10 Essential Ocean Touring Gear Picks for Stand Up Paddleboarding

Launching into the open ocean on a paddleboard is an exhilarating experience, but the marine environment is inherently unpredictable. Unlike calm lakes, the ocean demands gear that can handle chop, currents, wind, and saltwater corrosion. Equipping yourself with the right touring gear ensures you stay safe, comfortable, and efficient during long coastal passages.

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How to Prep Your Paddleboard Gear for Open Ocean Water

Open ocean touring requires a shift in mindset from casual flatwater paddling. Before hitting the salt, every piece of gear must be inspected for structural integrity and saltwater readiness. Metal components need a coating of marine-grade anti-corrosion spray, and all zippers should be treated with wax to prevent salt seizure.

Weight distribution is critical when prepping a touring board. Heavy items like water and safety gear should be secured low and close to the center of the board to maintain stability in rolling swells. Overloading the nose or tail will ruin the board’s tracking and make paddling into a headwind exhausting.

Finally, always run a pre-launch checklist. Check inflation pressure, which drops in cold ocean water, test the seals on dry bags, and verify that communication devices are fully charged and secured within arm’s reach.

Touring SUP – Red Paddle Co 12’6″ Sport MSL

A dedicated touring board is the foundation of any open ocean excursion. Unlike wide, slow recreational boards, a touring SUP features a narrower template and a drawn-out nose designed to pierce chop and maintain a straight line over long distances. It turns your physical effort into efficient forward glide, saving energy when paddling against tides or headwinds.

The Red Paddle Co 12’6″ Sport MSL is the premier choice for paddlers needing speed without sacrificing stability in rolling ocean swells. Its proprietary MSL fusion construction creates an incredibly stiff hull that resists flexing, while the RSS stiffening battens slot into the rails to provide near-hardboard rigidity. The board’s sleek 30-inch width balances glide performance with a reassuringly stable platform when the water gets messy.

• Length: 12’6″ (optimum for touring glide)
• Width: 30 inches (balances speed and stability)
• Max Rider Weight: Up to 240 lbs
• Key Tech: Patented Rocker Stiffening System (RSS) battens

This board is perfect for intermediate paddlers stepping up to coastal touring, but it may feel slightly tippy for absolute beginners in rough chop. Keep in mind that inflating this high-pressure board to its recommended 18-22 PSI requires some physical effort, making an electric pump a worthy companion upgrade.

SUP Paddle – Werner Hydra 3-Piece Carbon

Over a long ocean paddle, you will make thousands of strokes. A heavy, flexible paddle wastes your energy and strains your shoulders, making a lightweight, stiff carbon paddle an absolute necessity for touring. It ensures that every ounce of your effort translates directly into forward momentum.

The Werner Hydra 3-Piece Carbon excels here with its ocean-specific blade design. The mid-sized, dihedral blade shape reduces flutter, allowing for clean, stable strokes even when paddling through turbulent chop. Its high-quality carbon construction provides a crisp, responsive flex pattern that protects your joints during long-distance coastal treks.

• Shaft Construction: 100% Carbon fiber
• Blade Design: Dihedral with a gentle swing weight
• Adjustability: Smart View Adjustable system
• Portability: 3-piece breakdown design

The three-piece construction makes travel and storage easy, but users must ensure the joints are free of sand before assembly. This premium paddle is a game-changer for serious touring enthusiasts, though casual paddlers might find the high price tag hard to justify.

Inflatable PFD – Onyx M-16 Belt Pack Manual PFD

Ocean paddling requires constant, unrestricted movement, making traditional bulky life jackets uncomfortable. However, going without a life jacket is both illegal and incredibly dangerous in open water. A compact, belt-pack inflatable PFD strikes the perfect balance, staying out of the way until needed.

The Onyx M-16 Belt Pack Manual PFD is the ideal choice for ocean paddlers who prioritize freedom of movement. It sits comfortably around the waist, minimizing heat buildup and preventing underarm chafing during long tours. In an emergency, a quick pull of the manual inflation cord deploys a highly visible yellow bladder that keeps the user afloat.

• Inflation Type: Manual (pull-to-inflate)
• Buoyancy: 17 lbs of buoyancy when inflated
• Approval: USCG Approved Type V with Type III performance
• Waist Range: Fits up to a 52-inch waist

This PFD is designed for competent swimmers who want a low-profile safety option. Because it is manually operated, it requires the user to be conscious to deploy it, making it unsuitable for weak swimmers or rough, white-water environments where sudden impacts are a risk.

SUP Leash – FCS Essential Series Coiled Leash

In the ocean, your board is your primary life support device. If you fall off in high winds or strong currents, a loose paddleboard can drift away faster than anyone can swim. A high-quality leash keeps you safely tethered to your board at all times, preventing a simple spill from turning into a survival situation.

The FCS Essential Series Coiled Leash is engineered specifically to eliminate drag while keeping you secure. The coiled design keeps the leash on the deck of the board, preventing it from dragging in the water and snagging on seaweed or floating debris. The over-molded stainless steel swivels prevent tangles, ensuring the leash never twists around your ankle during a step-back turn.

• Cord Thickness: 7mm high-strength polyurethane
• Swivels: Dual marine-grade stainless steel
• Cuff: Neoprene padded ankle strap with quick-release pull tab
• Style: Coiled (recommended for flatwater and touring)

While excellent for flatwater and open-ocean touring, a coiled leash should never be used in fast-flowing rivers or tidal rapids without a quick-release waist belt. For coastal touring, ensure the hook-and-loop cuff is cleared of sand and hair to guarantee a secure hold.

Dry Bag – Sea to Summit Big River Dry Bag

Ocean spray, crashing waves, and occasional flips are all part of coastal touring. A dependable dry bag is essential for protecting your extra layers, lunch, and sensitive electronics from salt damage. If your gear gets soaked, your trip can quickly turn miserable or dangerous.

The Sea to Summit Big River Dry Bag is built for rugged marine environments where gear takes a beating. Constructed from heavy-duty 420D nylon, this bag resists abrasions from sand, rocks, and paddleboard deck rigs. The white interior laminate makes it easy to find gear inside, while the multiple lash loops allow you to secure it tightly to your board’s deck bungees.

• Material: 420D TPU-laminated nylon
• Waterproof Rating: Hypalon roll-top closure
• Available Sizes: 5L to 65L (20L is the sweet spot for touring)
• Base: Oval shape to prevent rolling on deck

To ensure a waterproof seal, the roll-top closure must be folded down at least three times. This bag is perfect for paddlers who need heavy-duty protection, but those looking for ultralight, packable storage may find the thick, durable fabric a bit rigid.

VHF Marine Radio – Standard Horizon HX210

Cell phones are notoriously unreliable on the water, often losing signal just a mile or two from shore. A VHF marine radio is your lifeline to the U.S. Coast Guard, local marine patrol, and passing vessels. If you find yourself caught in an offshore wind or a sudden medical emergency, a radio is the most reliable way to call for help.

The Standard Horizon HX210 is a compact, floating handheld VHF that is perfect for the minimalist deck of a paddleboard. It features an easy-to-read high-resolution screen and is fully submersible up to three feet for 30 minutes. Most importantly, it floats face-up and activates a water-triggered strobe light if it falls overboard, making it easy to retrieve in low-light conditions.

• Transmit Power: Selectable 6W / 2.5W / 1W
• Waterproof Rating: IPX7 (submersible)
• Battery: High-capacity Li-Po with rapid charger
• Safety Feature: Water-activated strobe light

Operating a VHF radio requires basic knowledge of marine channel protocols, such as using Channel 16 for emergencies. It is an indispensable safety tool for anyone paddling more than a mile offshore, though it does require periodic battery maintenance to ensure it is charged when needed.

SUP Deck Bag – Seattle Sports Waterproof Deck Pack

Fumbling with a loose dry bag under bungee cords while trying to maintain your balance in rolling swells is a recipe for disaster. A dedicated SUP deck bag attaches securely to your board’s deck plugs, keeping your immediate essentials organized and within arm’s reach. This allows you to grab sunscreen, snacks, or a camera without stopping or losing your footing.

The Seattle Sports Waterproof Deck Pack is designed specifically to mount flat on the nose of a paddleboard. It features a heavy-duty, splash-proof zipper and a low-profile design that minimizes wind resistance. The exterior bungee system provides extra storage for items you need to stash quickly, like a discarded windbreaker.

• Attachment: Four corner swiveling clips
• Waterproofing: RF-welded seams with splash-resistant zipper
• Profile: Curved, aerodynamic shape
• Exterior: Shock-cord grid for quick storage

While highly water-resistant and capable of handling heavy spray, this deck pack is not designed for prolonged submersion. Put highly sensitive electronics inside a secondary dry pouch before placing them inside this bag.

Hydration Pack – CamelBak Octane Dart Hydration

Dehydration is one of the quickest ways to lose your strength and focus on the water. Stopping to retrieve a water bottle from a deck bag disrupts your paddling rhythm and can cause you to lose ground against a headwind. A lightweight hydration vest allows you to sip water hands-free while maintaining your stroke.

The CamelBak Octane Dart Hydration pack is a low-profile, vest-style pack that fits snugly against your upper back, staying clear of your PFD belt. It holds 1.5 liters of water, which is the perfect amount for a multi-hour coastal tour. The elastic chest strap keeps the pack stable, preventing it from shifting around as you twist your torso with each paddle stroke.

• Reservoir Capacity: 1.5 Liters (Crux reservoir)
• Material: Breathable 3D vent mesh
• Pockets: Zippered essentials pocket on the harness
• Fit: Adjustable sternum strap

Make sure to thoroughly rinse the bite valve and bladder with fresh water after every saltwater trip to prevent salt crusting. This vest is an excellent choice for active paddlers, though those planning full-day expeditions may need a larger reservoir capacity.

Marine GPS Watch – Garmin Instinct 2 Surf Edition

Navigating the open ocean requires constant awareness of your speed, heading, and distance from shore. A marine-grade GPS watch provides real-time data on your wrist, allowing you to monitor your pace against currents and track your route. It takes the guesswork out of estimating how long it will take to return to your launch point.

The Garmin Instinct 2 Surf Edition is a rugged, water-ready smartwatch built to withstand the harshest marine environments. It features dedicated tide data, wind conditions, and surf tracking, keeping you fully informed of changing ocean conditions. The high-contrast display remains clear in direct sunlight, and the long battery life ensures it won’t die mid-journey.

• Water Rating: 100 meters (10 ATM)
• GPS Systems: GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo support
• Marine Features: Real-time tide data and surf activity tracking
• Battery Life: Up to 28 days in smartwatch mode

The watch has a minor learning curve to navigate its deep menus and configure the data screens for paddleboarding. It is a premier tool for serious ocean tourers who need precise navigation, while casual paddlers may find a basic GPS unit sufficient.

Safety Whistle – Storm All-Weather Safety Whistle

When the wind is howling and the waves are crashing, the human voice cannot carry far enough to signal for help. A loud safety whistle is a legally required coast guard item and a vital backup tool if your electronics fail. It is a simple, mechanical device that works when everything else goes wrong.

The Storm All-Weather Safety Whistle is widely recognized as the loudest whistle on the market. Its unique, patented design allows it to work even when completely wet or submerged. It emits a high-pitched, dual-frequency sound that can easily cut through the roar of breaking waves and engine noise from passing motorboats.

• Sound Output: Up to 120 decibels
• Material: High-impact thermoplastic
• Design: Double-chambered, works underwater
• Attachment: Lanyard loop for easy PFD mounting

Because of its extreme volume, users should avoid blowing it in enclosed spaces or near ears. It is a cheap, life-saving insurance policy that every paddleboarder should keep permanently tethered to their life jacket.

How to Wash and Store Saltwater Paddleboard Equipment

Saltwater is incredibly destructive, leaving behind corrosive crystals as it evaporates. To protect your investment, a thorough freshwater rinse is mandatory after every single trip. Spray down your board, paddle, leash, and safety gear, paying special attention to metal hardware, D-rings, and zippers.

Before packing away an inflatable board, ensure it is completely dry. Storing a damp board in its bag invites mold, mildew, and delamination, which can permanently weaken the seams. Wipe down the entire surface with a microfiber towel and let it air dry in a shaded area out of direct sunlight.

Finally, store your board in a temperature-controlled environment. Extreme heat, like inside a hot garage or attic, can cause the air inside an inflated board to expand or weaken the glue seams on your touring SUP. Store it partially deflated or loosely rolled in its storage bag to ensure it is ready for your next ocean adventure.

Conclusion

Ocean touring offers a level of freedom and adventure that flatwater paddling simply cannot match. By investing in the right safety, navigation, and performance gear, you can explore coastal waters with confidence. Prepare diligently, respect the power of the sea, and enjoy the journey ahead.