How to Pack a SUP for Overnight Trips

Packing a SUP for an overnight trip can be tricky if you're on a 11-6 to 14' long board.  If you're in non tropical climate packing enough warm clothes, sleeping bag and tent can be a problem.  But smart choices and clever packing will allow for more things to fit on your board.
5 Tips for Packing a SUP for an Overnight Trip..

- If your board doesn't have leash plugs on the deck to attaching ropes/bags to, add some using plugs by NSI (spectral loops) or Seattle Sports.  Usually 4-6 plugs will do on the nose in front of where you stand.  Give more than 24hrs to cure before attaching rope/bungy. I've rushed it and have had them pull off prior to curing. Or find install your own leash plugs (or hire someone).

- Use cargo netting from a fabric store (rope not bungy) instead of the stock X crossed bungy that comes on most boards. The X shape isn't enough to secure most items down. I've seen a few students lose water bottles from that arrangement.  Kayaking deck bags are also a great solution. Some are waterproof and others like Seattle Sport's Parabolic Deck Bag are shaped to allow for water to pass by without too much drag.
- Pack with minimalism in mind.  Small down sleeping bag vs big synthetic bag.  Tarp and/or bivy instead of a tent. One pair of camp clothes with packable coat.  Pack food and misc small gear into pots to save space. Pack dry items in dry bags then all into a waterproof duffle bag.
- Gather what you need and pack into dry bags.  Then decide what you can do without.  Pack again then remove again till you have the absolute basics.  Carrying too much also means paddling a heavy slow board.
- Do a test run also called a shake down trip before your trip to make sure you gear isn't too heavy to paddle, won't shift in wind and waves or will be a weather cocking (wind shear) issue.  Can you right after a capsize?  How far/fast can you paddle with 35 lbs of gear on your nose?
Safety - Always wear your PFD and leash on open water and in remote areas.
Watch my video on How to Pack a SUP for SUP Magazine, here.
Who's doing overnight SUP tours?- I offer 1-2 night guided tours on Puget Sound in Washington State. Click here for more info.
- in British Columbia, Norm Hann Expeditions. 
Freshwater Bay, WA


Any questions give me a holler: salmonbaypaddle@gmail.com / 206.465.7167 Check out our  SUP classes in Seattle - Beginning to advanced instruction including freighter and tug wave surfing, coastal surfing, rivers and racing, plus PSUPA Certification.