Pssst, just a quick tip: They’re best referred to as “personal flotation devices” or PFD’s for short, since there is no guarantee that it will save your life. So get down with the cool kids and make sure you know the lingo!

For more of our top paddleboarding gear recommendations, check out the Best SUP Roof Racks.

Reviews - The Best Paddle Boarding Life Jackets

NRS Ninja

Specs

• Unisex: Yes
• Classification: Type III
• Fishing Features: No
• Lash Tab: Yes

Features

• Available In 3 Different Colors
• 6 Adjustment Straps Create A Customized Fit
• Zippered Front Pocket Holds Valuables And Snacks

BEST FOR: MOBILITY

Slimming down the traditional design of personal flotation devices, the Ninja PFD by NRS is a perfect match for active paddleboarders needing maximum mobility. 

Whether you’re a whitewater junkie that wants to hit Class III rapids or looking to test your limits in coastal surf, you won’t feel trapped or weighed down by this PFD. Sporting a super durable soft foam, the floatation panels are designed to maximize comfort while contouring to your body. You’ll be able to dial in a custom fit as well with the 6 adjustment straps (2 for your shoulders and 4 for your sides) and easily remove the PFD with the 2 side buckle releases.

The Ninja PFD also has a front zippered pocket that is perfect for holding snacks, valuables, and other on-the-water essentials.

View at REI

View at Backcountry

Astral Ronny

View Women's Version

Specs

• Unisex: No
• Classification: Type III
• Fishing Features: Yes
• Lash Tab: Yes

Features

• Available In 6 Different Colors
• Includes A Convertible Beverage Holder
• Multiple Storage Pockets Simplify Organizational Needs

BEST FOR: ALL-DAY COMFORT

Put the days of uncomfortable PFD’s in the past by upgrading to the Astral Ronny PFD. Its roomy and lightweight construction make it the ideal paddling jacket regardless of activity!

Starting with a nylon outer shell for extreme durability and abrasion resistance, the inside of the Ronny sports a mesh liner that increases breathability to prevent chafing and deliver all day comfort. There are also several pockets for storing and organizing your on-the-water essentials and even a convertible beverage holder – now that’s leisure. 

The backside of the Ronny features a thin vent that helps release warm air to keep you cool and the sides feature 4 adjustable straps.

View at REI

NRS Raku

Specs

• Unisex: Yes
• Classification: Type III
• Fishing Features: Yes
• Lash Tab: Yes

Features

• Available In 2 Different Colors
• U.S. Coast Guard Certified PFD
• Reflective Accents Improve Others’ Visibility Of You During Low-Light

BEST FOR: PADDLEBOARD FISHING

Calling all anglers and paddleboard fishing lovers! If you want to get the most out of your day casting a line, then the NRS Raku will be your best friend. 

Specifically made with fishing in mind, the Raku is built upon a traditional flotation vest frame and then loaded with features that help you make the most of your fishing. Chief among these features is the loop and strap fishing rod holder. If you need to take a break or free your hands, just put the pole’s handle into the loop at the base of the PFD and then secure the rod with the shoulder strap. Your pole will stay securely attached to you until you’re ready to pick it up again. 

The Raku also features a tool-holder pocket that provides easy and efficient access to pliers, line cutters, and any other tools you need to get the job done.

View at Backcountry

NRS cVest

Specs

• Unisex: Yes
• Classification: Type III
• Fishing Features: No
• Lash Tab: Yes

Features

• Available In 2 Different Colors
• U.S. Coast Guard Certified PFD
• Multiple D-Rings Offer Attachment Points For A Variety Of Gear

BEST FOR: FAMILIES

Family paddleboarding outings are exciting but require the proper PFDs to make the day a success. The NRS cVest Mesh Back PFD is without a doubt the best option for families thanks to its many storage options and multiple attachment points that make it easier to handle everything required when supervising a pack of kids. 

Snacks? Check. Throw rope for rescues? Check. A place to hold these things? Check Plus. Sporting 2 large pockets accessible by each hand, the cVest has ample amount of storage room to hold gear and on-the-water essentials. The front panels also have 2 smaller “clam shell” type pockets that help separate and organize items that need to be accessed quickly and often.

View at REI

View at Backcountry

MTI APF

Specs

• Unisex: Yes
• Classification: Type III
• Fishing Features: No
• Lash Tab: No

Features

• Available In 3 Different Colors
• Fits A Variety Of Paddler Sizes
• Reflective Trim Improve Others’ Visibility Of You During Low-Light

BEST FOR: BUDGET-CONSCIOUS PADDLEBOARDERS

Budget-conscious paddleboarders needn’t worry about dropping lots of money for a quality PFD. While there is a certain baseline price to ensuring quality and safety, there are many solid PFD’s for under $100, chief among them being the MTI APF PFD. 

The sizing is pretty universal and accommodates a large range of paddler sizes. Durable and lightweight, the APF PFD features padded shoulder straps to improve comfort and adjustable straps to dial in the right fit. 

It also sports thoughtful considerations such as a hang loop on the back of the neck to make drying easier and reflective trim to increase visibility in low-light situations.

View at Backcountry

THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING LIFE JACKETS

CLASSIFICATION

Personal Flotation Devices (or PFD’s) are classified into 5 Types, all of which are meant to be worn at all times and come in buoyant, inflatable, and hybrid designs except for Type IV.

Type I

Best For: Remote Waters

Type I PFD’s have the most buoyancy of their kind and are able to turn an unconscious paddler face-up.

Type II

Best For: Calm Waters

Type II PFD’s are very basic and intended where rescue would be quick. They’re simpler and less comfortable versions of Type III.

Type III

Best For: Quick Rescues

Type III PFD’s are more advanced versions of Type II, in that they are best when rescues would be quick. They offer much more mobility and give wearers the ability to turn themselves face up to aid in their own rescue.

Type IV

Best For: Backup

Type IV PFD’s are meant as a backup and are not worn. They are typically thrown from a boat or vessel to assist provide extra assistance to the victim during a rescue.

Type V

Best For: Specific Activities

Type V PFD’s are highly specialized and are made to work best for a certain activity, such as kayaking, windsurfing, etc.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

Pockets

Pockets are a key consideration when choosing a PFD as they help you hold on-the-water essentials and organize your gear for quick and easy retrieval.

Color / Reflective Elements

Many PFD’s are offered in bright colors to improve your visibility to rescuers and some offer reflective trim that helps in low-light situations, such as dawn, dusk, and fog.

Lash Tab

A lash tab is able to have a rescue or utility knife attached to it. Fishers keep utility knives on them to assist them when fishing. However, it’s a good idea for all paddlers to have a knife for potentially unforeseeable circumstances like being caught underwater by netting or rope.

FEATURES EXPLAINED

FISHING FEATURES

Some fishing-specific PFD’s have fishing features that help you organize and store some of your items that need to be accessed quickly.

The post Best Life Jackets for Paddleboarding of 2022 appeared first on The Adventure Junkies.

The best SUP paddles are lightweight, durable, adjustable, and affordable. They also tend to carry the best ratings and feature the best quality construction. Taking all these factors into consideration, here are our top picks.

For more of our top paddleboarding gear recommendations, check out the Best SUP Roof Racks.

Reviews - The Best Paddles for Stand Up Paddleboarding

Werner Flash 85

Specs

• Material: Fiberglass Shaft, Injection-molded Blade
• Floatation: Unknown
• Grip: Palm Grip
• Length: Adjustable from 54-70”
• Weight: 1 lb 10 oz
• Blade Offset: Yes, 10 Degrees

Features

• Length And Height Are Printed On The Shaft For Easy Reference
• Slender, Rectangular Blade That’s Easier For Kids To Handle
• Impact- And Wear-resistant Blade Tolerates Rough Handling
• Kid-sized Handle That Fits Better In Smaller Hands
• Two-piece Paddle Comes Apart For Transport And Storage

BEST KIDS’ PADDLE

This paddle is the perfect choice for kids from about ages 6-13 to learn on. The adjustable height grows with your child from 3 ft 8 in to 5 ft, when they graduate to an adult-sized paddle. The light swing weight and small blade are easier for kids to maneuver without getting worn out.

The straightforward paddle makes paddleboarding accessible to younger crowds with its straight shaft, simple adjustment system, and affordable price. Kids tend to be tough on their “toys” too, but this paddle is ready for it with its reinforced blade. Get the whole family in on SUP-ing this year!

View at REI

Airhead

Specs

• Material: Aluminum Shaft and Plastic, Fiberglass-reinforced Blade
• Floatation: No
• Grip: T-Shaped Handle
• Length: Adjustable from 63” to 86”
• Weight: 2.75 lbs
• Blade Offset: Unknown

Features

• Lightweight Oval Shaft Minimizes Arm Fatigue
• Blade Is Reinforced With Fiberglass For Durability And Lightweight
• Bright Summer-Friendly Colors
• Adjustable One-Piece Shaft

BEST CHILDREN’S AND DABBLER’S PADDLE

You’d be hard-pressed to find a used paddle for the cost of this brand-new one. If you just want to get out on the water and aren’t picky about how, then this paddle is a great place to start. Children and those who just want to try stand-up paddleboarding should find this paddle works just fine for their needs.

Because it’s made out of inexpensive materials, the paddle is a little on the heavier side and may not stand up to rigorous everyday use. Even still, the paddle is still manageable and sufficient for even small paddlers if they’re just looking for some uninhibited fun.

View at Amazon

Aqua-Bound Lyric

Specs

• Material: Carbon Fiber Shaft, Polymer Blade
• Floatation: Yes
• Grip: Contoured Palm Grip
• Length: Adjustable from 64-74” (small) or 70-80” (large)
• Weight: 1 lb 7.5 oz
• Blade Offset: Yes, 10 Degrees

Features

• Low Swing Weight And Flex Reduce Arm Fatigue
• Polynesian Blade Graphic Enhances Aesthetic Appeal
• Breaks Down Into 2 Pieces For Portability And Storage
• Designed For Women With A Smaller Blade And Lighter Weight
• Two Sizes And Adjustable Length To Accommodate More Riders

BEST LADIES’ PADDLE

The Lyric was made specifically with a woman’s smaller frame in mind. The smaller features and lighter weight enhance usability without being wimpy. The blade has a powerful force with a forgiving flex that makes for a smooth, enjoyable experience.

Carbon fiber has some of the most durable qualities while maintaining a light weight, so it’s no wonder the material was chosen for this particular paddle. Combined with the reinforced blade, this paddle isn’t for the dainty of heart. It can withstand the rigors your hardcore stamina places on it.

View at Amazon

Boardworks Kraken Adjustable

Specs

• Material: Carbon Fiber Shaft And Fiberglass Blade
• Floatation: No
• Grip: Palm Grip
• Length: Adjustable from 70-86”
• Weight: 1 lb 6 oz
• Blade Offset: Yes

Features

• Separates Into 2 Pieces For Easy Storage And Transport
• Features A Bamboo Print That Matches The Kraken SUP Boards
• Reinforced Blade Edging Protects Against Damage
• Palm Grip Fits The Contour Of Your Hand To Reduce Fatigue

BEST LIGHTWEIGHT SUP PADDLE 

At 1lb 6oz, the Kraken paddle is one of the lightest weight models on this list of top paddles, which means it’s one of the easiest to manage. It practically floats with you through the water as each stroke gives you a good boost. The weight also allows you to test your endurance because it won’t fatigue your arms as fast as heavier varieties.

Its lightweight qualities aren’t the paddle’s only notable features: the paddle is also durable and stylish like its namesake board. The bamboo veneer around the blade features the same seafaring design as the Kraken board for a coordinated look.

View at Amazon

BPS Adjustable Two-Piece

Specs

• Material: Aluminum Shaft, Nylon Blade
• Floatation: Yes
• Grip: Ergonomic T-Shaped Handle
• Length: Adjustable from 71” to 84”
• Weight: 2.1 lbs
• Blade Offset: Yes

Features

• Strong, Reliable Construction With Lightweight Feel
• Two-Piece Paddle Comes Apart for Storage and Transfer
• Ergonomic Handle and Paddle Shape for User-Friendly Use
• Easy Length Adjustment That Locks Into Place

BEST INEXPENSIVE, RELIABLE PADDLE

This popular paddle has high ratings and scores of fans on Amazon because of its inexpensive price and practical construction. In fact, this paddle is a prime choice if you need multiples for groups or rental purposes. The adjustable height accommodates almost every paddler in your group.

The company offers a 12-month “bulletproof” guarantee should anything happen to the paddle, which takes some of the pressure off of your decision. This SUP paddle floats, weighs less than a baseball bat, and works efficiently in the water with its ergonomic design, so you shouldn’t have any problems favoring it.

View at Amazon

Abahub 3-Piece

Specs

• Material: Aluminum Shaft, Fiberglass And Polymer Blade
• Floatation: Yes
• Grip: Oval Ergonomic Handle
• Length: Adjustable from 68-84”
• Weight: 35 oz
• Blade Offset: Yes, 10 Degrees

Features

• Carbon Composite Shaft Keeps The Paddle Lightweight And Forgiving
• Ergonomic Handle Reduces Hand Fatigue
• Quick-adjust Shaft With Pin-button Locking Mechanism
• Comes With A Travel Bag To Carry The Disassembled 3-piece Paddle
• Offset, Concave Blade Shape For Smooth, Powerful Strokes

BEST ALL-PURPOSE SUP PADDLE

You’re looking all over for a SUP paddle, unsure what to pick with all the information you have to sift through. Well, my friend, this Abahub model won’t do you wrong, especially if you’re wavering about price or user-friendliness. It has a middle-of-the-line seriousness about it that meets your most basic needs (as long as you’re over 5’ tall).

The paddle offers reasonable mechanics with its lightweight, durable design. The blade powers you through the water with a level of flexibility that prevents it from breaking or yanking. Meanwhile, your hands rest comfortably up against the ergonomic grip. When it’s time to pack up, the paddle breaks down into 3 pieces and fits inside the included storage case for convenience.

View at Amazon

KIALOA Makai FG

Specs

• Material: Fiberglass Shaft And Blade
• Floatation: Yes, When Assembled
• Grip: Palm Grip
• Length: Adjustable from 70-86”
• Weight: 2 lbs
• Blade Offset: Yes, 8 Degrees

Features

• Shaft Is Reinforced With A Carbon Layer And The Blade Is Reinforced With Nylon
• Palm Grip Fits The Contour Of Your Hand To Reduce Fatigue
• Simple Palm Lever Allows You To Adjust The Length On-the-go
• Two-piece Construction Makes The Paddle Easier To Transport And Store

BEST PADDLE FOR DURABILITY

The main design focus of the Makai was on durability, especially for limit-pushing riders and renters. You know the kind, the ones who give meaning to “ride it like a rental.” The reinforced blade and shaft stand up against the rocks, tree trunks, and sand bottoms you’ll inevitably push up against anyway.

The adjustable handle accommodates riders of different sizes. All you have to do is lift the lever on the handle and pull the shaft to lengthen it. Switching between riders is a cinch! The same lever disconnects the two pieces of the paddle so you can slide them into your trunk or storage cubby.

View at REI

THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING A SUP PADDLE

MATERIALS

SUP paddle shafts and blades are usually made out of some combination of plastic, carbon fiber, aluminum, fiberglass, and nylon. Each material has its advantages and disadvantages, but the desired final product is always a lightweight yet durable paddle. Aluminum and nylon tend to be on the cheaper and slightly heavier side while fiberglass and carbon fiber increase the price but are even lighter and higher quality.

LENGTH

The best SUP paddle should reach the water without having to bend over (too short) or reach too high (too long). To get the length right, you typically want to add 8-12” to your height. When you stand the paddle on end next to your body, you should be able to hold the grip with your hand straight above your head. You just need to find an adjustable paddle within this correct size range.

BLADE

The shape, size, and offset of the blade affects how you move through the water. Generally, larger people do well with larger, more powerful blades and smaller blades are easier for smaller people to wield. The bottom of the blade will either have an arching teardrop shape or a rectangular shape. Teardrops provide a more powerful stroke while rectangular blades take less effort for leisurely paddling. Finally, the offset has a subtle effect on your stroke and most recreational paddles have around a 10 degree offset.

STORAGE

SUP paddles can be pretty long and cumbersome when you consider your storage options at home. A paddle that breaks down into two or three pieces is easier to transport in a vehicle and store in a basement or garage than a long one-piece paddle. If your space is limited, consider whether or not your paddle will fit.

WEIGHT

The difference between a 1lb paddle and a 2lb paddle may sound trivial until you multiply it by thousands of strokes over the course of a single trip. The lighter the SUP paddle, the less fatigued your arms get, so choose a lighter model especially if you plan to be on the water for awhile.

REI offers a more in-depth explanation about how to choose the perfect SUP paddle.

FEATURES EXPLAINED

SHAFT

The shaft of an SUP paddle is the long handle portion between the grip and blade. The length and material the shaft are made out of influence how well you paddle.

BLADE

The blade is the wide, lower part of the paddle that dips into the water and propels the paddleboard forward. The blade’s offset angle, surface area, and shape affect the power of your stroke.

BLADE OFFSET

The offset of the blade is the angle it forms in relation to the shaft. An offset around 10 degrees is practical for most recreational paddlers while a 12 degree offset is best for racing.

GRIP

The portion at the top of the paddle that you hold in your hand is refered to as the grip. A T-shaped grip looks the way it sounds with a bar that crosses the handle. An oval or palm grip fits right into the middle of your hand. Some grips are rubberized to make them easier to hold.

ERGONOMICS

Ergonomics is the study of efficiency. As it pertains to SUP paddles, ergonomics refers to how easy the paddle is to use, how friendly the grip is on your hands, and how well the paddle maintains your posture. Proper ergonomics help prevent strain and misalignment.

Check out this link for a visual representation of the anatomy of an SUP paddle.

The post Best SUP Paddles of 2022 appeared first on The Adventure Junkies.

Maybe you own a small sedan without roof racks, or maybe you own a kitted-out SUV with racks. No matter what type of vehicle you drive, there’s a sup roof rack that will work for you.

Here at The Adventure Junkies, we’re obsessed with finding the best gear for paddlers. In this guide, you’ll learn what to look for when choosing a SUP roof rack and find all of our favorite roof racks of the year.

For more of our top paddleboarding gear recommendations, check the Best SUP Paddles.

Reviews - Best Roof Racks for SUPs

Thule SUP Taxi

Specs

• Best Use: Cross Bar
• Board Capacity: 2
• Multi-Use: No
• Hard or Soft: Hard

BEST FOR OWNERS OF CROSS BAR VEHICLES WHO NEED A STURDY RACK THAT CAN LOCK

PROS: Robust locking system, tool free mounting, comes as a complete set, easy system

CONS: Only fits boards up to 34” wide, only fits certain rack systems

View at REI

SeaSucker Board Rack

Specs

• Best Use: Overall
• Board Capacity: 1
• Multi-Use: No
• Hard or Soft: Hard

BEST FOR STAND UP PADDLE BOARDERS WITH MULTIPLE VEHICLES WHO WANT A STRONG HOLD THAT CAN GO LONG DISTANCES

PROS: Suction cup mount works with any vehicle, easy to install and remove, sturdy, unique

CONS: High price point, need to ensure seal is secure before driving

View at Backcountry

View at Amazon

Yakima ShowDown

Specs

• Best Use: Cross Bar
• Board Capacity: 2
• Multi-Use: Yes
• Hard or Soft: Hard

BEST FOR OWNERS OF CROSS BAR VEHICLES WHO WANT AN EASY-TO-LOAD RACK

PROS: Can also load kayaks, tilt mechanism makes it easy to load products, installs easily

CONS: High price point, not compatible with all vehicles, bulky

View at Amazon

Inno Locking Carrier

Specs

• Best Use: Overall
• Board Capacity: 3
• Multi-Use: Yes
• Hard or Soft: Hard

BEST FOR OWNERS OF CROSS BAR VEHICLES WANTING A STURDY AND EASY TO USE STAND UP PADDLE BOARD ROOF RACK

PROS: Can handle large boards and kayaks, easy to load and release, mounts to most factory racks, lock system

CONS: Padding between rack and boards is thin, ratcheting hard to reach for shorter people

View at Amazon

Thule SUP Shuttle

Specs

• Best Use: Cross Bar
• Board Capacity: 2
• Multi-Use: No
• Hard or Soft: Hard

BEST FOR OWNERS OF CROSS BAR VEHICLES WHO NEED A STURDY AND SECURE RACK

PROS: Corrosion-resistant stainless steel, telescope-style board fit, easy load and lock, straps tuck in

CONS: Needs extra parts to be a complete set

View at Amazon

Curve Soft Rack Lockdown

Specs

• Best Use: Rackless
• Board Capacity: 2
• Multi-Use: No
• Hard or Soft: Soft

BEST FOR OWNERS OF VEHICLES WITHOUT RACKS WHO NEED A RELIABLE WAY OF TRANSPORTING THEIR BOARDS

PROS: Secure lockdown system, soft padding prevents dings, easy to use, portable

CONS: Might not be sturdy enough for high speeds or long distances, could break waterproofing seal of the window, humming noise

View at Amazon

Dorsal Deluxe Soft Wrap-Rax

Specs

• Best Use: Rackless
• Board Capacity: 1
• Multi-Use: Yes
• Hard or Soft: Soft

BEST FOR OWNERS OF VEHICLES WITHOUT ANY RACKS WHO WANT A BUDGET WAY OF TRANSPORTING THEIR BOARD

PROS: Low price point, easy to use, padded, made with strong nylon and polyester

CONS: Not great for long distances, set-up might break waterproof window seal, prone to being loud

View at Amazon

HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST SUP ROOF RACKS

VEHICLE TYPE AND RACK COMPATIBILITY

The most important factor when choosing the best SUP roof rack for you is whether or not it will be compatible with your vehicle. These SUP racks fit onto already existing roof racks, not the roof of the car.

Some racks only work with specific systems. For example, Thule SUP racks work with most Thule crossbar racks and only some other factory racks. In this case, you’d need to check with Thule’s “fit my car” compatibility chart.

You will need to check with each brand to see if your current rack system is compatible with your new racks. Thanks to the variations between roof racks, some SUP racks might only fit with oval bars, while others adjust to fit only flat or circular racks.

BOARD CAPACITY

It doesn’t make sense to buy a roof rack that can only fit one board if you’re looking to paddleboard with your partner. Though most sup roof racks can carry two boards, some sup roof racks can only safely carry one.

Check that the width of your board is compatible with the width limit of the rack. Most racks can carry boards up to 34″ wide. If you pack your board too tightly into the rack or pack over the rack’s weight capacity, you risk puncturing or pressure dinging your boards.

It’s rare to find a sup roof rack capable of carrying more than two boards. If you want to bring more boards along, consider buying inflatable stand up paddle boards or a tow-trailer.

LOCK SYSTEMS

Some sup roof racks have sturdy lock systems where you can leave your boards in a parking lot or somewhere they might be stolen at ease. Some racks have up to four locks, making it nearly impossible to break into.

Though this might be overkill if you simply drive to the beach and back with your stand up paddle boards, it’s an essential feature for those who like to stop places along the way or plan to go on a road trip with their boards.

Soft rack systems tend to be less secure than hard rack systems, even without the lock. Since the soft racks are typically made with sturdy nylon and polyester, it’s very easy to simply slash the racks and take the boards.

If you have any doubts about leaving your boards vulnerable to thieves, consider spending the extra money and investing in a SUP roof rack that can lock.

LOADING SYSTEMS

Stand up paddle boards are notoriously heavy — often weighing up to 30 pounds or more. If you’re a tall, strong person or if you own a small car, this might not be an issue. But petite people might have a challenging time loading their heavy board onto a tall car. Check that your stand up paddle board can fit into this loading system.

Some SUP roof racks have easy loading systems, where you place the board onto a track that rolls up and into the sup roof rack. This is a great system for children or people nursing an injury. With an easy loading system, you’re less likely to damage your board — and your body.

SOFT VS. HARD

Hard roof racks typically only work with vehicles that already have roof racks installed. Since they are more difficult to install, people tend to leave them on their vehicle. This can lead to lower gas mileage, but they tend to be more sturdy and safer than soft top roof racks.

Soft roof racks are great for people who own vehicles without roof racks, but still want to transport their boards to the water safely.

They’re easily installed and taken down, making them a perfect solution for paddlers who want to both efficiency and ease when it comes to transporting their boards. According to The Standup Journal, if you’re using a soft rack system, you’ll need to use nose and tail lines to keep the board extra secure.

The post Best SUP Roof Racks of 2022 appeared first on The Adventure Junkies.