How To Transition Your Paddle Boarding Equipment From Winter To Spring

Transitioning from cold-weather paddling to spring conditions isn’t as simple as grabbing your board and heading out. A proper gear update and a bit of maintenance can make all the difference for your comfort, performance, and safety. Here’s how to smoothly shift your paddle boarding equipment setup from winter to spring.

How Do Winter And Spring SUP Kit Lists Differ From One Another?

Your paddle boarding equipment lists in winter and spring are going to be quite different. While a lot of the basics will be on both lists, your spring list will be shedding a lot of the protective bulk you’d use in winter for a more flexible and dynamic setup.

Winter Paddle Boarding Equipment

During the winter, your focus will primarily be on insulation and protection from harsh conditions:

• Drysuit or thick wetsuit for full body thermal protection
• Neoprene boots, gloves, and a hood to help you prevent heat loss
• Thermal base layers under your suit
• High-visibility gear to help with safety in lower visibility
• Leashes and personal flotation devices are mandatory at all times on the water
• Insulated drinkware containing hot drinks to keep you warm and hydrated

Spring Paddle Boarding Equipment

Spring conditions are milder but still unpredictable, so your kit needs to strike a strong balance between warmth and mobility:

• Lighter wetsuit, which offers enough warmth without overheating, or layers of performance clothing
• Neoprene boots, which are optional, but early spring water can still be quite cold
• Sunglasses and sunscreen, as sun exposure increases significantly in spring
• Drinkware containing a drink of your choice to help with hydration
• Leashes and PFDs are, again, 100% necessary

Preparing Your Inflatable Paddle Board For Spring

Before your first proper spring session, your board and accessories need a thorough paddle board care inspection. Winter storage can take a serious toll if it’s not been done quite right, and you need to be sure you haven’t had your board suffer any damage while it’s been put away.

Inspect Your Board - Always start with a full visual inspection. Check the board for cracks, dents, or delamination. Look closely at the rails and the nose/tail and inspect the seams and valve. If you spot damage, repair it early to avoid bigger issues once you’re back on the water regularly. It’s not even remotely worth the risk of injury or causing further damage.

Give Everything A Proper Clean - Even if your board looks clean, it likely picked up dirt, salt, or mold during storage. Rinse your board with fresh water and give it a scrub with a mild soap for stubborn grime. Make sure that you dry everything thoroughly before using it.

Check Your Fins - Fins are often overlooked but are crucial for stability and tracking so make sure that your fins are not warped or cracked. Tighten your screws or clips securely to keep them stable while you’re using the board.

Inflate and Test - Inflate your paddle board to its recommended PSI and let it sit for a while to check for slow leaks. While you’re at it, inspect the pump and hose for wear.

Keeping on top of your paddle boarding equipment across seasons is key if you want to stay on top of your game, so make sure you’re doing your due diligence and making sure you’re bringing the right gear and it's all in good, working order. If you need any further guidance, feel free to reach out to the Red Equipment team for guidance.