Learn to pack a SUP for camping -in person Learning Session
Schedule
Tue May 26 2026 at 05:00 pm to 06:00 pm
UTC-05:00Location
Lake Dardanelle State Park | Russellville, AR
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New to camping or camping with your SUP? Join me for a Free crash course on the do’s and don’ts of packing your stand up paddle board.
We will have a short class followed by hands-on practice on land and in the water. So bring your gear. If you don’t have the gear yet, this may be the best chance to take some notes for some things that work with your SUP.
Here is a comprehensive packing and gear checklist designed specifically for a 2-day, 1-night stand-up paddleboard camping trip.
Because space and balance are premium on a SUP, this list leans toward lightweight, compact backpacking gear, while prioritizing waterproofing and load stabilization.
1. SUP & Navigation Gear
-Stand-Up Paddleboard:(Inflatable or hard board with adequate D-rings/bungees for gear)
-Paddle
-Fin(s) & Fin Key: (Check that they are securely attached before launching)
-Leash: (not needed for river trips)
-PFD (Life Jacket): (Type III vest style is best for packing; must be easily accessible or worn)
-Safety Whistle: (Attached to your PFD)
-Pump & Pressure Gauge: (If using an inflatable SUP)
-SUP Repair Kit: (Patch material, valve wrench, and heavy-duty tape)
-Navigation / Tracking: (Waterproof phone case, loaded offline maps like CalTopo, or a dedicated GPS unit)
-Dry Bags:
--1x 20L–30L bag (For bulkier nose gear like tent/sleeping bag)
--2x 10L–15L bags (For clothes, food, and electronics)
--1x Small 5L deck bag (For quick-access items like sunscreen, snacks, and a phone)
-Tie-Downs - 2–4 extra heavy-duty cam straps or stretch bungees to lock down the dry bags.
2. Shelter & Sleeping (Pack Compact & Lightweight like for a backpacking trip)
-Tent or Hammock Setup: (A lightweight 1- or 2-person backpacking tent, or a hammock with a rainfly and bug net)
-Sleeping Bag or Quilt: (Rated to the nighttime temperature; MOST IMPORTANT TO KEEP DRY)
-Sleeping Pad: (Inflatable pads pack down the smallest)
-Camp Pillow: (Inflatable to save space)
-Ground Cloth / tarp: (Optional, but useful to keep your tent clean and give you a clean surface to step on)
3. Camp Kitchen & Hydration
-Water Filtration / Purification: at least one per group (Gravity filter, squeeze filter, or purification tablets)
-Water Storage: (At least 2-3 liters of capacity in durable, packable bottles or bladders)
-Backpacking Stove & Fuel: at least one per group (Canister stove or compact system)
-Cookset: at least one per group (A single lightweight pot with a lid)
Spork
-Meals: Day 1: Lunch (packable), Dinner
Day 2: Breakfast, Lunch
-High-Energy Snacks: (Energy bars, trail mix, jerky, dried fruit. kept in your quick-access deck bag)
-Biodegradable Soap & Small Pack Towel
-Trash Bag / Ziplocs: (Pack out everything you pack in. Leave No Trace)
4. Clothing & Layering (Do NOT pack cotton. Stick to quick-drying synthetics, nylon, or merino wool.)
-Paddling Outfit (Worn):
--Sun shirt & Board shorts or quick-dry active pants. OR a swimsuit and Sunscreen
--Wide-brimmed sun hat or baseball cap
--Polarized sunglasses with a floating retainer strap
--Water shoes or minimalist booties with good traction
-Camp Outfit (Packed in Dry Bag):
--1x Lightweight camp shirt & pants/shorts
--1x Warm insulation layer (Fleece or lightweight down jacket for cool evenings)
--1x Clean underwear and dry socks
--1x Pair of Land shoes or hiking boots
-Weather Protection: Lightweight rain jacket / windbreaker (Kept accessible on deck)
5. Safety, First Aid & Tools
-First Aid Kit: at least 1 per group (Packed in a small, clearly marked waterproof bag. Include blister treatment, bandages, antiseptic, ibuprofen, and any personal medications)
-Headlamp or Flashlight: (Plus extra batteries or charging cable)
-Knife or Multi-tool: (With a blade easily accessible on your PFD or deck)
-Fire Starter: (Waterproof matches, lighter, or flint in a waterproof case)
-Power Bank & Cables: (To keep your phone/navigation devices charged)
-Sunscreen & Lip Balm: (SPF 30+ and water-resistant)
-Insect Repellent
6. Personal Care & Hygiene
-Toilet Paper & Wet Wipes: (Packed in a Ziploc bag)
-Trowel: at least one per group (For digging a cathole if camp lacks facilities)
-Hand Sanitizer
-Toothbrush & Biodegradable Toothpaste
pre-assemble and test pack your gear at home a few days before the trip. It’s always better to discover you don't have enough D-rings or that your tent bag is too wide for your board's nose while you're still in your living room, rather than at the boat ramp!
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Where is it happening?
Lake Dardanelle State Park, Russellville, Arkansas, United StatesEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
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