How to Keep Your Stuff Dry!

The thing with paddle boarding is that after those first few sessions when you are just getting to grips with this new hobby and working out what it’s all about, your confidence will grow and you will probably want to venture further afield. At this point, you may spend longer on the water, even feel brave enough to take some photos and perhaps want to paddle up the river and stop for a coffee/lunch on the banks of the river. To do this, you will need your phone, your debit card/cash and perhaps a small towel/change of clothes. So… the question is, how do you transport your stuff and how do you keep it dry? We take a look at how to keep your stuff dry on a paddle board and the best waterproof paddle board gear.

Waterproof Phone Case

In our guide on staying safe on a paddle board, we recommended taking a phone with you for emergencies. It’s also really handy to have if you want to take pictures. With most smart phones being worth at least a week’s salary, it’s not something you want to get wet but there are a few ways in which you can keep your phone dry.

Waterproof phone case – perfect for popping your phone in and hanging it around your neck. You can still use your phone without taking it out of the pouch and can be used underwater too! You could even pop a card or some cash in as well.

Tow Bag / Dry Bag

While many boards come with a Dry Bag, they are rather limited on space and size. if you want to paddle a few miles, stopping for lunch along the way, you might want somewhere you can pop a towel, a pair of flip flops, a change of clothes etc. These tow bags, often used by swimmers for high vis, are ideal for holding up to 20 litres of stuff. Pop your stuff in seal the top shut, roll the top over a couple of times and clip together. Then inflate! While you don’t have to drag it behind you in the water, you can pop it on the back of your board, safe in the knowledge that your stuff will stay dry should you fall in.

While the above represent a selection of highly reviewed products on Amazon, many paddle boards come with a smaller dry bag – just trap the air in, roll the top and then clip it to your board, or pop it over your shoulder so it sits on your back. It really depends on how much stuff you are planning to transport.

While these bags and pouches are designed to keep everything dry, we often take a couple of zip lock bags for added protection – to pop the car keys in or to offer double protection. If you do fall in, you can also pop wet items of clothing in them so you don’t get everything else wet. There is some fantastic waterproof paddle board gear available but still be mindful that if submersed for a while, they may not be 100% effective.