Waterproof Gear for Paddleboarding | Keep Your Phone & Keys Dry
Waterproof Gear for Paddleboarding: What You Actually Need on the Water
Waterproof storage keeps your essentials protected without adding unnecessary bulk to your paddleboard setup.
The best waterproof gear for paddleboarding keeps your phone, keys, wallet and other essentials protected without making your setup bulky. For short paddles, a waterproof crossbody may be all you need. For longer trips, a larger dry bag or waterproof backpack makes more sense.
Paddleboarding looks simple, and most of the time it is. But once you're standing on a board surrounded by water, even a small splash, boat wake or unexpected fall can turn into a problem if your phone and keys aren't protected.
The goal isn't to bring more gear. It's to bring the right gear and keep the things that matter protected, secure and easy to reach.
What waterproof gear do you need for paddleboarding?
For most casual paddleboarding trips, you'll want waterproof storage for your phone, keys, wallet, sunscreen and other small essentials. A compact waterproof crossbody works well for short paddles, while longer trips may require a larger dry bag or waterproof backpack for clothing, food and additional equipment.
What Should You Bring Paddleboarding?
You don't need much for a casual paddle, but there are a few things worth bringing almost every time.
- Phone
- Car keys
- Wallet or ID
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Water bottle
- Snacks
- Small first-aid supplies
- Extra clothing for longer paddles
- Camera or other electronics
How Do You Keep Your Phone and Valuables Dry?
Paddleboarding creates a different problem than hiking or walking around town. Your gear isn't just exposed to rain. There is a real possibility that it could end up completely underwater.
That's why the difference between water-resistant and waterproof matters.
A water-resistant bag may handle splashes, light rain or spray. That doesn't necessarily mean it can protect a phone if you fall off your board and the entire bag goes underwater.
For electronics, car keys and valuables, fully waterproof storage is the safer choice.
Waterproof Crossbody vs. Dry Bag
Waterproof Crossbody
Best when you only need to carry the things you want immediately accessible.
- Phone
- Keys
- Wallet
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Small accessories
Dry Bag or Waterproof Backpack
Better when you're spending several hours on the water and bringing additional gear.
- Clothing
- Towels
- Food
- Camera gear
- Emergency supplies
- Extra layers
The biggest advantage of a waterproof crossbody is that it stays attached to you.
If you fall off the paddleboard, your phone, keys and wallet don't stay behind on the board or float away with a loose bag. They're still attached to your body.
Why a Waterproof Crossbody Makes Sense on a Paddleboard
A traditional dry bag works great when you need lots of storage. But if you're only carrying your phone, keys and wallet, a full-size bag can be unnecessary.
- Keeps valuables attached to your body
- Lets you access your phone quickly for photos
- Takes up almost no space on the paddleboard
- Reduces the chance of leaving valuables loose on the deck
- Works both on the board and when you head back onto shore
What Happens If Your Bag Falls in the Water?
Anything you're carrying on a paddleboard should either be attached to you or securely attached to the board.
Larger dry bags are normally placed underneath the paddleboard's front bungee cords. For longer or rougher paddles, adding a tether gives you another layer of security.
Smaller valuables are often easier to keep on your body.
Keep your phone, keys and wallet in waterproof storage attached directly to your body.
Place dry bags or backpacks underneath your paddleboard's bungee cords.
For longer trips or rougher water, use a tether so your bag stays connected to your board.
What Size Waterproof Bag Do You Need?
| Trip Type | What You're Carrying | Best Storage |
|---|---|---|
| Short Paddle | Phone, keys, wallet, sunscreen | Waterproof crossbody |
| Half-Day Paddle | Essentials, food, clothing, water | Crossbody + small dry bag |
| Full-Day Adventure | Clothing, food, safety gear, camera gear | Waterproof backpack or larger dry bag |
Is Water-Resistant Good Enough for Paddleboarding?
Sometimes, but not for anything you absolutely cannot afford to get wet.
A water-resistant backpack might be completely fine for holding a towel, sandals or clothing. But your phone, wallet, car keys and electronics deserve better protection.
Paddleboarding Tips for Keeping Your Gear Safe
Don't wait until you're already on the water to figure out where your phone and keys are going.
Your phone and car keys are the two things you least want floating away.
Large bags should be secured rather than sitting loose on the deck.
For casual paddleboarding, carrying only the essentials usually makes the entire experience easier.
Paddleboarding Gear FAQs
Do I need a dry bag for paddleboarding?
Not necessarily. If you're carrying clothing, food, towels or lots of equipment, a dry bag is useful. If you're only bringing a phone, keys, wallet and a few small essentials, a waterproof crossbody may be enough.
Where should I put my phone while paddleboarding?
Keep your phone in waterproof storage attached either to your body or securely to your paddleboard. A waterproof crossbody is convenient because your phone stays protected while remaining easy to access.
Can you take your phone paddleboarding?
Yes. Many paddlers bring their phones for photos, navigation and emergencies. The important part is protecting the phone from both splashes and accidental submersion.
Should I strap my bag to my paddleboard?
Larger dry bags and backpacks should generally be secured underneath your board's bungee cords or tethered to the board. Smaller waterproof bags can be worn directly on your body.
What's the difference between waterproof and water-resistant gear?
Water-resistant gear is designed to resist limited exposure such as splashes or rain. Waterproof gear provides a higher level of protection and is the better option for valuables that may actually go underwater.
What should a beginner bring paddleboarding?
At minimum, bring a properly fitted personal flotation device, paddle, leash where appropriate, water, sun protection and secure waterproof storage for your phone and keys.
Keep the Essentials With You
For shorter paddleboarding trips, you shouldn't need to bring half your closet onto the water.
Your phone, keys, wallet and a few essentials are usually enough. The SKÖ Waterproof Crossbody gives those items a waterproof place to live while keeping them attached to you and easy to reach.
Fully waterproof protection for your everyday essentials.