The Best SUP Kit
Supping is a great way to catch a wave, or chisel your abs, but the bulkiness of most SUPs makes them somewhere between impractical and impossible to store if you don’t have a full-sized garage. NRS’s new nine-foot-long 34-inch-wide Tyrant is a different beast: It rolls down into a backpack small enough to be stuffed under a bed or shoved in a closet.
But inflated on the water, it’s sporty and ready to glide through the surf. A grippy diamond pattern foam deck gives you purchase, whether you’re running rivers or paddling flatwater for fitness, and an interchangeable fin lets you adapt the Tyrant to local conditions. The stomp pad is the full width of the deck, which means secure maneuvering when you need to act fast.
And when you’re traveling to the nearest ocean or river, because it’s inflatable, there’s no roof rack required. Comes with a handy carry/storage pack, fins, pressure gauge, high-pressure pump, Leafield valve adapter and repair kit. Available now,
Astral Buoyancy Porter
Flips are fine for being a beach bum, but when there’s a solid chance you’re going to swim you need a shoe that will stay on your feet. These have a siped, non-marking sole for grip on your board, and a heel lace locks them on your feet even when you’re unintentionally using them as flippers. When you’re on not in the surf, the uppers breathe and drain. Available now,
Sea to Summit Rapid 26L DryPack
Whether you’re day tripping or island hopping, you need a dry bag to hold lunch, a towel, an extra layer and critical other items, like sunscreen.
This one is fully seam-sealed, made of laminated, 420D nylon. A spacious, top-loading main compartment closes with a roll top and cinching side straps. And it’s comfy to carry even when you’re paddling, thanks to ventilated shoulder straps.
Your gear will be easy to find—the inside of the Rapid is white to make it easy to see the contents, and outside mesh side pockets and a zippered exterior pocket. The flat shape makes it easy to balance on the bow in calm waters. 1 lb., 11 oz. Available now,