Paddle Board Accessories

Yes, and using an electric pump for your paddle board is a game-changer. The best electric pumps for paddle boards have pressure gauges and automatic shut-off, so your board is inflated exactly to the correct PSI. Plus, these pumps eliminate the fatigue of manual pumping, which is a lifesaver on hot days or if you have multiple boards to inflate. This saves you time and effort, meaning that you get on the water faster and with more energy!

Yes! Although there is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all nozzle, our Weekender iSUP Electric Pump comes with six different nozzle options, ensuring universal compatibility across all our inflatables, from exercise balls to electric bike tires.

The best electric pumps designed for paddle boards, like our iSUP Electric Pump, can fully inflate an average paddle board to the recommended PSI in 10 minutes or less. This varies slightly depending on the pump's power, the board's size and thickness, and the desired pressure. Some high-powered pumps can even inflate a board in under 5 minutes. Compare that to the 15-20 minutes it will take with a manual pump, plus the effort entailed, and it’s easy to see why an electric pump is a great choice.

An electric paddle board pump works by using an electric motor to power a piston or diaphragm that compresses air, forcing it out of the nozzle and into the board. The best electric pumps have two stages: a high-volume stage for quickly inflating the board to a low pressure, and a high-pressure stage for gently topping it off to the exact recommended PSI. They’ll also have a pressure gauge and automatic shut-off to prevent overinflation. Think of it like a super-powered version of a bicycle pump, but much faster and more efficient!

Both have some benefits. Choosing between an electric pump and a hand pump for your paddle board requires considering a couple of factors. Electric pumps offer convenience, speed, and accuracy, inflating your board quickly to the correct PSI with no physical effort. They're ideal if you value ease of use and want to get on the water fast. However, they are heavier and more expensive, and require a power source (such as a car’s 12V outlet) or an internal battery. Hand pumps are more affordable and portable, requiring no external power. If you’re hiking to a destination to paddle, a manual pump might be the only option. But these pumps can be time-consuming and tiring to use, especially if inflating larger (or multiple) paddle boards.

PSI stands for “pounds per square inch,” and is a unit of pressure. It refers to the pressure that results when a one pound of force is applied to a unit area of one square inch. All inflatables, from basketballs and yoga balls to paddle boards, inflatable kayaks, and bicycle tires, have a recommended “PSI” to which they should be inflated.

It depends on the paddle board, and you should check your owner’s manual to be sure of the correct PSI before inflating. However, most inflatable paddle boards will recommend around 12 to 15 PSI.

A paddle board anchor might seem like an optional extra, but it can actually be incredibly useful. Primarily, an anchor prevents your board from drifting in windy conditions or currents. This allows you to stay in one spot, whether you're fishing, taking a break to enjoy the scenery, or doing yoga on your board. If you plan to swim or snorkel from your board, an anchor will keep it from floating away while you're in the water. Even if the water is calm, an anchor is particularly useful in crowded areas. It will help you maintain your position and avoid collisions with other paddlers or boats. Paddle board anchors can also be used for inflatable kayaks and inflatable docks.

The weight you need for your anchor may vary based on conditions, but around 3.5 pounds is usually enough. It’s best to keep your anchor as light as possible. This provides enough weight to keep you secure, without making it difficult to paddle and carry the anchor with you. Keep in mind that folding anchors with multiple flukes—like our Mainstay Anchor—tend to hold better than traditional fixed anchors, even at lighter weights.

It depends on the anchor and your paddle board, but our Mainstay Anchor features a mini carabiner that is compatible with any inflatable with a D-ring connection point! Simply clip it to a D-ring on the underside or edge of your board, throw the anchor overboard, and you’re good to go.

Carrying an inflatable paddle board can be cumbersome, but there are several options to make it easier. Many paddlers use a carry sling, a padded strap that goes over your shoulder and allows you to carry the board on your side. This is a simple, affordable option, great for short distances, but it can be tiring for longer distances or heavier boards. Another popular choice is to deflate your board and place it into a paddle board backpack which distributes the weight evenly across your back and shoulders. These backpacks have adjustable straps and padded support for maximum comfort. Our paddle board backpacks have venting on the bottom to help dry your board, a large zippered front pocket for extra storage, and a waist belt to take additional weight off your shoulders.

A backpack designed for inflatable paddle boards offers numerous benefits, including convenient hands-free transport of your board, pump, and accessories, organized storage with dedicated compartments, comfortable carrying with padded straps and back support, protection from damage during transport, and versatility for use in other activities like hiking or travel.

Packing your inflatable paddle board into a carrying backpack is easier than you think! First, make sure your board is completely deflated and dry. Fold it in half lengthwise, then roll it tightly from the nose towards the tail. This creates a compact cylinder that fits nicely into most paddle board backpacks. Secure the rolled board with the straps provided in the backpack to keep it from unfurling. Next, pack in your fins, pump, and any other accessories into the designated compartments or pockets. Finally, zip up the backpack and adjust the straps for a comfortable fit. Some paddle boards have specific folding instructions, so refer to those for guidance.

Traveling with a paddle board is easier than you might think, especially if it's inflatable! Simply deflate it, roll it up, and pack it into its carrying bag or backpack, like our Weekender iSUP Backpack. This allows you to easily check it as luggage on a plane, or store it in your car trunk. Hard paddle boards require a bit more planning. If you’re driving, you could transport them using roof racks or trailers. If you’re flying, it’ll be harder, but some airlines can accommodate hard boards as oversized luggage (with added fees). Regardless of your board type, be sure to research airline or transportation regulations beforehand to ensure a smooth, hassle-free journey. If all else fails, you can always rent paddle boards at your destination.

Yes, using a leash on a paddle board is highly recommended for safety, particularly in open water or choppy conditions. A leash tethers you to your board, preventing it from getting away from you if you fall off. This is crucial if you’re paddling in high wind, strong currents, or choppy water, where your board could quickly drift away. A paddle board leash is also helpful for emergencies. (If you were involved in some sort of accident and knocked unconscious, for example, a leash would allow your companions to find you and pull you to the surface.) While a leash might not be necessary for a calm, controlled body of water, such as a sheltered freshwater inlet with no boat traffic, it’s still smart to be in the habit of using one. Our Weekender Leash also includes a hidden key pocket on the ankle cuff, so you can take your keys on the water with you!

Our paddle board leash comes pre-tied, so all you need to do is girth hitch it to your paddle board’s leash point. Simply run one end of the orange loop through the leash point, then thread the entire leash back through the loop. Once your leash is attached to the board, you can attach the other end of the leash to your ankle.

Like surfboard leashes, a paddle board leash is worn around the ankle of the rear foot. As a paddleboarder, your “rear foot” isn’t always as obvious, because you’ll usually be paddling with your feet planted parallel from each other. But think of it like this, if you were to ride your paddle board like a surfboard, skateboard, or snowboard, which foot would be in front? Would you stand regular (left foot forwarded), or goofy-footed (right foot forward)? The neoprene cuff of your leash should be placed around your back foot, just above the ankle.

Coiled paddle board leashes offer several advantages. Primarily, the coiled design minimizes drag when you’re on the board, so your leash isn’t hanging behind you while you paddle, but still allows for an extension range of 10 feet when uncoiled. Coiled leashes also are less likely to tangle and are more compact for easy storage.

The general rule of thumb is to add 8 to 10 inches to your height to find your paddle board paddle size. If you’re 60 inches tall, a paddle between 68 and 70 inches is probably a good fit. This can vary slightly depending on your paddling style and the type of board you have. That’s why our Weekender iSUP 3-Piece Paddle is fully adjustable! The “Regular” size adjusts from 63 to 84 inches, and the “Nano” size adjusts from 52 to 67 inches.

No, you can’t use a kayak paddle for a paddle board, because kayak paddles are twin-bladed, and paddle board paddles have a T-grip on one end, which is crucial for stand-up paddling. However, we offer a convertible Hybrid iSUP/Kayak Paddle, which can switch between a twin-bladed kayak paddle and a paddle board paddle! Like our normal three-piece paddle board paddles, this hybrid paddle is also fully-adjustable, able to accommodate a variety of heights and paddling styles.

Paddle boards usually have either three fins or one fin. For most paddle boarders, three fins are best. Tri-fin boards—with a larger center fin and two smaller wing fins—provide better lateral stability, making it easier to keep your balance on the board. Single-fin boards have reduced drag, so they’re a bit faster than tri-fin boards (but consequently much less stable). Ultimately, the slight difference in speed with three fins isn’t worth the decrease in stability, at least for most casual paddle boarders.

Every set of paddle board fins is different, so installation varies based on your fin system. But retrospec fins are easy to install, no tools required! To remove a fin, simply push down and remove the fin’s locking tab, then slide the fin backwards out of the fin box. To install a new fin, align the fin with the fin box and slide it forward until it's fully seated, then install the locking tab.

Yes, you can technically paddle a board without a fin, and there are specific situations, like extremely shallow water or river paddling with obstacles, where removing the fin might be necessary to prevent damage. However, paddling without a fin is not recommended for most situations. Paddle board fins play a crucial role in stability and tracking, allowing you to paddle in a straight line and maintain control. Without a fin, your board will be much more difficult to maneuver, especially in windy conditions or currents. You'll find yourself constantly correcting your direction, and expending more energy just to stay on course.

Insulated water bottles and tumblers will maintain your drink's temperature for extended periods. This means cold drinks stay refreshingly chilled, and hot beverages (coffee, tea, hot chocolate) remain warm, even after several hours. This is especially useful during outdoor activities like camping and paddle boarding, where access to refrigeration or heating is limited. If you’re out on the water for hours during a hot summer day, you don’t want to come back to the car and sip on lukewarm water, soda, juice, or beer– you want ice-cold drinks! Insulated bottles will provide that. Beyond temperature control, the best insulated bottles also have leak-proof lids, sip mouths, durable steel construction, and carrying loops.

Choosing a metal water bottle or tumbler over a plastic one offers significant advantages, both for your health and the environment. For starters, plastic bottles have no insulation. They won’t keep your drinks cold or warm. Another concern, especially with single-use plastic bottles, is their contribution to microplastic pollution. These tiny plastic particles shed from the bottle over time, and end up in our waterways and even our food chain, posing risks to human and animal health. Metal bottles don't shed microplastics, making them a safer, more eco-friendly choice. You also don’t have to worry about harmful chemicals found in plastics, like BPA.

Also, they’re far more durable and sustainable. They can withstand drops, bumps, and everyday wear and tear without cracking or breaking, unlike plastic bottles. This longevity means you'll replace them less often, reducing waste and your environmental footprint. Metal is also infinitely recyclable, so even at the end of its life, your bottle can be repurposed without adding to landfills. While metal bottles are heavier than plastic, we believe the benefits of durability, safety, and sustainability make them a worthwhile investment for a healthier planet and lifestyle!

Getting comfortably seated in your inflatable kayak is key for a smooth and enjoyable paddling experience. First, make sure your kayak is fully inflated and stable on the water. Then, position yourself in the center of the inflatable kayak seat, ensuring your weight is evenly distributed. Your back should be resting against the backrest, your knees slightly bent with your feet resting on the footrests or floor of the kayak. Adjust your position as needed to ensure you feel balanced and comfortable!

Yes! Our AerComfort Inflatable Kayak Seat is fully removable and attachable to the D-rings on many retrospec paddle boards and inflatable docks, including Weekender Plus, Weekender Tour, Weekender Crew and Crew XL, and Siesta Dock and Dock XL. Putting a kayak seat on a paddle board essentially turns your board into a kayak, providing a comfortable seated paddling experience. Our seats also include a zippered rear pocket for added onboard storage.