Deck Bungee Dry Bag Setup & Stashable Paddle

Carry your gear on deck without losing balance, and keep a paddle that packs small.

Beginner

4 min

DECK BUNGEE DRY BAG SETUP & STASHABLE PADDLE
[ ] 15L Deck Bag
[ ] Carabiner Clips
[ ] 3-Piece Carbon Paddle

15L Deck Bag: the owner's size. Check the dimensions against your board's rigging area before you buy.
Carabiner Clips: use light clips for gear, not for climbing or load-bearing safety. Check that the clip is made for your use.
3-Piece Carbon Paddle: carbon is light and stiff. Check the maker's guidance for adjusting length and joint care.

Keep your feet clear. Straps, cord and clips on the deck can trap a foot. Keep the standing area free, and use short tie-downs. Why it matters: a tangle near your leash can pull you off balance.
Pack for a fall. Put anything you cannot lose in a closed dry bag and attach it to the board. Assume you will go in at some point.
Check your paddle before each trip. A joint that slips mid-stroke can send you into the water. Tighten each joint and test it on the beach. Carbon paddles can crack if hit or stood on, so check for cracks.

Gear types only.

Deck bag or dry bag that fits your board's bungee area
Carabiners or clips
Multi-piece adjustable paddle
Waterproof pouch for keys and cards
Insulated bottle that clips onto the deck (Wild Dirt carries drinkware)

Rules for paddleboards, required safety gear and launch access vary by state, waterway and park. Check current local rules with the U.S. Coast Guard (uscgboating.org), your state boating agency and the managing agency: nps.gov, fs.usda.gov or your state park website.

Pack it low, clip it close and paddle light. Built by explorers, for the trail.

Deck bag

15L Deck Bag that fits under your board's deck bungees
Squeeze-test it for leaks before use
Roll the top down several times and clip it closed
Pack heavy items low and near the center of the board
Keep a dry layer, snacks, sunscreen and keys in the bag

Clips and tie-downs

Carabiner Clips for the bag, a water bottle or a small dry pouch
Check that clips close fully and do not catch your leash
Keep clips away from the area where you stand
Trim any loose cord that could tangle your feet

Paddle

3-Piece Carbon Paddle assembled at home first
Twist or lock each joint until it clicks
Set the length so the paddle top reaches about a hand above your head when standing
Check the blade angle so it faces forward as you stroke
Stash the spare pieces in your bag or on the board

Balance check

Load the board and kneel on it in shallow water
Stand up and check that the board sits level
Move gear if the board tilts or the nose dips

After the paddle

Rinse the paddle joints and let them dry before storing
Open the bag and air it out

Deck bag

15L Deck Bag that fits under your board's deck bungees
Squeeze-test it for leaks before use
Roll the top down several times and clip it closed
Pack heavy items low and near the center of the board
Keep a dry layer, snacks, sunscreen and keys in the bag

Clips and tie-downs

Carabiner Clips for the bag, a water bottle or a small dry pouch
Check that clips close fully and do not catch your leash
Keep clips away from the area where you stand
Trim any loose cord that could tangle your feet

Paddle

3-Piece Carbon Paddle assembled at home first
Twist or lock each joint until it clicks
Set the length so the paddle top reaches about a hand above your head when standing
Check the blade angle so it faces forward as you stroke
Stash the spare pieces in your bag or on the board

Balance check

Load the board and kneel on it in shallow water
Stand up and check that the board sits level
Move gear if the board tilts or the nose dips

After the paddle

Rinse the paddle joints and let them dry before storing
Open the bag and air it out