Fitting guide: swimwear for paddleboarding

May 22, 2024

Fitting guide: swimwear for paddleboarding

A couple of years ago, it felt like stand up paddleboarding (SUP) was a passing trend, but it looks like it’s here to stay. And it’s no surprise. Being on the water, in nature brings huge mental wellbeing benefits, paddleboarding is great gentle exercise for core stability and strength, and good-quality inflatable paddleboards are widely available to buy.

So, what should you wear when you SUP? If you’re anything like us and have a high chance of falling off your paddleboard, it’s got to be something you don’t mind getting wet. You might also want to consider:

  • how long you’ll be on your paddleboard
  • weather protection
  • stopping off for a swim
  • safety equipment

We found this brilliant guide from the RNLI on how to paddleboard safely – and we’re here to help you get onto the water in style.

1. The best swimwear for SUP cruising

Nothing beats floating around a lake, loch or small cove on a hot summers’ day. You might also want to swim or sunbathe, so we recommend the comfort and flexibility of our new adjustable, reversible Plunge Swimsuit. Pair it with your favourite shorts, sun hat and sunglasses if you’re a confident paddleboarder, or wear it on its own if you want to dip into the sea to cool off.

We love: The new adjustable straps for the most comfortable fit ever.

Top tip:Take advantage of the sun-cream resistant fabric by using an ocean-friendly sunscreen such as this one by Green People.

Deakin & Blue Plunge Swimsuit Black and Leopard2. The best swimwear for SUP yoga

Taking your paddleboard out on calm, still water for a spot of quiet, early morning yoga is one sure way to destress. To achieve a high lunge or tree pose on your SUP, you need balance, flexibility and incredibly comfortable swimwear. D&B’s own yoga guru, Alice, recommends the Sports Swimbra Bikini. Not only is it comfortable and supportive, but it’s also flexible enough to wear with your usual yoga gear.

We love:the sports-bra like bust support for downward dogs and doggy paddle.

Top tip:pair with shorts or yoga trousers for extra warmth and coverage.

Deakin & Blue Swimbra Bikini for SUP3. The best swimwear for wild paddleboard adventures

Whether we start by paddling upstream and then turn around and head back, or have transport at either end of our journey, we love a day out on the river. Seeing the world from the water, nature spotting, stopping for a swim and a picnic, it’s such a magical way to spend the day. There’s no better swimsuit to match the joy of nature than our Forest Green and Black Reversible X-Back. It’s comfortable, stylish and supportive – perfect for river cruises.

We love:the butter-soft fabric and smooth seams for freedom of movement without chafing.

Top tip:pack a Quick Dry Beach Towel to dry off post swim.

Deakin & Blue Reversible X-Back Forest Green and Black4. Best swimwear for a paddleboarding lunch date

With so many great waterside pubs, restaurants and eateries, we love arriving for lunch or dinner in style on our paddleboards. Park down river from your destination so that you can work up an appetite getting there and then float home easily. Our Essential Tankini is the perfect swimwear – not only is it comfortable and supportive, but it’s also glam enough to team with trousers and a shirt or cardi while you eat.

We love:wearing the Essential Tankini as a vest top with an over shirt or cardigan.

Top tip:put your valuables and clean, dry clothes in a dry bag like the Keep It Dry Bag and strap it to your paddle board.

Deakin & Blue Essential Swimsuit Black