A life vest/jacket is required when you stand up paddleboard (SUP) in most marinas. You don't want the big cumbersome style, you don't want to get a ticket, you want to get a tan and you want the smallest most efficient life vest around. Something that will keep the fuzz away, yet save you in case of an emergency when you really in need. You want a Hobie SUP Belt Pak Lifevest, it's so light you forget it's on and it fits around your waist so you won't have any tan lines.
Let's face it the best flotation devise for SUP riders is your SUP. Everyone who surfs or SUP's knows that, a solution could be make everyone where a leash. But the life vest/jacket rule is here to stay, so make the investment. I did everything I could to save money, I got the net and attached a life jacket, I wore a retro life jacket and I purchased some of the less expensive PFD's available. They work but, they are bigger and they are not secure so they flap around. It always was a hassle so I went without and got a ticket. The next day I went out and purchased the Hobie SUP PFD, it stays in place, the adjustable belt is thin it's not in the way, I even where it when I go sailing, it's so small you forget you have it on.
For just over $100 you can look like a pro, restriction free, not be hassled by the fuzz and working on a tan free of any tan lines. Go to Hobie to order online or visit you local Hobie Surf Shops.
Locks keep honest people honest. I keep my stand up paddleboard (SUP) on my sailboat, yet I was always worried that one day it would get stolen. I keep my surfboard in my back yard and every so often usually on an epic day, a "friend" will borrow it for the day. Not any more the company DocksLocks has come out with the most innovative and practical way to lock up your board. It is kind of like a bike lock for your board, providing similar security benefits and it just takes a minute.
DocksLocks security system is a lock for your board. It secures your surfboard/SUP/wakeboard, deterring theft and freeing your mind. Lock your board to your boat, roof rack, surf rack, dock post or lock it to a bike rack while you go for a bite to eat.
The complete system is $49.95; I purchased mine from Action Watersports in Marina del Rey (www.actionwatersports.com). You can buy the complete surfboard and SUP lock system, it's a small mesh dive bag inside is 1- 10ft stainless steel coated DXLX cable with a resettable combination, 1- DXLX JAW, 1- DXLX cleat for use in a single fin box (only needed if your surfboard or SUP does not have a leash plug) and a cool sticker DocksLocks Surfboard Security Systems (put it on your board to deter burglars, it's like the ADT signs outside houses, it works). You can also purchase an extra DXLX JAW, lock up multiple boards with one cable. All can be purchased, click below on Amazon!
DOCKsLOCKs, is a must have, if your like me you made a big investment in your surfboards and SUP, it is a small price to keep it safe.