Top Paddle Boarding Essentials for your Beach Activities in Hong Kong

While you might think about Hong Kong as a big city, there’s more to it than that. Head out to
somewhere like Sai Kung national park and you’ll never have felt further from the skyscrapers
and hustle and bustle of the city. And the best thing? Because Hong Kong is so small, you can
enjoy a range of outdoor activities and be back in the city in time for dinner.

Head to somewhere like Shek O beach or the UNESCO Geopark of Long Ke Wan Beach and
have a go at the fastest-growing board sport in the world: stand up paddle boarding.  

In this post, we’ll take a look at the essential SUP accessories you’ll need for paddle boarding.
Remember, there’s no need to bring them with you - you’ll be able to rent them in Hong Kong.

SUP Paddle and Board
Let’s start with the absolute essentials for SUP. You won’t get very far at all without a paddle
and a board! If you’re just starting out, all arounders are great for those planning to stay close to
the shore or paddling on a tranquil lake. You can recognise them by their smooth, rounded
curves. A race or touring board has a pointy end and can be quite narrow. Make sure if you’re
going for one of these that you can be stable on it. Boards can be hard or inflatable.
The good news about paddles is that they’re cheaper. You should expect to spend roughly 20%
of your board price on your paddle. A good paddle will have a T-Grip handle where you can rest
your wrist and adjust it to your height. A lightweight aluminium blade (or carbon if money’s no
object) will seamlessly propel you through the water (hopefully), no matter your level of SUP
experience. 

​SUP Pump
If you have a hard paddle board, you don’t need to worry about this one. However, if you’ve got
an inflatable SUP, you’re going to need a pump. Happily, you can get an electric pump which
will mean minimum effort for you to have a fully inflated board. Usually, board inflation takes
somewhere between 7 and 15 minutes depending on the quality and durability of your SUP
pump. Make sure to store it somewhere safe on the beach while you are out paddling!

Hip Pack/Dry Bag
Can’t decide what to leave on shore while you SUP? Well, now you don’t have to with a hip
pack. In there, you’ll be able to store your phone, wallet, sunscreen, and an extra layer.
Usually sealed with zippers, the best hip packs are completely waterproof so you can paddle
without worrying that your belongings will get water-damaged.
If a hip pack isn’t enough for you to store everything - perhaps you’re taking a camera or a
picnic with you to stop on a remote island, there’s an answer for that too. A dry bag will do
everything a hip pack will, but you can fit more in. You can use this for other water activities too,
such as swimming or surfing. 

Waterproof Gadget Bag
Much like a hip pack or an inflatable bag but much smaller, a waterproof gadget bag is perfect if
you want to document your SUP sessions. It can usually fit a smartphone and some cash or
cards. Why not turn back to the sands of Lo Lo Shing Beach and take a photo of the fishermen’s
boats all lined up on the white sand? A handy thing about a waterproof gadget bag is that
they’re see through, so you don’t need to take your phone out of the bag to use the camera.
Great for those who are a little unsteady on their boards! 

Floatable Sunglasses
The crystal-clear blue waters of the South China Sea are one of the big reasons to try SUP in
Hong Kong. However, on a really sunny day they can be super-reflective and disorientating. Get
a pair of floatable sunglasses that you can comfortably adjust to your head with a flexible strap.
Not only will floatable sunglasses help you to see better, but they’ll protect your eyes from
harmful UV rays. 

Waterproof earphones
Sometimes all you want to hear is the sound of the waves lapping against the shore… and
that’s fine. However, if you’re taking a break on your SUP, you might fancy listening to a
podcast. Or, if you’re really paddling hard you might want some motivational music to get you up
to speed. A pair of waterproof earphones are small and can fit into your waterproof gadget bag
so you can be connected while out on your board.
Do make sure that if you’re using waterproof earphones that you’re doing so safely and are
always aware of your surroundings. Especially if you’re out in the open ocean! 

​Wetsuit
This one isn’t always necessary, especially in the warm waters of the South China Sea. But hey,
not everyone wants to show off their bodies! Should you be SUPing in rainy weather or you just
want that extra level of protection, a wetsuit provides an extra layer of insulation. Wetsuits are
also the perfect sunblock… you won’t have to worry about those tricky to reach part of your
backs burning if you’re wearing one of these! 

Final Thoughts on the top paddle boarding
essentials for your beach activities in Hong Kong
Now that you know what you need for your paddle-boarding adventures, you might want some
better ideas of where to go in Hong Kong. If that’s the case, check out Wild Hong Kong to find
out about the best beaches in Hong Kong and adventure tours that you can do in the city.