Father’s Day is rolling round again, which means one thing in our house: someone in the family gets to make a very specific wishlist that starts and ends with paddleboarding gear. Being a Dad myself, this is one of my favourite events each year as I get to ask for something I might not usually buy myself, and I’ll be honest, more than a few of the items on this list have appeared on my own wishlist over the years.
All the paddleboarding gifts here are accessory upgrades rather than a new board — kit that makes a difference to how much you enjoy the sessions you’re already having, but if you really want to go all out and treat Dad to a brand new board, take a look at my best beginner paddle boards guide for inspiration.
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OutdoorMaster Shark 3 Electric Pump
Price: £140 with Code STEVE | View at Outdoor Masters
I’ve spent real time with the Shark 3, and it earned a 4.8/5 in my full review for good reason. It inflates a standard board to 15 PSI in under four minutes on battery alone — no car required. That’s the thing that actually changes your morning: you park up, set the pump going, get the rest of your gear sorted, and the board’s done before you’re done.
It handles up to four boards on a single charge, making it the obvious pick for families or anyone who regularly paddles with a mate. It also doubles as a power bank, which is a handy bonus on longer days out.
Key specs: 20 PSI max | 74Wh battery | 3-5 minute inflation to 15 PSI | 8 nozzles | Type-C or 12V charging
Aquaplanet Inflating Roof Rack
Price: £49.99 | View at Aquaplanet
No roof bars? No problem. The Aquaplanet self-inflating roof rack threads through your car doors and inflates itself — no pump needed. You strap the boards down with the included ratchet straps and you’re away. It supports up to 80 kg across both bars, meaning up to three boards at once.
The whole setup goes on and off in minutes and packs into the included carry bag. One thing to be aware of: the pads can take up to 24 hours to fully recover when new, so don’t leave the first fitting to the morning of a paddle.
Kit includes: 2 x inflating roof pads | 2 x ratchet straps | carry bag | max load 80 kg
Bluefin Carbon Drive Paddle
Price: £134.99 | View at Bluefin
Moving from a standard fibreglass shaft to carbon is one of those upgrades you notice on the first session. The Carbon Drive has a lightweight carbon fibre shaft and a glass-filled nylon teardrop blade that cuts through water with noticeably less resistance — on longer river stretches, the reduction in arm fatigue adds up.
It’s a three-piece design, adjustable from 175–210 cm, with a quick-release cam lock and rubberised handle for a solid grip even when wet. It also converts into a double-sided kayak paddle with Bluefin’s Carbon Conversion Kit, which gives it extra mileage.
Key specs: Carbon shaft | glass-filled nylon blade | 175–210 cm adjustable | 3-piece | 1-year warranty
Wave Waterproof Deck Bag
Price: £69.99 | Save 10% off via my links | View at Wave
Keys, phone, snacks, spare layers — there’s always something you need on the water that doesn’t cope well with getting wet. The Wave Deck Bag (20L) is made from 100% waterproof PVC with welded seams, a roll-top closure, and a watertight zip. It’s designed to sit on your board’s front D-rings without bouncing around.
The 20L capacity is roomy enough for a full change of clothes and a flask, and it comes with shoulder straps for carrying it to and from the water. If you’re doing longer day trips or paddling with kids, this is the accessory that quietly makes every session easier.
Key specs: 20L | 100% waterproof PVC | welded seams | roll-top + watertight zip | shoulder straps included
Bluefin Kayak Conversion Kit
Price: From £99.99| View at Bluefin
This is the accessory that makes people’s eyes light up. Clip the inflatable seat to your board’s D-rings, swap to a double-bladed paddle, and you’ve got a kayak. It clips on in seconds, packs flat, and the seat is designed for extended use.
I’ve paddled in kayak mode on my Bluefin Carbon, and it genuinely changes how you interact with the water. On a calm river stretch it’s a really relaxed way to spend a few hours — and a good shout for anyone curious about kayaking without wanting to invest in a separate boat.
Key Specs: 1-year warranty | Compatible with Bluefin and other brand SUPs | 1.7kg
Wave Buoyancy Aid
Price: £49.99 | Save 10% off via my links | View at Wave
This one isn’t glamorous, but it’s the most important item on the list. Cold water shock can incapacitate a strong swimmer in seconds — the RNLI strongly recommends wearing a buoyancy aid when paddleboarding, and it’s advice worth taking. The Wave 50N aid is lightweight, adjustable, and cut to allow a full range of movement so it doesn’t get in the way of your paddle stroke.
It comes with a safety whistle, side and shoulder strap adjustment, and quick-release buckles. Available in black. Sizing matters for these to work properly — check Wave’s sizing guide before buying.
Key specs: 50N buoyancy | safety whistle included | adjustable straps | quick-release buckles
Which one to go for?
If the paddler you’re buying for is still manually pumping, the Shark 3 has been my favourite upgrade to my kit by far. If they’re doing regular distance on a fibreglass paddle, the carbon paddle will make a difference fast. And if they don’t already own a buoyancy aid, start there — it’s the one that matters most.
Related Guides & Reviews
The resources below cover the basics, common questions, and related kit to help you get more out of your time on the water.
- Wave Kayaks and Canoe: The Full Range Compared
- Best Budget Paddle Boards in the UK
- Best Paddle Board Accessories: Best SUP Gear
- Aquaplanet ALLROUND 10 Review | Best Beginner SUP?
All images courtesy of the respective brands • All Rights Reserved.
About the Author
Steve Cleverdon is an outdoor adventure specialist with 15+ years of hiking, camping, and paddle boarding experience. He has conquered Europe’s toughest trails including the GR20 in Corsica, walked 3,000km solo across New Zealand, and worked professionally in the outdoors industry. Steve’s gear reviews and recommendations are based on real-world testing across four continents, from coastal waters to mountain peaks. Learn more about Steve or get in touch.
