1 / 2 · Expedition prep
2 / 2 · Packing by season
The pictures cover how an experienced paddler prepares for a long-distance expedition. For your first tour, go with someone, start on a short route you know, and choose what to pack to suit the season and your plans.
Feel like exploring a bit farther on your board? Getting ready can be as much fun as discovering new scenery. At first, pick a short, familiar route with a companion, and sort what to bring into four groups.
01. Before the destination, check your way back
Decide where you'll launch and land, your route and when you'll be back. Check the wind, currents and weather forecast along with conditions on site, and leave room to shorten or cancel your plans if things change.
Tell someone on land your route and when you'll be back. In particular, avoid wind blowing from the land out to sea. At first, it's better to go with a friend or instructor who knows the area than to head out alone.
02. Check your basic gear before it goes in the bag
It's easy to think only of the board and paddle, but forgetting the fin and connecting parts would be a problem. Lay everything out in one place, including a leash suited to the water and a buoyancy aid that fits your body and activity, and check its condition.
Choose your clothing with the water temperature in mind, not just the air temperature. The water can be cold even when the sun feels warm. If getting back on after falling in is still hard for you, learn it in a lesson before taking on longer tours.
- Board, paddle, fin and connecting parts
- A leash suited to the water you'll ride
- A buoyancy aid (PFD) that fits you and clothing suited to the water temperature
03. Keep water, snacks and a way to call within reach
Bring drinking water and snacks to suit how long you'll be out and the weather. Take a map or GPS to check your route, and waterproof anything that shouldn't get wet.
Keep your phone on you in a waterproof pouch. If it's only in the bag on your board, you can't call anyone if you get separated from the board. Before you set out, it's a good idea to check the battery and how to call for help locally.
04. Hot days and cold days call for different packing
On sunny days, along with water, bring a hat, sunscreen and protection for your eyes and skin. On cold days, keeping warm with a suit suited to the water temperature, plus gloves, boots and the like, becomes more important.
The drysuit, heavy insulating layers and sleeping bag of a long winter expedition aren't standard gear for every short tour. Decide what to pack based on the season, water temperature and time on the water, and plan trips into unfamiliar cold conditions with an experienced instructor.
Sources and scope
The artwork is Starboard's two original infographics on preparing for a SUP expedition and packing by season; the explanation is Starboard Korea's commentary. The original's heading about a first solo paddle refers to a long-distance expedition and does not encourage beginners to go out alone. Winter clothing and a sleeping bag aren't essentials for every short tour either. Going with a companion, sharing your plan, carrying a waterproof way to call for help on your body, wearing a buoyancy aid and avoiding wind that blows away from the shore were added to the text based on official RNLI guidance checked on 2026-09-08.
- Starboard · Getting ready for a SUP expedition ↗
- Starboard · What to pack for a SUP trip on hot and cold days ↗
- Starboard · Expedition gear for cold environments (2021) ↗
- RNLI · SUP safety and choosing a leash for the water ↗
The illustration is Starboard's original artwork; the explanation is Starboard Korea's editorial guide, translated into English here. Sources checked: 2026-09-08.
