6 Best Sup Paddle Bungees For Storage For Long Trips

Nothing ruins a perfect day on the water faster than watching your dry bag drift away because of a failed rigging system. When you are miles from the launch, your gear storage isn’t just about convenience—it’s about peace of mind. These six bungee solutions ensure your supplies stay locked down, no matter how choppy the lake or bay gets.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases. Thank you!

Essential Gear for Long Distance SUP Touring

When you head out for a full-day tour, the list of "must-haves" grows quickly. You need a place for your hydration bladder, a dry bag with extra layers, a first aid kit, and perhaps a snack or two. A board without proper tie-down points is essentially just a floating platform, leaving your essentials vulnerable to sliding off during a maneuver or a sudden gust.

Long-distance touring requires a balance between accessibility and security. You don’t want your gear buried so deep that you can’t reach your water, but you also cannot afford to have loose items shifting your center of gravity. Investing in a robust bungee system is the single most effective way to transform your board into a reliable expedition vessel.

Nite Ize Gear Tie: Best Reusable Bungee Tool

If you crave versatility, the Nite Ize Gear Tie is your best friend on the water. Unlike traditional elastic cords that lose their tension over time, these are essentially heavy-duty, rubber-coated wires that you can twist into any shape. They are perfect for securing oddly shaped items like fishing rods or rolled-up rain jackets that standard bungees often fail to grip.

Because they are infinitely reusable and won’t snap or fray, they are ideal for paddlers who frequently change their gear setup. Just keep in mind that they lack the "give" of a traditional bungee, so they aren’t great for holding down heavy, shifting loads. If you want a modular, "set it and forget it" solution for small accessories, these are an absolute must-have.

Seattle Sports Bungee Kit: Best Deck Rigging

For those who need a comprehensive solution, the Seattle Sports Bungee Kit is the gold standard for retrofitting a board. It provides all the necessary components to create a custom deck grid, including high-quality shock cord and the adhesive pads needed for attachment. It’s perfect for someone who bought a minimalist board but realized later that they need more storage capacity.

The beauty of this kit lies in its permanence and reliability. Once you install these anchor points, you have a dedicated, professional-grade area for your dry bags. This is the right choice for the serious tourer who wants a clean, factory-installed look without needing a degree in engineering to put it together.

Sea to Summit Accessory Strap: Secure Storage

Sometimes, a bungee cord just isn’t enough to handle the weight of a heavy dry bag. That is where the Sea to Summit Accessory Strap comes into play. These aren’t elastic; they are high-strength webbing straps with a reliable buckle, designed to cinched down gear so tightly that it becomes part of the board itself.

I recommend these for paddlers who carry heavier equipment or are heading into rougher, open-water conditions where gear shift is a major safety concern. While you lose the stretch of a bungee, you gain incredible stability. If you are worried about your gear bouncing around in chop, skip the elastic and go straight for these straps.

NRS SUP Deck Rigging Kit: Best Heavy Duty Pick

NRS is synonymous with whitewater and serious expedition gear, and their SUP Deck Rigging Kit reflects that pedigree. This kit uses heavy-duty webbing and reinforced attachment points that can handle significantly more abuse than standard recreational bungees. It is built for the paddler who isn’t afraid of a little contact with rocks or harsh UV exposure.

This is the "buy it once, use it for a decade" option. If you are planning a multi-day trip or frequently paddle in challenging environments, the peace of mind offered by the NRS system is unparalleled. It’s an investment in your gear’s security that pays off every time you hit the water.

Malone Auto Racks Bungee: Best Elastic Cord

If you already have the anchor points but just need a high-quality replacement cord, the Malone Auto Racks Bungee is a fantastic choice. It features a durable, UV-resistant sheath that prevents the internal rubber from drying out and cracking after a season in the sun. It offers that perfect, snappy tension that keeps your gear pulled firmly against the deck.

This is the ideal pick for the casual tourer who wants to refresh their board’s existing rigging without a full overhaul. It’s simple, effective, and does exactly what a bungee is supposed to do. If your current cords are looking limp or frayed, this is the most cost-effective way to get your board back in top shape.

Aqua Bound Bungee System: Best for Equipment

The Aqua Bound system is designed with a focus on ease of use and accessibility. It excels at securing paddles, pumps, or other long, slender items that often get in the way of your main storage area. The tensioning mechanism is intuitive, allowing you to tighten or loosen the hold without needing to untie knots or fumble with stiff cords.

This system is perfect for paddlers who like to keep their deck organized and clutter-free. It’s not necessarily meant for your heavy dry bags, but for the smaller, "I need this now" items, it is incredibly efficient. If you prioritize a tidy deck and quick access to your secondary gear, this is the system for you.

Choosing the Right Bungee for Your SUP Board

When selecting a bungee system, start by evaluating your typical load. If you are just carrying a small water bottle and a light windbreaker, a basic elastic cord is more than enough. However, if you are hauling a full camping setup, you need to transition toward static webbing straps or high-tension, heavy-duty rigging kits.

Consider the attachment points on your board as well. Many modern boards come with pre-installed D-rings, but if yours doesn’t, you must factor in the installation process. Always choose a kit that matches your board’s material—specifically, ensure the adhesive pads are compatible with your board’s deck pad or PVC surface to avoid long-term damage.

Proper Installation for Safe SUP Gear Storage

Installation is where most paddlers make mistakes that lead to gear loss. Always clean the surface of your board with isopropyl alcohol before applying any adhesive anchor points to ensure a permanent bond. Never rush the curing time; let the adhesive set for at least 24 hours before putting any tension on the lines.

When threading your bungee, aim for a "web" pattern rather than a single straight line. A crisscross pattern distributes the weight of your gear across multiple points, preventing any single anchor from bearing the entire load. This simple technique significantly reduces the likelihood of a hardware failure while you are out on the water.

Maintaining Your Bungee Cords for Longevity

Bungees are susceptible to UV degradation and salt buildup, both of which can turn a flexible cord into a brittle, snapped mess. After every trip, especially in saltwater, give your rigging a thorough rinse with fresh water. This removes the salt crystals that act like sandpaper on the internal elastic strands.

Store your board out of direct sunlight whenever possible, as UV rays are the primary enemy of rubberized gear. If you notice the outer sheath of your bungee becoming fuzzy or the cord losing its "snap," replace it immediately. It is far cheaper to replace a few feet of bungee cord than it is to replace the gear that falls off your board in the middle of the lake.

Selecting the right bungee system is about matching your gear to your specific touring style and environment. By investing in quality materials and maintaining them with care, you ensure that your essentials stay exactly where they belong. Now that your board is properly rigged, you are ready to focus on the horizon and enjoy the journey ahead.