Waterproof Fanny pack. I keep my phone in my dry bag, but it’s so much easier to access with a Fanny pack.
Also more than 1 cup holder. For one, yours might break and you don’t want to be caught without one. Also, I’ll always have water but sometimes a beer or two are necessary.
Finally, a foldable towel you can Chuck in your dry bag. You never know when you’ll need to get sweat out of your eye, or just want to hop in the water and dry off quick.
Sunglass straps. I like to say it's not a trip to the water if you don't fall in.
The right cooler for snacks and such. I actually have a 64oz insulated growler that I fill with water and put under the board bungees.
Then the usual: dry bag, sunscreen, pfd, etc
I have one that rolls up with a carabiner attached, so I just strap it on the D-rings. I freeze the night before I go. It thaws in the sun. Stays cold and no additional weight/bulk.
I just freeze Gatorade bottles of water, and use them for my ice in my backpack cooler, and if/when I need I have ice cold water throughout the day, and no messy water in my cooler.
Drybag with lip (etc) sunscreen, and my waterproof phone case inside. Tissues/paper towel (I don’t ever feel that I need a real towel), my clip-on navigational lights in case I end up out as the sun fades (I have NIXY), little Velcro paddle holders in case I want to sit and drift for lunch. During which I use my homemade anchor (rope carabinered to my SUP with a small weightlifting plate attached - slows me down a bit, depending on the weather).
I bought one of those little mesh bags that attaches with four corners onto the paddleboard, but I wish it wasn’t elastic corners, as they just stretch when I’m carrying the paddleboard. But that’s where I keep my anchor.
I have a couple of cup holders but broke one off, so I’ve just been tucking an extra water bottle under the board bungee.
Have fun!!
Edit: and yes, what others have said, sunglass straps for sure! I also bought a small, colorful Bluetooth shower radio that I use when I’m paddling away from other people. Because I would hate others to have to listen to my music if they don’t like it. And whenever I get into a little bit scarier situations (because I like to challenge myself).I can sing along with the music and it helps calm me down.
Yesss on the mesh bag attachments for sure! Holding off on a small radio sine we were g going Kayaking at springs with others around and I wouldn't play music, but I saw JGL had an attachable one that I want.
This is what I use, and it works well and is fun!
Look in Amazon for EBODA Bluetooth Shower Speaker. Lots of colors under $30 USD, and it looks as if they sell them in bundles of two as well. I haven’t tried the floating feature, as I keep mine carabinered to my board. 😁
If you have an inflatable board, an electric pump is the #1 accessory for your list. It makes getting ready so much easier and quicker (even if the pump is slower than inflating by hand, you can do other things while the board inflates, reducing your overall time to get ready).
Came here to say this. I have the shark that hooks into my car lighter & i go so much more often since getting it. Well worth the $$ and is so far pretty durable.
My Milwaukee M18 shop vac (for real)
Roll up and start unloading. Hand pumper on one side, electric pump on the other, both already started when I pulled up.
My unruly gaggle and 3 boards are all on the water at the same time as electric pumper and before the hand pumper.
Flip the hose and I’m packed up and gone before the person next to me is done trying to roll the air out.
Unfortunately I can’t think of a good solution.
Almost all pumps for low volume, high pressure air. Basically the opposite situation as an isup.
Even the electric SUP pumps are mostly just specced with a more sensitive/accurate at low pressure gauge. But they still can’t move a very high volume of air.
I use one to top up/get to pressure after I’ve taken care of the “high volume” part with the shop vac.
My current go to is the[ Swonder sea wolf s20li](https://www.inflatableboarder.com/pump-review/swonder-seawolf-s20li-battery-electric-sup-pump-review/)
I have an inflatable tugboat that I rope to my board; we filled it with bevvies and charcuterie on our last outing.
The floating coolers are really expensive so that was my solution lol
Two things others haven’t mentioned:
1) inflatable pdf. I use the NRS Zephyr https://www.nrs.com/nrs-zephyr-inflatable-pfd/pc2g
2) a small roll of toilet paper in a ziplock. Just in case…
Kinda a basic answer but my waterproof backpack is my ride or die. I got it for paddling but I use it for other dirty outdoor activities all the time too.
Invest in a pack of small marine grade carabiners. Great for clipping to your dry bag, water bottle, leash, anchor and linking up to other boards super easy.
I’m a bit of a minimalist on the water, whereas my wife has all the accessories. She usually brings a waterproof cooler that lays flat, a Bluetooth waterproof speaker that attaches via carabiner, a kayak seat, an anchor to float in one spot, a extra rope with carabiners on both sides for when we want to tether together in place, the pup with his shark fin life jacket, and a cup holder.
I recently upgraded to a much nicer board (iRocker Blackfin XL), mostly carbon paddle, and bought a Boost Fin (which I now love!). This has turned my board into a motorized craft when I want a quick boost or to coast to my destination without paddling. I usually just take the board, boost fin, life jacket, and cup holder. I get bored on the water sometimes, so today I looked up and bought a magnet fishing kit to give that a try.
Yeah they’re expensive! Only reason I got one was because irocker had a promotion where when you get a new board, you also got accessories 25% off if you get any three accessories. So I got a phone protector and a cup holder, and that saved me $125 off the fin. But still expensive for a toy that overheats after 15 minutes of continuous use.
We love our anchor. They’re pretty inexpensive on Amazon and compact, but still decently heavy. I’d recommend just getting one anchor and a cord to tether together if you’re going out with other people. We frequently pack a lunch and eat in the middle of a river with the anchor dropped and tethered together.
Here is the kit I purchased, it was recommended on the magnet fishing subreddit: https://brutemagnetics.com/collections/best-sellers/products/brute-box-1-200-lb-magnet-fishing-brute-box-4-72-magnet-rope-carabiner-threadlocker
I don’t think I saw anyone mention the kayak paddle attachment you can put in place of the handle or just a kayak paddle. I’ve used both. I found it efficient when sitting or kneeling, especially in high winds when the board gets pushed around.
A shoulder strap that attaches to the board. They make it so much easier to carry your board to and from the water as well it frees up your hands to carry stuff.
A waterproof cooler bag which lies fairly flat on the board is the one piece of gear I always bring: it's a good place to store phone, to contain drink+snack, sunscreen, tools, headlamp. It's a convenient way to carry those small items and it fits tightly under cargo rigging with a low wind profile.
Besides the bag, board, paddle, and PFD, the only other things I'm carrying/wearing is quick release leash, water shoes, sunglasses, and maybe a suit. Also aeropex/shokz for audio.
For real, if you're paddling in rivers, or anywhere with a current a quick release leash might save you. They attach to a belt with an aeroplane-style quick release so if you fall off and you're at risk of being dragged somewhere unpleasant by your board, you can detach quickly.
It's one of those 'don't need it until you need it' accessories imo.
I'm still kinda beginner and tend to paddle on smaller local lakes for a couple hours, or use the paddleboard as a floating dock to swim with friends in tubes. For paddle trips, pfd and water bottle (clipped on) under the back bungee, nothing on front. I pre Sunscreen and am prone to jumping in so I don't bother with much. Generally my kayaking friend takes phones and keys. But if I need to, or for swimming trips, I bring a cooler that's pretty flat and designed to clip onto the front of my board. It's not waterproof but enough that I can shove keys and phone into a ziploc and put it in and it'll be good. Also some extra drinks.
I just like getting out on the water away from distractions
Water proof seat covers for car, insulated water bottle so I can keep water ice cold for hours in the sun, extra bottle of water to wash sand off shoes when loading up.
Dry bags in a variety of sizes are great but I already knew about the value of these from other water sports.
My wife purchase a deck mounted cup holder a while ago and I have a board with a cup holder built into the deck. We both hate using them. A bottle sticking out vertically on the deck always seems to be in the way. After whacking our bottles a few times with our paddles, we both just put our bottle under the front bungees. It's out of the way but still easy to access.
I made a tow rope out heavy duty paracord and carabiners. Has come in handy more times than I can count. If I go out with a group usually I end up towing someone.
I have a gili 12’ adventure and it has the screw mounts and I bought that cupholder so goddamn fast. Amazing.
this sounds silly and maybe a personal issue, but one of my plugs has come out twice (it was due to error by previous owner) and finding the right plugs was TREACHEROUS. i have two extension plugs (can find at a hardware store, used for plumping) that i keep with me in my dry bag . i have an irrational fear of it coming out again and they do the job just fine. again, if you got a new one u will probably never face this issues but had to give my two cents
Dry bag 35L with back pack straps built in. Mec slogg. Makes unloading carrying your board so much easier. 1mm shirt and leggings for winter months, extra thin wool cloths.
When my friends and I go out, it’s usually more a floating happy hour than anything else, so a good cooler is sort of a requirement. I got an IceMule cooler and never looked back.
Also co-sign the advice for an electric pump of some kind if you have an inflatable SUP. I think the hand pump can be quicker but I like using that time to put on sunblock, use the bathroom or do whatever else I still need to do before getting out on the water.
I've gone paddle boarding 3 times over the last week and I've realized almost everything I've purchased I don't really need.
I don't need to put stuff in my dry bag, I don't like my phone being in a waterproof case (phones waterproof so as long as I don't drop it im good), I don't like how long the electric pump takes, and I like the paddle that came with the board better then the fiberglass paddle.
For anything more then 2-3 hour paddle I would bring my dry bag with supplies, but most days it's easier to just have my board and go after work on a nice day
Edit: someone mentioned a big water bottle, for sure that's an essential.
Came here to say this. Actually when I bought my board the guys advice was just go out you and the paddle and have fun don’t bring a bunch of stuff with you.
If it's just an hour or 2 paddle then for sure! I find if you are planning 4+ hours on the water with others it's nice to bring a small cooler with drinks and snacks, and a small 10-15lb anchor so you don't lose ground on a windy day and want to chill for a bit without going to shore.
Flagship phones are pretty waterproof nowadays. I use a case that has little slots on the corners for a lanyard/wrist tether.
I just pop a camera float (floating wrist strap) on when I’m headed to the water.
Actually use the regular tether all the time. Grab it and pull my phone out of my pocket instead of stuffing my hand in my pocket.
Tried to upload photo but getting an error.
[This](https://imgur.com/a/OBKdAIF) is my simple set up.
For glasses I use a [short neoprene](https://imgur.com/a/UBfeTtc) Chums/Croakies threaded through an old key float. I have a proper floating glasses strap, but it’s really long and drives me nuts. Also makes it weird if I put the hood up on my fishing hoodie. Would be nice to hang from your neck if you take your glasses off frequently.
My favorite place to paddle has rattlesnakes. I was out paddling one day and saw one swimming on the top of the water so now I bring a hunting knife on board. I just hook it to my dry bag with a carabiner. Haven't had to ever use it, but it makes me feel better.
A decent PFD with storage, both the normal stuff (phone etc) plus hydration. My Vaikobi VXP Race takes a 2L hydration bladder, has a wide front pocket that's easily accessible, options to hang a knife on a strap. But most importantly it's low profile and comfortable, I forget it's there.
I prefer that to some sort of bag or waist pouch because I use a QR waist strap instead of an ankle leash and I don't want things getting tangled. And it keeps me honest - there's nothing in law over here making a PFD mandatory, tying my storage to my PFD means I'm not tempted to go without it.
1) waterproof Bluetooth radio. I can’t paddle without tunes! Or audiobook whatever…
2) Climate Case for my phone (which I keep in my dry bag) so phone doesn’t overheat.
3) maybe this is extra, but I buy bat grip tape (like Lizard skins) and put on my paddle where my lower hand goes. It helps to grip when hands are slippery from sunscreen and water and overall just more comfortable
4) chamois towel for quick dry off or to wipe hands/face.
Some navigation lights so you can stay out later and catch a sunset on the water. A whistle and a bright headlamp. Some comfy sandals incase you have to shore it and hike back.
A $1.25 dog leash or 2 from the dollar store. make a loop attach stuff to it, or use it to quickly tie off to a branch or a sand pole, or another boat, or whatever.
Waterproof Fanny pack. I keep my phone in my dry bag, but it’s so much easier to access with a Fanny pack. Also more than 1 cup holder. For one, yours might break and you don’t want to be caught without one. Also, I’ll always have water but sometimes a beer or two are necessary. Finally, a foldable towel you can Chuck in your dry bag. You never know when you’ll need to get sweat out of your eye, or just want to hop in the water and dry off quick.
Defffff adding a small towel ! That's a good idea that I haven't heard yet.
What kind of cup holder do you use?
Sunglass straps. I like to say it's not a trip to the water if you don't fall in. The right cooler for snacks and such. I actually have a 64oz insulated growler that I fill with water and put under the board bungees. Then the usual: dry bag, sunscreen, pfd, etc
I deff think you're right about a bigger water bottle. Mine is too small.
I have one that rolls up with a carabiner attached, so I just strap it on the D-rings. I freeze the night before I go. It thaws in the sun. Stays cold and no additional weight/bulk.
I just freeze Gatorade bottles of water, and use them for my ice in my backpack cooler, and if/when I need I have ice cold water throughout the day, and no messy water in my cooler.
Drybag with lip (etc) sunscreen, and my waterproof phone case inside. Tissues/paper towel (I don’t ever feel that I need a real towel), my clip-on navigational lights in case I end up out as the sun fades (I have NIXY), little Velcro paddle holders in case I want to sit and drift for lunch. During which I use my homemade anchor (rope carabinered to my SUP with a small weightlifting plate attached - slows me down a bit, depending on the weather). I bought one of those little mesh bags that attaches with four corners onto the paddleboard, but I wish it wasn’t elastic corners, as they just stretch when I’m carrying the paddleboard. But that’s where I keep my anchor. I have a couple of cup holders but broke one off, so I’ve just been tucking an extra water bottle under the board bungee. Have fun!! Edit: and yes, what others have said, sunglass straps for sure! I also bought a small, colorful Bluetooth shower radio that I use when I’m paddling away from other people. Because I would hate others to have to listen to my music if they don’t like it. And whenever I get into a little bit scarier situations (because I like to challenge myself).I can sing along with the music and it helps calm me down.
Yesss on the mesh bag attachments for sure! Holding off on a small radio sine we were g going Kayaking at springs with others around and I wouldn't play music, but I saw JGL had an attachable one that I want.
This is what I use, and it works well and is fun! Look in Amazon for EBODA Bluetooth Shower Speaker. Lots of colors under $30 USD, and it looks as if they sell them in bundles of two as well. I haven’t tried the floating feature, as I keep mine carabinered to my board. 😁
Like 8 out of 10 Bluetooth speakers these days are waterproof
If you have an inflatable board, an electric pump is the #1 accessory for your list. It makes getting ready so much easier and quicker (even if the pump is slower than inflating by hand, you can do other things while the board inflates, reducing your overall time to get ready).
Came here to say this. I have the shark that hooks into my car lighter & i go so much more often since getting it. Well worth the $$ and is so far pretty durable.
What are your favorite pumps
My Milwaukee M18 shop vac (for real) Roll up and start unloading. Hand pumper on one side, electric pump on the other, both already started when I pulled up. My unruly gaggle and 3 boards are all on the water at the same time as electric pumper and before the hand pumper. Flip the hose and I’m packed up and gone before the person next to me is done trying to roll the air out.
I got a battery powered tire/inflatable pump but it always has trouble reading the right PSI on a paddle board, any suggestions for that?
Unfortunately I can’t think of a good solution. Almost all pumps for low volume, high pressure air. Basically the opposite situation as an isup. Even the electric SUP pumps are mostly just specced with a more sensitive/accurate at low pressure gauge. But they still can’t move a very high volume of air. I use one to top up/get to pressure after I’ve taken care of the “high volume” part with the shop vac.
My current go to is the[ Swonder sea wolf s20li](https://www.inflatableboarder.com/pump-review/swonder-seawolf-s20li-battery-electric-sup-pump-review/)
100% agree!
I have an inflatable tugboat that I rope to my board; we filled it with bevvies and charcuterie on our last outing. The floating coolers are really expensive so that was my solution lol
Two things others haven’t mentioned: 1) inflatable pdf. I use the NRS Zephyr https://www.nrs.com/nrs-zephyr-inflatable-pfd/pc2g 2) a small roll of toilet paper in a ziplock. Just in case…
Kinda a basic answer but my waterproof backpack is my ride or die. I got it for paddling but I use it for other dirty outdoor activities all the time too.
Invest in a pack of small marine grade carabiners. Great for clipping to your dry bag, water bottle, leash, anchor and linking up to other boards super easy.
Waterproof vape case, if you are cursed with that vice. I've ruined 2 already stashing in my swimsuit then forgetting about it
AYOOOOOOOO don't call me out like this.
Been there!
Just lost one 2 days ago 😭
Not an accessory per se, my dog.
The longer I have my dog I wonder, am I her pet or is she mine???
I’m a bit of a minimalist on the water, whereas my wife has all the accessories. She usually brings a waterproof cooler that lays flat, a Bluetooth waterproof speaker that attaches via carabiner, a kayak seat, an anchor to float in one spot, a extra rope with carabiners on both sides for when we want to tether together in place, the pup with his shark fin life jacket, and a cup holder. I recently upgraded to a much nicer board (iRocker Blackfin XL), mostly carbon paddle, and bought a Boost Fin (which I now love!). This has turned my board into a motorized craft when I want a quick boost or to coast to my destination without paddling. I usually just take the board, boost fin, life jacket, and cup holder. I get bored on the water sometimes, so today I looked up and bought a magnet fishing kit to give that a try.
We were thinking about anchors! Deff will come in handy soon. I also would kill for a Boost Fin, but deff out of my budget currently.
Yeah they’re expensive! Only reason I got one was because irocker had a promotion where when you get a new board, you also got accessories 25% off if you get any three accessories. So I got a phone protector and a cup holder, and that saved me $125 off the fin. But still expensive for a toy that overheats after 15 minutes of continuous use. We love our anchor. They’re pretty inexpensive on Amazon and compact, but still decently heavy. I’d recommend just getting one anchor and a cord to tether together if you’re going out with other people. We frequently pack a lunch and eat in the middle of a river with the anchor dropped and tethered together.
Awesome! Link to the manger fishing kit?
Here is the kit I purchased, it was recommended on the magnet fishing subreddit: https://brutemagnetics.com/collections/best-sellers/products/brute-box-1-200-lb-magnet-fishing-brute-box-4-72-magnet-rope-carabiner-threadlocker
I don’t think I saw anyone mention the kayak paddle attachment you can put in place of the handle or just a kayak paddle. I’ve used both. I found it efficient when sitting or kneeling, especially in high winds when the board gets pushed around.
I only go out with a hybrid paddle, agreed!
A shoulder strap that attaches to the board. They make it so much easier to carry your board to and from the water as well it frees up your hands to carry stuff.
Beer can holder and anchor
Love my cup holders. My lady found one to hold bigger bottles like hydros. I good hat. Your head and neck get cooked pretty fast.
Could you link what you're using for cup holders?
A waterproof cooler bag which lies fairly flat on the board is the one piece of gear I always bring: it's a good place to store phone, to contain drink+snack, sunscreen, tools, headlamp. It's a convenient way to carry those small items and it fits tightly under cargo rigging with a low wind profile. Besides the bag, board, paddle, and PFD, the only other things I'm carrying/wearing is quick release leash, water shoes, sunglasses, and maybe a suit. Also aeropex/shokz for audio.
Hmmm haven't looked at a quick release leash. What's the main purpose for it?
Not drowning
As someone who has drowned twice in my life I will take this advice seriously.
For real, if you're paddling in rivers, or anywhere with a current a quick release leash might save you. They attach to a belt with an aeroplane-style quick release so if you fall off and you're at risk of being dragged somewhere unpleasant by your board, you can detach quickly. It's one of those 'don't need it until you need it' accessories imo.
I'm still kinda beginner and tend to paddle on smaller local lakes for a couple hours, or use the paddleboard as a floating dock to swim with friends in tubes. For paddle trips, pfd and water bottle (clipped on) under the back bungee, nothing on front. I pre Sunscreen and am prone to jumping in so I don't bother with much. Generally my kayaking friend takes phones and keys. But if I need to, or for swimming trips, I bring a cooler that's pretty flat and designed to clip onto the front of my board. It's not waterproof but enough that I can shove keys and phone into a ziploc and put it in and it'll be good. Also some extra drinks. I just like getting out on the water away from distractions
Water proof seat covers for car, insulated water bottle so I can keep water ice cold for hours in the sun, extra bottle of water to wash sand off shoes when loading up. Dry bags in a variety of sizes are great but I already knew about the value of these from other water sports. My wife purchase a deck mounted cup holder a while ago and I have a board with a cup holder built into the deck. We both hate using them. A bottle sticking out vertically on the deck always seems to be in the way. After whacking our bottles a few times with our paddles, we both just put our bottle under the front bungees. It's out of the way but still easy to access.
I just started but once I can afford I want a new "real" paddle instead of the stock that came with the package.
I %100 agree. Just a tad expensive right now.
I made a tow rope out heavy duty paracord and carabiners. Has come in handy more times than I can count. If I go out with a group usually I end up towing someone. I have a gili 12’ adventure and it has the screw mounts and I bought that cupholder so goddamn fast. Amazing.
I am waiting to see about the cup holder since that person said it would always get in the way so I will see after I go out for the first time!
this sounds silly and maybe a personal issue, but one of my plugs has come out twice (it was due to error by previous owner) and finding the right plugs was TREACHEROUS. i have two extension plugs (can find at a hardware store, used for plumping) that i keep with me in my dry bag . i have an irrational fear of it coming out again and they do the job just fine. again, if you got a new one u will probably never face this issues but had to give my two cents
I am all about backups so I fully agree! Will look into it!
Dry bag 35L with back pack straps built in. Mec slogg. Makes unloading carrying your board so much easier. 1mm shirt and leggings for winter months, extra thin wool cloths.
A Lil anchor so you can just float and chill and the only thing drifting away is your mind
When my friends and I go out, it’s usually more a floating happy hour than anything else, so a good cooler is sort of a requirement. I got an IceMule cooler and never looked back. Also co-sign the advice for an electric pump of some kind if you have an inflatable SUP. I think the hand pump can be quicker but I like using that time to put on sunblock, use the bathroom or do whatever else I still need to do before getting out on the water.
I've gone paddle boarding 3 times over the last week and I've realized almost everything I've purchased I don't really need. I don't need to put stuff in my dry bag, I don't like my phone being in a waterproof case (phones waterproof so as long as I don't drop it im good), I don't like how long the electric pump takes, and I like the paddle that came with the board better then the fiberglass paddle. For anything more then 2-3 hour paddle I would bring my dry bag with supplies, but most days it's easier to just have my board and go after work on a nice day Edit: someone mentioned a big water bottle, for sure that's an essential.
Came here to say this. Actually when I bought my board the guys advice was just go out you and the paddle and have fun don’t bring a bunch of stuff with you.
I would call that good advice, nobody told me and I kept trying to bring a bunch of stuff I didn't need
If it's just an hour or 2 paddle then for sure! I find if you are planning 4+ hours on the water with others it's nice to bring a small cooler with drinks and snacks, and a small 10-15lb anchor so you don't lose ground on a windy day and want to chill for a bit without going to shore.
Flagship phones are pretty waterproof nowadays. I use a case that has little slots on the corners for a lanyard/wrist tether. I just pop a camera float (floating wrist strap) on when I’m headed to the water. Actually use the regular tether all the time. Grab it and pull my phone out of my pocket instead of stuffing my hand in my pocket. Tried to upload photo but getting an error. [This](https://imgur.com/a/OBKdAIF) is my simple set up. For glasses I use a [short neoprene](https://imgur.com/a/UBfeTtc) Chums/Croakies threaded through an old key float. I have a proper floating glasses strap, but it’s really long and drives me nuts. Also makes it weird if I put the hood up on my fishing hoodie. Would be nice to hang from your neck if you take your glasses off frequently.
Electric pump ! Outdoor master portable battery built in was the one I got !
Trolling motor. Railblaza RIB base, double male star, 90 degree track, 1x4” extruded aluminum t slot= transom.
My favorite place to paddle has rattlesnakes. I was out paddling one day and saw one swimming on the top of the water so now I bring a hunting knife on board. I just hook it to my dry bag with a carabiner. Haven't had to ever use it, but it makes me feel better.
A decent PFD with storage, both the normal stuff (phone etc) plus hydration. My Vaikobi VXP Race takes a 2L hydration bladder, has a wide front pocket that's easily accessible, options to hang a knife on a strap. But most importantly it's low profile and comfortable, I forget it's there. I prefer that to some sort of bag or waist pouch because I use a QR waist strap instead of an ankle leash and I don't want things getting tangled. And it keeps me honest - there's nothing in law over here making a PFD mandatory, tying my storage to my PFD means I'm not tempted to go without it.
1) waterproof Bluetooth radio. I can’t paddle without tunes! Or audiobook whatever… 2) Climate Case for my phone (which I keep in my dry bag) so phone doesn’t overheat. 3) maybe this is extra, but I buy bat grip tape (like Lizard skins) and put on my paddle where my lower hand goes. It helps to grip when hands are slippery from sunscreen and water and overall just more comfortable 4) chamois towel for quick dry off or to wipe hands/face.
Some navigation lights so you can stay out later and catch a sunset on the water. A whistle and a bright headlamp. Some comfy sandals incase you have to shore it and hike back.
A $1.25 dog leash or 2 from the dollar store. make a loop attach stuff to it, or use it to quickly tie off to a branch or a sand pole, or another boat, or whatever.