Gifts for Paddleboarders: Thoughtful Ideas from Real Paddlers

Buying a present for someone who loves paddleboarding should be easy, shouldn’t it? After all, there are plenty of gifts for paddleboarders to choose from, including useful accessories, clothing and clever little gadgets. But if you don’t paddleboard yourself, knowing what to buy can be surprisingly difficult. They might already own a perfectly good pump, have rather particular ideas about their wetsuit, or keep mentioning something called a dry bag without explaining why they need another one!

We know how that feels from the other side. As keen paddleboarders ourselves, we’ve accumulated our fair share of equipment over the years, and some of the things we appreciate most aren’t necessarily the most expensive. A good waterproof bag, comfortable footwear or a reliable pump can make a noticeable difference to an outing. Equally, a lovely warm hoodie to pull on afterwards is never unwelcome, especially when you’ve spent the morning paddling in typical British weather.

So we’ve put together this guide to help you choose a thoughtful gift for the paddleboarder in your life, whether you’re shopping for Christmas, a birthday, Father’s Day, Mother’s Day or simply want to treat someone special. You don’t need to know anything about paddleboarding to get started. We’ll explain what the different products are for, who they’re likely to suit and what you should check before buying. We’ve also included our own experiences with equipment we use, because there’s nothing quite like finding out what works when you’re actually out on the water.

Not sure what to buy? Let’s start with your budget

Before disappearing down a rabbit hole of technical specifications, it’s worth deciding roughly how much you’d like to spend. Paddleboarding gifts can range from a simple accessory costing less than £25 to a substantial piece of equipment that becomes part of someone’s adventures for years. Fortunately, there are useful options at almost every price point.

We’ve put together a few starting points below. The price bands are a guide rather than a promise that every product will always fall within them, as offers, sizes and availability can change. Think of this as a helping hand rather than a shopping list you have to follow.

Your budget	Gift ideas	Who they might suit
Under £25	Small dry bags, waterproof phone cases and paddleboard cleaner	Ideal for stocking fillers and thoughtful little extras
£25–£50	Larger dry bags, manual pumps and compact waterproof speakers	Useful accessories for someone who already owns a board
£50–£100	Neoprene wetshoes, gloves, hoodies, daypacks and premium manual pumps	Great for regular paddlers or someone upgrading everyday kit
£100–£200	Rechargeable electric pumps, NRS Bill’s Bags and selected technical clothing	More substantial gifts for enthusiastic paddleboarders
£200+	Premium paddles, specialist clothing or larger equipment upgrades	Best when you know exactly what the recipient wants

If you’re still completely unsure, we’d start with a waterproof dry bag, floating sunglasses or a useful accessory that doesn’t depend on the recipient’s board or clothing size. If you know they still inflate their board by hand, an electric pump could make a wonderful upgrade. We’d be a little more cautious with wetsuits, buoyancy aids and specialist fins, where checking the fit or compatibility first can save disappointment.

One other piece of advice before we get into the presents themselves, some gifts are much easier to buy as a surprise than others. A waterproof bag or small accessory usually involves relatively little guesswork, whereas wetsuits, buoyancy aids and specialist paddles depend on fit, compatibility or personal preference. Don’t worry, we’ll point out the things worth checking as we go along.

Waterproof bags: practical gifts that almost every paddleboarder can use

If we were buying for someone who already owns a paddleboard but knew very little about their equipment, waterproof bags would be one of the first places we’d look. They’re incredibly useful, available in lots of sizes and don’t generally require knowing which board someone owns. They’re also handy for camping, travelling, walking and all sorts of outdoor adventures, so there’s a good chance they’ll be used well beyond paddleboarding.

We’ve built up quite a collection of bags ourselves over the years, and they all seem to find a purpose. A small one for keeping everyday essentials together, a larger bag for spare clothing and another for those trips where packing light was clearly never part of the plan. The important thing is choosing something that suits how the recipient enjoys the outdoors, rather than automatically reaching for the biggest bag available.

Everyday dry bags for short paddles and days at the beach

A dry bag is simply a bag designed to help protect your belongings from water. Most use a roll-top closure that folds down and fastens securely, making them useful for carrying spare clothes, towels and other essentials on a paddleboard. It’s a simple idea, but once you’ve experienced a wet towel or damp clothing at the end of a paddle, you quickly understand why people appreciate them.

The Jobe 20L Dry Bag is a good everyday option for someone who enjoys short recreational paddles or afternoons at the beach. There’s room for a selection of personal belongings without carrying an enormous bag around, while the Jobe 30L Dry Bag provides a little more space for spare clothing, a towel and other equipment. Smaller 10L bags are also worth considering for people who prefer travelling light.

The NRS Tuff Sack range provides another useful choice, with different capacities to suit everyday paddling and more adventurous outings. If you’re unsure about the size, think about what the recipient normally takes with them. Someone who heads out for an hour on a local lake will probably need much less storage than someone who packs spare clothes, lunch and enough supplies to spend the whole day exploring.

One thing to remember is that a roll-top bag needs enough spare material to close properly. A bag stuffed right to the very top won’t provide the protection it was designed for. We’d also check how easily it can be secured to the recipient’s board, because a bag that’s convenient to carry ashore still needs to remain secure when they’re on the water.

NRS Bill’s Bags for someone who loves a bigger adventure

Now we’re moving into something a little more substantial. If the person you’re buying for enjoys overnight paddleboarding trips, camping or spending weekends exploring the outdoors, an NRS Bill’s Bag could make a genuinely special present. These aren’t ordinary little dry bags for carrying a phone and sandwiches. They’re heavy-duty equipment bags designed for carrying considerably more gear, and they’re the sort of thing that can become a trusted companion on adventures for years.

We have first-hand experience with Bill’s Bags and have been using ours for more than six years, including on our own touring adventures. What we appreciate is their rugged construction, straightforward design and the ability to carry a useful amount of equipment without worrying about every splash or unexpected shower. The reinforced base, fold-down closure, compression straps and removable backpack harness all contribute to making them practical for more demanding outdoor use.

For most people considering an overnight adventure, we’d start with the NRS Bill’s Bag 65L. It offers enough room for clothing, a sleeping bag and other essentials, while remaining more manageable than the larger expedition version. It’s particularly appealing for someone who enjoys weekends away, overnight paddleboarding trips or camping adventures where protecting bulky equipment from wet conditions matters.

The NRS Bill’s Bag 110L is a different proposition altogether. With considerably more capacity, it’s better suited to someone carrying larger amounts of equipment, perhaps for multi-day trips, family camping or more ambitious expeditions. It’s a wonderful bag for the right person, but probably rather excessive for someone whose biggest adventure is a leisurely hour around the local lake!

That’s really the distinction we’d make when buying one as a gift. The 65L is the more versatile choice for many outdoor enthusiasts, whereas the 110L makes sense when you know the recipient genuinely needs that much storage. Either way, check that the bag suits how they’ll carry their equipment and, if it’s going onto a paddleboard, that their board can accommodate the load securely.

Waterproof backpacks and daypacks

Traditional dry bags are wonderfully useful, but some people prefer having their belongings in a backpack, particularly when there’s a bit of a walk from the car park to the water. A Jobe Waterproof Daypack is worth considering for someone who enjoys combining paddleboarding with walking, travelling or exploring the coast.

We like equipment that earns its place on more than one adventure, and a good daypack is a perfect example. It can carry spare layers and everyday essentials when you’re paddling, then become the bag you reach for when heading out walking or spending a day beside the sea. Just check the manufacturer’s water-protection rating and intended use, particularly if the recipient expects to take the bag onto the water rather than simply use it ashore.

Compression bags for someone who likes everything organised

Some people have an impressive ability to pack their equipment neatly into the smallest possible space. Others, ourselves included on occasions, somehow find that every trip requires considerably more kit than expected. If you’re buying for someone who likes keeping everything organised, a Spinlock Compression Dry Bag could be an interesting choice.

Available in 15L and 25L sizes, these bags have a valve that allows trapped air to escape, making bulky clothing and other soft equipment easier to compress. They’re particularly handy when packing spare layers or organising equipment inside a larger bag. It’s important to understand that they’re designed to provide water-resistant protection against spray and wet conditions rather than prolonged submersion, so we wouldn’t use one as the only protection for valuables that absolutely must remain dry.

The wet gear bag: not glamorous, but wonderfully useful

There’s another side to paddleboarding that doesn’t feature quite so often in the glossy photographs: getting all your wet equipment home afterwards. A damp wetsuit, muddy wetshoes and a collection of towels can make a remarkable mess of the car, especially when someone forgets to unpack everything as soon as they get home.

The Jobe Wet Gear Bag is designed to help keep wet clothing and equipment together until it can be unpacked and dried properly. It might not be the present that produces the biggest reaction when the wrapping paper comes off, but for someone who regularly paddles in a wetsuit, it’s the sort of practical accessory that quickly proves its worth. And saving the car boot from another soaking isn’t a bad bonus.

If you’re still undecided, have a look through our waterproof bags collection. There are plenty of options, and choosing the right one is more about the recipient’s adventures than the size of their paddleboard.

Smaller paddleboarding gifts that they’ll actually use

Not every present needs to be a major piece of equipment. In fact, some of the easiest gifts to buy are the little accessories that people use regularly but might not have thought to replace or upgrade themselves. They’re ideal for stocking fillers, birthdays or simply adding something useful to a larger present.

A waterproof phone case for photographs and peace of mind

Most paddleboarders enjoy taking photographs, whether it’s a beautiful sunrise, a particularly peaceful stretch of water or simply proof that they managed to stand up without falling in. A Jobe Waterproof Floating Gadget bag or MOAI Floating Waterproof Phone Case is a thoughtful little gift for someone who wants to carry their phone around the water while helping protect it from splashes and an accidental dip.

It’s one of those gifts that doesn’t require knowing very much about the recipient’s paddleboard. Just check that their phone will fit, including any protective case they normally use, and remind them to follow the sealing instructions and test the pouch before putting their phone inside. For paddleboarding, we’d also encourage carrying a means of contacting help securely on your person rather than relying on a phone stored somewhere on the board.

We have different waterproof phone cases available throughout the year, so if you’re looking for a particular style or size, it’s worth exploring our waterproof phone cases collection. You’ll find options designed to help protect your phone from splashes and accidental dips, with floating designs being particularly useful when you’re out on the water. Just remember to check the dimensions and waterproof rating before choosing, as not every case will suit every phone.

Floating sunglasses: a gift they might not know they need

A good pair of sunglasses is always useful when you’re spending time outdoors, but there’s something particularly frustrating about watching your favourite pair disappear beneath the water after an unexpected fall. And as anyone who’s dropped something into a lake will know, it doesn’t take long before it’s completely out of sight! That’s what makes floating sunglasses such a clever gift for someone who enjoys paddleboarding, kayaking or boating.

We stock a selection of Jobe floating sunglasses designed to stay afloat if they’re accidentally dropped into the water. They’re a practical alternative to ordinary sunglasses for watersports, while still being perfectly suitable for beach days, holidays or relaxing in the garden. They’re also a lovely present because you don’t need to know anything about the recipient’s paddleboard, although it’s worth choosing a style they’ll enjoy wearing and checking the fit and lens details.

If they already have a favourite pair of sunglasses, there’s another inexpensive idea worth considering. The Jobe Glassfloat Floating Sunglasses Cord attaches to suitable frames and helps keep them afloat if they end up in the water. It’s a simple little accessory, but for someone who has already sacrificed a pair of sunglasses to the depths of a lake, it could be a surprisingly welcome stocking filler!

Something to keep their paddleboard looking its best

If the person you’re buying for takes great pride in their board, SUP Scrub ECO Paddle Board Cleaner could be a useful stocking filler. Paddleboards inevitably pick up dirt, scuffs and the occasional reminder of a muddy shoreline, so having a suitable cleaner to hand can make looking after the equipment a little easier.

We’d choose this for someone who owns their own board rather than someone who usually hires one. It’s a small, practical present, but there’s something rather satisfying about cleaning your equipment after an adventure and knowing it’ll be ready when the next opportunity to paddle comes along.

River fins: a thoughtful gift for adventurous paddleboarders

If the person you’re buying for enjoys exploring rivers, shallow waterways or those quieter stretches of water where the depth can suddenly change, a specialist river fin could make a surprisingly thoughtful present. You might be wondering what a fin actually does if you’ve never been paddleboarding. It’s the blade that sits underneath the board, helping it travel in a straight line rather than wandering from side to side with every paddle stroke. Most boards come with a fairly substantial fin, which works well in deeper water but can become less practical when you’re paddling somewhere shallow or rocky.

That’s where a shorter, more flexible river fin comes into its own. We particularly like the Eisbach Riders Flexible SUP River Fin, which we’ve used on our own Jobe paddleboards over the years. At just 4.7 inches deep, it sits much closer to the underside of the board than a conventional touring fin, helping reduce the chance of striking rocks or catching the riverbed. The flexible construction also helps absorb impacts, making it a useful choice for paddlers who enjoy exploring shallower water. There’s still a compromise, of course, as a shorter fin can affect tracking compared with a deeper touring fin, but for the right conditions it’s an upgrade that makes a lot of sense.

There is one important thing we’d check before choosing a river fin as a gift, and that’s the fitting. Paddleboards use different fin box systems, so not every fin will fit every board. Eisbach Riders offers both Quick-Lock and US Box versions, and it’s essential to choose the correct one. Even boards from the same manufacturer can have different fittings depending on their model and year. If you’re unsure, ask the recipient for a photograph of their existing fin and fin box, or send it over to us and we’ll do our best to help you find the right option. You can also explore our full paddle board fins collection for other styles and sizes.

Gifts for life around the water

Paddleboarding isn’t always just about the time spent standing on a board. Quite often, it’s everything that comes with it: the early mornings, peaceful scenery, stopping for a coffee afterwards and spending time outdoors with the people you enjoy being around. A gift that reflects that wider lifestyle can be just as thoughtful as something technical.

A warm hoodie for after a paddle

We’re particularly fond of having something comfortable to pull on after a paddle, especially when the weather turns colder and getting changed beside the car isn’t quite as enjoyable as the paddle itself. Our SUP Funk Black Hoodie is an option for someone who loves paddleboarding but also wants comfortable everyday clothing for walks, coffee stops or relaxing beside the water.

Made using an organic cotton and recycled polyester blend, it’s a casual layer rather than technical clothing intended for immersion. That makes it a nice gift for life away from the water, particularly if you know the recipient’s style and preferred fit. The black hoodie featured here has a women’s regular fit, so we’d recommend checking the measurements against something she already enjoys wearing. You can also explore our hoodies and sweatshirts for other options.

Something for the paddleboarder’s four-legged companion

If the person you’re buying for enjoys taking their dog paddleboarding, the MOAI SUP Dogpad could make a rather lovely present. It’s designed to provide extra grip and cushioning for dogs on the board while helping protect the deck beneath.

Of course, not every dog has ambitions to become a paddleboarder, and we’d only recommend this for someone who already paddles with their dog or is properly preparing to do so. Check the dimensions and how it attaches to the board before buying. It can be a thoughtful gift for the right person, but not something we’d choose simply because they happen to own a dog!

Waterproof speakers for music lovers

Music is another gift idea that really comes down to the person you’re buying for. Some paddleboarders love having their favourite tunes playing while they’re out on the water, while others prefer the peaceful sounds of nature. We’re actually a bit of both at SUP Funk. Kiriaki loves taking her music along when we go paddling, whereas I tend to enjoy the quieter moments, listening to the birds and taking in the surroundings. Neither approach is right or wrong, and that’s what makes a waterproof speaker such a thoughtful gift for someone who enjoys a little music with their adventures.

For someone who enjoys taking their music everywhere, the Speaqua Cruiser H2.0 is a lovely little gift. It’s compact, easy to carry and ideal for beach days, camping trips or simply enjoying music around the house and garden. If you’re buying for someone who regularly takes music onto their paddleboard, the Speaqua Barnacle Pro 2.0 would be one of our first choices. It floats, has several clever mounting options and even stores music internally, allowing you to listen without keeping your phone connected. Its compact size also makes it particularly convenient on a paddleboard, where space can sometimes be rather limited.

For someone who enjoys a little more bass and fuller sound, particularly if they love evenings around a campfire, weekends exploring in their campervan or relaxing in the garden with friends, the Speaqua Vibe 3.0 and Speaqua Barnacle X are wonderful gift ideas. The Vibe offers deeper bass, a floating waterproof design and up to 12 hours of battery life, while remaining compact enough to take paddleboarding, kayaking or boating. The larger Barnacle X takes things a step further with richer sound and colourful built-in lighting, making it particularly appealing for gatherings, camping trips and evenings outdoors. Both can be taken onto the water, although if the recipient mainly wants a speaker for their paddleboard, we’d lean towards the smaller Vibe or Barnacle Pro for convenience. That’s what we particularly like about these speakers. They’re not just for paddleboarding, but can be enjoyed throughout the year, wherever the next adventure takes you.

We’ve explored the different options in our guide to waterproof speakers for paddleboarding, which should help if you’re unsure what would suit the recipient. Just remember to be considerate of other people and wildlife when enjoying music outdoors. Sometimes the soundtrack provided by nature is pretty hard to beat.

Electric paddleboard pumps: a gift that makes getting ready easier

If you’re buying for someone who owns an inflatable paddleboard, an electric pump could be one of the most useful presents you give them. Most inflatable boards come with a manual pump, and while these work perfectly well, inflating a board can be surprisingly hard work. By the time you’ve finished pumping, gathered your equipment and carried everything to the water, you might feel as though you’ve already completed your exercise for the day!

An electric pump takes much of that effort away. You connect it to the board, select the required pressure and let the pump do the work while you get the rest of your kit ready. Some electric pumps need power from a vehicle, while rechargeable models have their own battery and can be used away from the car. That last feature is particularly useful when the launch spot involves a walk, something we’ve appreciated many times ourselves.

We’ve used and tested several Outdoor Master pumps over extended periods, and they each have their strengths. The right choice isn’t necessarily the most expensive or the fastest. It depends on how many boards the recipient inflates, how far they carry their equipment and whether they value speed, battery capacity or compact packing.

Outdoor Master Shark 3: our choice when speed matters

The Outdoor Master Shark 3 rechargeable pump is one we’ve used for over a year, and it’s become a firm favourite for getting our boards ready. Its built-in battery means we’re not tied to the car, while the automatic shut-off allows us to get on with sorting out our other equipment rather than standing beside the pump watching the pressure gauge.

During our own testing, it inflated an 11’6″ touring board to 18 PSI in five minutes and eighteen seconds. That’s a pretty useful result, particularly when you’re getting two boards ready and would rather spend your time paddling than pumping. Actual times will vary depending on the board and conditions, but it’s a good example of why we appreciate this particular model.

We’d recommend considering the Shark 3 for someone who paddles regularly, wants convenient rechargeable inflation and values getting onto the water efficiently. It can inflate to 20 PSI, but before buying it’s important to check the pressure recommended for the recipient’s board and whether the supplied connectors are suitable. We’d also point out that a mains charger and storage case aren’t included, which is worth knowing when buying it as a present.

Outdoor Master Shark 2S: useful when battery capacity matters

The Outdoor Master Shark 2S is another rechargeable option we’ve spent time testing. It has a larger 88.8Wh battery compared with the Shark 3’s 74Wh battery, making it worth considering for someone who regularly inflates multiple boards or spends several days away from convenient charging facilities.

There is a compromise, though, and that’s speed. In our testing, the Shark 2S took nine minutes and forty-eight seconds to inflate the same size touring board to 18 PSI. That’s quite a difference compared with the Shark 3, but the larger battery can be a worthwhile trade-off when longer use between charges matters more than getting inflated as quickly as possible.

We wouldn’t automatically describe one as better than the other. For a straightforward day out where speed is the priority, we’d lean towards the Shark 3. For longer trips where battery endurance is particularly useful, the Shark 2S deserves consideration. It’s also worth checking current availability, because not every model is necessarily in stock throughout the year.

Outdoor Master Vortex Pro: a compact alternative

If the recipient likes keeping their equipment compact and organised, the Outdoor Master Vortex Pro is another interesting option. It combines rechargeable inflation with a relatively compact design, comes with a storage pouch and includes a cooling system designed to support repeated inflation.

We’ve used this pump ourselves too, and we can see its appeal for paddlers who have limited packing space or prefer keeping their equipment neatly together. It’s worth comparing its weight and dimensions with the other models rather than assuming smaller automatically means lighter or more convenient for everyone. Again, the recipient’s particular setup should guide the choice.

Don’t overlook a good manual pump

It might seem strange to recommend a manual pump when we’ve just spent several paragraphs explaining the benefits of electric ones, but there’s still a place for a good hand pump. They don’t depend on a battery, don’t need charging and can be useful as a reliable backup, particularly when travelling away from convenient power supplies.

The Jobe Double Action SUP Pump is a practical choice for someone needing a replacement or backup, while the Jobe Triple Action SUP Pump offers multiple pumping modes designed to make inflation more manageable as pressure increases. These are more specialist presents than a simple accessory, so we’d first check what pump the recipient already owns and whether it actually needs upgrading.

If you’re still undecided, our paddle board pumps collection brings the different options together, and our Shark 3 review goes into more detail about our experience. You can also get in touch and tell us which board the recipient owns. We’d much rather help you choose the right pump than sell you one that doesn’t suit their equipment.

Paddleboarding clothing: lovely gifts when you know what they need

Technical clothing can make a wonderful present for someone who enjoys paddleboarding regularly, particularly if they’ve mentioned being cold or uncomfortable during their outings. However, it’s also an area where we’d encourage a little homework before buying. Fit, flexibility and the conditions in which someone paddles all matter, so choosing the right garment is about more than simply picking a size.

Neoprene wetshoes for warmer, more comfortable feet

A good pair of wetshoes can make a real difference, especially when the recipient spends time paddling outside the warmest summer months. We use NRS Paddle Wetshoes ourselves, and they’ve become part of our regular kit when we want more warmth and protection than lightweight summer water shoes can provide.

The men’s NRS Paddle Wetshoe and women’s version feature 3mm neoprene, protective soles and a higher-cut design. They’re useful for paddlers dealing with cooler conditions and less forgiving launch points, where wet stones, uneven ground and cold water can make ordinary footwear rather unpleasant.

One thing that’s easy to overlook if you’ve never been paddleboarding is just how much time you can spend exploring away from your board. We often stop to investigate a quiet stretch of shoreline, wander along a woodland path or find somewhere lovely to sit and enjoy the surroundings. That’s where a decent pair of paddleboarding wetshoes really earns its place. Unlike lightweight beach shoes, more substantial neoprene wetshoes offer useful protection and grip when you’re walking over wet stones, uneven ground or muddy launch spots, while still being comfortable to wear on the board. The NRS Paddle Wetshoes have become a regular part of our kit for exactly this reason. Of course, they aren’t a replacement for proper walking boots on demanding terrain, but for those little adventures that begin and end at the water’s edge, we find them incredibly useful.

Before buying, check the recipient’s shoe size and whether they intend to wear insulating socks underneath. Footwear that’s too tight can become uncomfortable and restrict circulation, so getting the fit right matters. If you’re unsure whether they need a lightweight water shoe or something warmer, our guide to choosing paddle board shoes will help you narrow it down.

Neoprene gloves for colder paddles

Cold hands can bring an enjoyable paddle to an end surprisingly quickly, and a decent pair of neoprene gloves can be a very welcome addition to someone’s equipment. This is particularly true for paddlers who enjoy getting out in spring, autumn or winter, when keeping your fingers comfortable becomes just as important as staying warm elsewhere.

For cooler conditions, the NRS HydroSkin gloves offer a lightweight option with good flexibility. When temperatures drop further, the 2mm NRS Maverick Gloves provide more substantial protection, with sealed seams, close-fitting cuffs and palms designed to maintain a secure grip on the paddle.

We’d recommend checking the recipient’s glove size rather than guessing. Paddleboarding gloves need to be comfortable when gripping a paddle, not simply when your hands are relaxed. If the recipient regularly complains about cold fingers, a suitable pair of gloves could be a genuinely useful present, and you can compare the available options in our paddling gloves collection.

Neoprene jackets and flexible clothing layers

For someone who enjoys paddling through the cooler months, a neoprene jacket can be another thoughtful gift. We particularly like the freedom of combining suitable sleeveless wetsuits with separate upper layers, giving us warmth while retaining movement around the shoulders. It’s a clothing approach we’ve used ourselves during spring and autumn when the conditions suit.

The men’s and women’s NRS HydroSkin 1.5mm jackets are useful options to explore, alongside the NRS Bill’s 2mm Wetsuit Jacket. The important thing is understanding how the new garment will work with what the recipient already owns, because a jacket that complements their current clothing is likely to be much more appreciated than something that doesn’t fit into their setup.

If you know they’re considering technical neoprene clothing but aren’t sure exactly what they need, we’d suggest involving them in the choice. You can browse our paddle tops and bottoms together and compare the different styles. It might take a little of the surprise away, but at least you’ll know the present is something they’ll genuinely enjoy wearing.

NRS John and Ultra Jane wetsuits for a more substantial present

If you’re considering spending a little more on someone who paddles regularly, a good wetsuit can be a wonderful gift. The NRS John and Ultra Jane sleeveless designs are particularly appealing for paddlers who like freedom of movement around the shoulders while retaining neoprene coverage over the body and legs.

The NRS Women’s 3.0 Ultra Jane is one option in our range, offering a sleeveless design with useful details such as reinforced areas and a separate relief zip. We’re also expecting the NRS John wetsuit, providing another option for paddlers interested in this style of clothing. Check the latest availability before planning an order for a particular gift date.

This is definitely one of those presents we’d be inclined to choose with the recipient rather than attempting to keep every detail a surprise unless of course they have been dropping hints. Wetsuits need to fit closely and comfortably, and their suitability depends on the temperatures and conditions in which someone plans to paddle. Getting that right is far more important than having the biggest box under the Christmas tree.

Bigger gifts for someone who takes their paddleboarding seriously

When you’re considering a more substantial present, it can be tempting to look at premium paddles, specialist clothing or even a brand new paddleboard. These can make wonderful gifts for the right person, but they’re also the purchases where personal preferences and existing equipment become particularly important.

A paddle, for example, needs to suit the recipient’s height, paddling style and intended use. Someone who enjoys leisurely recreational paddles may prefer something quite different from a person who spends hours touring or wants to improve their performance. We stock a selection of paddle board paddles, including more technical options, but we’d want to know a little about the person and the equipment they already use before recommending a particular model as a present.

Safety equipment deserves even more consideration. A properly fitted buoyancy aid can be an important part of a paddler’s equipment, but different designs suit different activities and conditions. The Spinlock ALTO 75N PFD belt pack, for example, is a manually activated flotation device with specific suitability requirements, so it’s not something we’d choose simply because it looks convenient or less bulky than a traditional buoyancy aid.

For these bigger or more technical purchases, our advice would be to involve the recipient. You could still make the experience special by choosing the gift together, or giving them a card explaining what you’d like to buy. It might not be quite the same as wrapping up a surprise, but it’s much better than buying an expensive piece of equipment that doesn’t suit their paddling.

And remember, we’re only a phone call or WhatsApp message away. If you have a good idea what the recipient would like but aren’t quite sure which product to choose, we’re always happy to talk through the options.

What do you buy a paddleboarder who already has everything?

We all know someone who’s particularly difficult to buy for, and keen paddleboarders can be no exception. They already have their favourite board, several paddles, a collection of dry bags and enough accessories to fill the spare room. At that point, finding something they don’t already own can feel like quite a challenge.

Our advice would be to listen to the little things they mention after a paddle. Perhaps their feet were cold, they’ve been thinking about replacing an old piece of equipment or they keep complaining about inflating their board by hand. Maybe they’ve recently started camping and could make good use of an expedition bag, or perhaps they simply need somewhere sensible to put their wet clothing on the journey home.

Those small observations often lead to much better gifts than choosing something purely because it’s new or expensive. And if their equipment really is completely sorted, something connected to their wider love of the outdoors can be equally thoughtful. The best present is often the one that shows you’ve been paying attention.

Choosing Christmas gifts for paddleboarders

Christmas is a lovely time to treat the paddleboarder in your life, even if their board has been packed away until the warmer weather returns. For someone who paddles throughout winter, a new pair of gloves, suitable wetshoes or an extra clothing layer might be put to use almost immediately. For someone who prefers summer adventures, a dry bag, waterproof speaker or rechargeable pump could give them something to look forward to when spring arrives.

We’d always recommend checking sizes and availability carefully when buying clothing, particularly if you’re ordering well ahead of Christmas Day. The same applies to specialist equipment, where a little research can save disappointment. Check the product details, current delivery information and returns policy before ordering, especially when the gift won’t be opened straight away.

And don’t be afraid to ask a few questions before buying. Finding out whether someone already owns an electric pump or has been thinking about a new dry bag doesn’t have to spoil the surprise. A little gentle detective work can go a long way, although we wouldn’t recommend turning dinner into a full interrogation about their paddleboarding equipment!

Still unsure? We’re happy to help you choose

At SUP Funk, we’re paddleboarders ourselves, and we understand that buying equipment for someone else isn’t always straightforward. We carefully select the products we stock, use and test equipment wherever possible, and enjoy sharing what we’ve learned from our own adventures on the water. We’d much rather help you find a present that genuinely suits someone than recommend something simply because it costs more.

If you’re struggling to choose, tell us a little about the person you’re buying for, what they already own and roughly how much you’d like to spend. You don’t need to know all the technical details. Even something as simple as knowing whether they enjoy short summer paddles, regular winter outings or overnight adventures can help us narrow down the options.

You can explore our paddle board accessories, waterproof bags, paddle board pumps and paddleboarding clothing for more ideas. And if you’re still unsure, get in touch with us. Tell us a little about the person you’re buying for and your budget, and we’ll happily help you narrow down the choices.

After all, the best gifts aren’t necessarily the ones that look most impressive under the Christmas tree. They’re the ones that make someone smile every time they pack for another day on the water.