You’re out on the water, gliding along on your trusty stand-up paddleboard. The sun’s warm on your skin, and the breeze is just right. But as you paddle, you can’t help thinking, “What if my SUP could do more?” Maybe you want a place to store your water bottle, or you’re dreaming of a comfy seat for those longer trips.
Your high-capacity SUP doesn’t have to stay the way it came out of the box. Just like how people soup up their cars or trick out their bikes, you can upgrade your paddleboard too. There’s a whole world of add-ons and modifications waiting to transform your SUP into the perfect ride for your needs.
With the right upgrades, you can tailor your SUP to fit your unique style and preferences, making each outing more enjoyable and efficient. Whether you’re planning a SUP camping trip or just looking to improve your everyday paddling experience, customization can make a big difference.
Upgrading Your SUP
Why Customize Your SUP?
Customizing your SUP offers a range of benefits that can significantly improve both performance and comfort. When you personalize your board, you’re not just making it look good; you’re also enhancing how it feels and functions on the water. For instance, adding a better grip or adjusting the fin setup can help you paddle more efficiently and maintain stability.
Tailored accessories can also elevate your overall SUP experience. Imagine having a comfortable seat for long paddles or a cooler attachment for refreshments during a day on the water. These thoughtful additions can make your time on the board more enjoyable, allowing you to focus on the beauty around you rather than any discomfort or inconvenience
Best Add-ons for Fishing
Transforming your SUP into a fishing vessel opens up a world of angling possibilities. Here are some essential accessories to enhance your SUP fishing experience:
Rod Holders
Rod holders are a game-changer for SUP fishing, allowing you to securely store your fishing rods while paddling or when you need your hands free. Many can be easily mounted to existing D-rings or attachment points on your board.
We tested several rod holders and found the GILI rod holder to be particularly effective. It threads into the action mounts of newer GILI boards, allowing you to adjust the angle of your fishing rod and secure it with a locking mechanism.
| Upsides | Downsides |
| Secure rod storage | May require drilling for installation |
| Hands-free paddling | Can affect board balance if not placed properly |
| Allows for trolling | Additional weight on board |
Price range: $20-$50
If you’re interested in fishing from a kayak instead, you might want to check out our guide on sit-in kayaks for fishing.
Cooler Attachment
A cooler is essential for keeping your catch fresh and storing bait or refreshments. Look for coolers designed specifically for SUPs that can be securely attached to your board.
We tried the GILI Deck cooler bag and found it to be a versatile option. It attaches easily to most SUPs with bungee cords and provides ample cold storage without compromising stability.
| Upsides | Downsides |
| Keeps catch fresh | Adds significant weight when full |
| Doubles as a seat | Can affect paddling if overpacked |
| Secure attachment | May limit deck space |
Price range: $100-$300
Fish Finder Mount
For serious anglers, a fish finder can significantly improve your chances of a successful fishing trip. Many SUPs can be outfitted with mounts for portable fish finders.
We experimented with the Scotty swivel fishfinder mount and found it to be sturdy and adaptable to various fish finder models. Installation typically involves attaching the mount to a flat surface on your board.
| Upsides | Downsides |
| Improves fishing efficiency | Requires power source |
| Adjustable viewing angles | Can be pricey |
| Compatible with multiple devices | May require drilling for installation |
Price range: $100-$500 (including basic fish finder)
For those who prefer kayak fishing, we have a comprehensive guide on the best cheap fishing kayaks that might interest you.
Best Add-ons for Touring
Enhancing your SUP for long-distance touring can significantly improve your paddling experience. Here are some top add-ons to consider:
Deck Bungee System
A deck bungee system is essential for secure gear storage during extended trips. These elastic cords crisscross the deck of your board, allowing you to easily stow and access items like dry bags, water bottles, and extra clothing.
When installing a bungee system, ensure the attachment points are evenly spaced and securely fastened to your board. Many SUPs come with pre-installed D-rings, making installation straightforward. For boards without D-rings, adhesive pad eyes can be used.
After testing various bungee configurations, we found that a four-point system offers the best balance of security and accessibility. The bungee system we installed lets us bring all the gear we need for long tours without worrying about things falling off.
| Upsides | Downsides |
| Secure gear storage | May interfere with foot placement |
| Easy access to equipment | Can collect water in rough conditions |
| Customizable configuration | Potential for gear loss if not properly secured |
Price range: $20-$50
Kayak Seat
For extended touring, a kayak seat can dramatically improve comfort and reduce fatigue. These seats attach to your SUP’s D-rings and provide crucial back support during long paddles.
When choosing a kayak seat, look for models with adjustable straps and ample padding. We found the WOOWAVE Kayak Seat to be particularly comfortable and easy to install. Adding a kayak seat to our SUP was the best decision we made for long-distance paddling. It’s so much more comfortable for extended trips.
| Upsides | Downsides |
| Improved comfort for long trips | Added weight to the board |
| Reduces lower back strain | May affect standing stability |
| Often includes extra storage pockets | Can be cumbersome to remove/install frequently |
Price range: $40-$100
If you’re considering a kayak for fishing instead, you might be interested in our article on the best fishing kayaks with pedals.
SUP Trolley
A SUP trolley is invaluable for transporting your board to and from the water, especially for larger touring boards. These wheeled carts support your board’s weight, making it easy to navigate beaches, parking lots, and trails.
After trying several models, we found the Suspenz Smart Airless SUP Carrier to be particularly durable and easy to use. Its airless tires never go flat, and it folds down for compact storage. The SUP trolley has saved our backs, making it much easier to get to those remote launch spots.
| Upsides | Downsides |
| Easier transport of heavy boards | Additional item to carry/store |
| Reduces physical strain | May not work well on very soft sand |
| Often collapsible for easy storage | Can be pricey for high-end models |
Price range: $50-$150
Universal Upgrades
These upgrades can benefit any SUP enthusiast, regardless of their preferred paddling style:
Upgraded Paddle
A high-quality paddle can significantly improve your SUP performance, making each stroke more efficient and reducing fatigue during long paddles.
When selecting an upgraded paddle, consider factors like weight, blade shape, and material. Carbon fiber paddles offer an excellent balance of strength and lightness. We tested the KIALOA Insanity Carbon Paddle and were impressed by its lightweight feel and efficient power transfer.
After switching to a premium paddle, we noticed immediate improvements in our speed and endurance. The reduced weight made longer paddling sessions much more enjoyable, and the improved blade design helped us maintain better form.
| Upsides | Downsides |
| Improved efficiency | Higher cost |
| Reduced fatigue | May require adjustment period |
| Better power transfer | Can be more fragile than basic paddles |
Price range: $150-$400
Enhanced Fin System
Upgrading your fin system can dramatically improve your board’s tracking and maneuverability. Different fin shapes and sizes can optimize your SUP for various conditions and paddling styles.
We experimented with several fin configurations and found that switching to a race fin made a noticeable difference in our board’s speed and tracking. It felt like having a whole new SUP! For all-around use, we recommend a 2+1 setup with a larger center fin for tracking and two smaller side fins for stability.
| Upsides | Downsides |
| Improved tracking | May require additional fin boxes |
| Better maneuverability | Can affect board’s versatility |
| Customizable performance | Potential for fin damage in shallow water |
Price range: $30-$150 per fin
Deck Pad Upgrade
A quality deck pad is crucial for traction and comfort, especially during long paddling sessions or in choppy conditions.
We upgraded our stock deck pad to a full-length, grooved EVA foam pad and immediately noticed the difference. The extended coverage provided better grip for our feet, even when wet, and the cushioning reduced fatigue during long stands.
For those looking to upgrade, consider options like crocodile texture for maximum grip or a contoured pad for added comfort. Installation is generally straightforward with peel-and-stick applications, but take care to properly clean and prepare your board’s surface first.
| Upsides | Downsides |
| Improved traction | Can be challenging to install |
| Enhanced comfort | May add slight weight to the board |
| Customizable designs | Potential for peeling if not installed correctly |
Price range: $50-$150
DIY Modifications
Customizing your SUP with DIY modifications can be a rewarding way to tailor your board to your specific needs and style. Here are some popular DIY mods and detailed guides to help you get started:
Popular DIY Mods and Their Benefits
DIY modifications allow you to personalize your SUP, enhancing its functionality and aesthetics. Popular mods include adding D-rings for extra attachment points, installing custom gear racks, and setting up bungee systems for better gear storage. These modifications not only improve your board’s utility but also give it a unique touch that sets it apart from others.
Step-by-Step Guides for Simple Modifications
1. Adding D-Rings:
D-rings provide additional attachment points on your board for securing gear or accessories.
Materials Needed:
- D-rings with adhesive backing
- Sandpaper
- Denatured alcohol or toluene
- Barge Cement or a similar adhesive
Steps:
- Prepare the Surface: Lightly sand the area where you plan to attach the D-ring to ensure better adhesion. Clean the surface with denatured alcohol to remove any dust or oils.
- Apply Adhesive: Follow the instructions on your adhesive to apply it to both the board and the D-ring backing.
- Attach D-Ring: Press the D-ring firmly onto the prepared area of the board. Ensure it is aligned correctly.
- Cure Time: Allow the adhesive to cure as per the manufacturer’s instructions, usually 24 hours, before using the D-ring.
2. Custom Gear Rack:
A gear rack can be customized to hold various items like fishing rods, coolers, or other equipment.
Materials Needed:
- PVC pipes and connectors
- Saw for cutting PVC
- PVC cement
- Bungee cords
Steps:
- Design the Rack: Sketch out a design for your gear rack, considering the dimensions of your SUP and the items you want to carry.
- Cut PVC Pipes: Use a saw to cut the PVC pipes to the desired lengths according to your design.
- Assemble the Rack: Connect the PVC pieces using connectors and secure them with PVC cement. Ensure all joints are tight and aligned.
- Attach to Board: Use bungee cords to secure the rack to your board’s existing D-rings or bungee system.
After implementing these modifications, we found that adding D-rings and a custom gear rack significantly enhanced our SUP’s functionality. It perfectly suited our specific needs, and no other setup was quite like ours.
| Upsides | Downsides |
| Increased gear capacity | Requires careful planning and execution |
| Personalized setup | Can be time-consuming |
| Cost-effective customization | May affect board balance if not properly installed |
Estimated Cost:
- D-Rings: $10-$20
- Custom Gear Rack: $20-$50
These DIY modifications are not only practical but also allow you to express your creativity, making your SUP truly your own.
Before making any permanent modifications to your SUP, consider how they might affect the board’s performance and warranty. Always prioritize safety and follow manufacturer guidelines when adding accessories or making changes to your board. If you’re new to stand-up paddleboarding, don’t forget to check out our guide on how to stand on a paddleboard before you hit the water.