typically 15-20 PSI for SUP boards). Too much or too little pressure will affect both performance and safety.

Do I need different fins for different SUP activities?

Yes, different fins optimize performance for different water conditions and activities. A SUP fin kits provide flexibility to customize as needed.

Smaller fins (19 cm) provide less resistance and higher speed but less stability. Larger fins (24 cm) provide better tracking and stability but slightly slower speed.

For Swedish conditions with varying water types – from calm lakes to more demanding coastal waters – fin changes are an easy way to optimize performance according to the situation.

What is the difference between different materials in SUP paddles?

Aluminum paddles like the Kona Aluminum 3-Piece are affordable, durable, and suitable for beginners and occasional use. They are heavier but can take a beating.

A Carbon fiber paddles are light, strong and provide better power transfer. They reduce fatigue during longer sessions but cost more and require more careful handling.

Hybrid paddles combine carbon fiber with flexible elements for a balance between performance and comfort.

How important is waterproof storage when SUP paddling?

Waterproof storage is essential for protecting valuable items like your phone, keys, wallet and extra clothes. A Waterproof bag holds most things for longer trips.

Swedish conditions with unexpected rain showers and waves make waterproof storage extra important. Even if you plan a short trip in calm weather, conditions can change quickly.

For shorter trips, smaller dry bags are often sufficient. Choose the size based on how much you need to carry and whether you are paddling solo or in a group where equipment can be shared.

What accessories do I need for SUP training and performance development?

For systematic training is a Training computer valuable for measuring speed, distance and stroke rate. Data helps you track progress and optimize technique.

Premium carbon fiber paddle provides better power transfer and reduces fatigue during intense workouts. Important for those who train regularly.

Different fins allow you to train in varying conditions and develop technique for different situations. The Pro fin kit provides flexibility for varied training.