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.
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25/7/2024 06:08:27 am
Participating in activities like swimming, building sandcastles, and exploring the beach fosters teamwork and cooperation.
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About usWe are one of Hong Kong's premier adventure & eco tour operators. This is our blog, documenting many of the wild places we explore and show guests. Archives
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