Whether you're paddling across a glassy lake, navigating river currents, or catching waves at the coast, what you wear can make or break your SUP experience. From sun protection to comfort and safety, choosing the right paddleboarding outfit is about staying prepared—not overpacking.

In this guide, you'll learn what to wear paddle boarding in any season or setting, plus must-have accessories to keep you safe, dry, and comfortable on the water.

Air can feel warm while the water stays cold. Always dress for an unexpected fall-in. As a baseline, plan your layers around water temperature, then fine-tune for wind, sun, and your activity intensity.

Warm-weather paddling is all about UV protection and staying cool. Water reflects sunlight, so exposure is higher than you think.

Summer SUP Essentials:

• Rash Guard or UV Shirt: Lightweight, breathable tops with UPF help prevent burn without constant sunscreen reapplication.

• Boardshorts or Quick-Dry Leggings: Choose stretch fabrics that don’t chafe when wet.

• Hat or Cap with Retainer: A brimmed hat shields face/ears; a strap keeps it on in wind.

• Polarized Sunglasses with Leash: Cuts glare, improves visibility of chop, kelp, or underwater hazards.

• Reef-Safe Sunscreen: Reapply on shoulders, calves, and under the chin/nose (sun reflects upward).

Hydration & Heat Tips:

• Bring a water bottle or hydration pack secured under deck bungees.

• Take shade or swim breaks on long, sunny sessions.

• Light colors and loose fits help heat management.

Shoulder seasons shift quickly—sunny one minute, breezy the next. Layering is key.

Essentials for Shoulder Seasons:

• Synthetic Base Layer (No Cotton): Wicks moisture and dries fast if you take a dip.

• Light Mid-Layer/Long Sleeve: Adds warmth without bulk; think thin fleece or performance top.

• Paddle Jacket or Windbreaker: Water-resistant and breathable to block spray and gusts.

• Neoprene Leggings/Shorts: Light insulation that still moves well.

• Water Shoes or Neoprene Booties: Warmth and protection on chilly decks and rocky launches.

• PFD (Life Vest): Lightweight, low-profile models are ideal for active paddling.

Cold-water paddling demands extra caution. Even 50–60°F (10–16°C) water can sap heat fast.

Cold Weather Must-Haves:

• Wetsuit or Dry Suit:

  • 3/2mm or 4/3mm wetsuit for cool water/short sessions.

  • Dry suit + thermal layers for very cold water or longer distances.

• Thermal Beanie or Hood: Prevents heat loss; wind on wet hair gets cold fast.

• Neoprene Gloves: Keep hands functional for paddle grip.

• High-Top Neoprene Booties: Insulate feet and add traction on wet deck pads.

Safety Tip: Always wear a leash and carry a full change of dry clothes in a dry bag. If you fall in, get dry and warm quickly.

Different water types call for slight tweaks:

Lakes:

Usually calmer. Comfort and sun protection rule: rash guard/UV shirt, boardshorts or leggings, light windbreaker for afternoon breezes.

Rivers:

Expect splash, current, and varied terrain. Go snug to avoid snagging (fitted tops/leggings), choose protective footwear for rocky entries, and consider elbow/knee coverage if you’re learning on shallow sections.

Ocean/Coastal:

More wind and salt. Choose secure, close-fitting tops; a hat that won’t fly off; and footwear for cobble or reef entries. In shoulder seasons, add a paddle jacket and thin neoprene layers.

Barefoot feels great—but it isn’t always practical.

• Barefoot: Warm, sandy beaches; soft-bottomed lakes.

• Footwear Recommended: Cold water, rocky/rough launches, or when you need extra traction and protection.

Neoprene booties or purpose-built water shoes from trusted outdoor brands work well. Choose soles with grip and uppers that drain/dry quickly.

• PFD (Life Vest) or Inflatable Belt Pack: Essential for safety and often required by law.

• Leash (Correct Style): Straight or coiled for flatwater; quick-release waist leashes for rivers.

• Dry Bag: Spare layer, towel, phone, snacks.

• Whistle: Required in many areas—clip to your PFD.

• Hydration Pack/Water Bottle: Especially for touring/fitness.

• Bug Spray & Lip Balm: Lakes/rivers can be buggy; wind + sun chap lips.

For a broader kit, see:  What to Bring on a Paddle Boarding Adventure

Women:

• High-neck swimsuits or athletic tops improve coverage and security.

• Rash guards with built-in support reduce layers and chafe.

• High-waist leggings stay put and protect lower back from sun.

Men:

• Compression shorts or water-safe briefs under boardshorts prevent seam rub.

• UV shirts or sleeveless rash guards keep shoulders protected without overheating.

• Avoid Cotton: It holds water and chills you.

• Test Fit on Shore: Twist, kneel, and simulate paddling—fix hot spots before you launch.

• Secure Everything: Sunglass leashes, hat straps, snug layers—wind and falls happen.

• Pack Smart: Stash a light towel and extra top; a quick change can save the day.

• Plan for Wind: Dress a touch warmer if you’ll paddle into a breeze on the way back.

New to SUP? Start here:  Beginner’s Guide to Stand-Up Paddleboarding

Hot, Sunny Lake Day

Rash guard or UV tee + boardshorts/leggings + hat + polarized sunglasses + sunscreen + PFD + leash.

Windy Coastal Afternoon

UV top + boardshorts/leggings + paddle jacket/windbreaker + footwear for rocky entry + sunglasses leash + PFD + leash.

Cool Morning on River

Synthetic base + thin mid-layer + neoprene bottoms + water shoes/booties + light shell + PFD + quick-release waist leash.

Cold-Water Touring

Dry suit + thermal base + neoprene booties + gloves + beanie/hood + hydration pack + PFD + leash + dry clothes in dry bag.

SUP Yoga

Fitted top + high-stretch leggings/shorts + hat (optional) + sunscreen + PFD (stowed on deck if allowed) + leash.

• Dressing for air temp only (and getting chilled after a fall).

• Cotton layers that stay wet.

• Loose, flappy clothing that catches wind or snags.

• No sun strategy: skipping hat/UPF top and over-relying on sunscreen alone.

• Forgetting the leash/PFD: critical for safety and often required.

For more practical pointers, see:  Beginner Paddle Board Mistakes to Avoid

The best paddle boarding outfit keeps you safe, comfortable, and confident—without getting in the way of the experience. Whether you're gliding across a calm lake, threading river currents, or exploring the coast, match your clothing to water temperature, wind, and your plan. That simple habit stretches your paddling season, reduces risk, and makes every session more enjoyable.

Remember, when thinking about  what to wear paddle boarding, apparel is part of your safety system. The right layers buy you time, the right footwear protects your footing, and a dependable PFD and leash turn close calls into non-events. Start with the essentials, refine with experience, and keep a small kit in your dry bag so you can adapt on the fly.

If you’re upgrading gear or getting your first setup, these resources help:

👉 Want a full gear list? Start with our SUP accessories checklist

👉 New to the sport? Check out our Beginner’s Guide to Stand-Up Paddleboarding

👉 Need the perfect board? Explore our inflatable paddle board collection, built for every paddler and every condition.