Now’s the time when we start dreaming about getting out on the water, whether it’s the surging ocean or placid lakes. Trust this kit to serve you well on any day at the beach.
Vans Soft Top Sandals ($30)
Cushy memory-foam footbeds, synthetic straps, and arch support make comfy enough for the longest of walks to the beach. Grippy outsoles will keep you upright.
Patagonia Stretch Planing Micro Two-Inch Shorts($49)
have smooth seams to prevent chafing and stay snug with help from inner and outer drawstrings. The lightweight recycled-polyester fabric moves with you for maximum comfort.
O’Neill Psycho Tech 4/3 Chest Zip Wetsuit($336)
employs light and stretchy neoprene with glued seams for flexibility. The three- and four-millimeter thickness is great in 50-degree water.
Slater Designs X Revolwe Competition Six-foot Leash($29)
The surf industry continues to develop more eco-friendly products. are made with Yulex (a natural rubber) and recycled plastic bottles.
DaKine Cyclone II Dry Pack 36 ($150)
roll top, welded seams, and corrosion-resistant zippers are ideal for a salty SUP tour, while the integrated board-carry straps make the slog on the way to the beach more bearable.
Nation Manufacturing Los Dos Fish Surfboard($675)
For knee-to-head-high surf, offers a fast, fun ride. At 2.3 inches thick, it has the float and oomph you need when paddling into waves, while the short, wide design and concave swallowtail makes it easy to control.
DaFin Classic Fins($110)
The secret to being an all-star bodysurfer? A . These are made from supple Malaysian rubber that delivers a just-right mix of flex for maneuverability and rigidity for power.
Nomadix Ultralight Towel($30)
is constructed primarily with recycled plastic bottles and packs down to the size of a tissue box.
Hemlock the Chunk Straw Hat($36)
A colorful twist on the classic straw hat, comes in fun prints and has a dome-hugging inner lining and chin cord for when the wind gusts.
Olukai Kohana Kai Sandals($130)
The best sandals are the simplest. Olukai’s slimmed-down has a seamless strap and a laser-etched footbed—both full-grain leather.
Sun Bum Mineral SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen($18)
Unlike other zinc sunscreens, doesn’t leave your skin chalky.
Oakley Split Shot Sunglasses($163)
Because we’ve all dropped shades in the drink, Oakley created a steel neck leash for that attaches to hooks in the temple.
Seea Gaviotas Surf Suit($160)
A mashup of a UV-protective rash guard and a swimsuit, has recycled polyester-spandex sleeves that are nicely stretchy and roomy for paddling and swimming. The body uses a slightly thicker fabric to provide warmth and light compression.
Outerknown Nomadic Stretch Trunk Shorts($98)
An update to Outerknown’s original trunks, use lighter fabric and a deeper pocket design. The close-fitting waist won’t balloon when you duck-dive.
Hobie ϳԹ Inflatable 10’6” Stand-up Paddleboard($1,099)
With a wide and thick body, offers maximum stability. Four tie-down points mean you can lash gear for longer outings. The ϳԹ fits easily into your trunk when rolled up and then inflates to a rock-hard 18 psi in minutes with the included pump.
Kialoa Tiare Adjustable Fiberglass Paddle($199)
Designed by and for women, has an ergonomic handle made for small hands and an 80-square-inch blade for the ideal mix of power and ease.
NRS Zephyr Inflatable BeltPFD($100)
Not a lot has changed with since it debuted in 2014—and that’s a good thing. The flotation device was made for SUPers to keep their arms and shoulders free while paddling. Pull a rip cord to inflate the belt, then flip it around your neck like a life vest.