What do I carry in my SUP bag?

A fellow paddler asked me the other day - what is in your little blue bag?!

On my own or with clients - I ALWAYS carry the following items: 

• Pen knife
• Spare fin
• Spare spigots x 2
• Money
• Compass
• Head torch
• Spare batteries
• Heavy duty tape
• Patches
• Waterproof first aid kit - inc, foil blanket and sun screen 
• Spork 
• Bottle opener
• Pen and waterproof note pad
• Permanent marker pen 
• Waterways license 

My SUP #safetyessentials: 

• 5m webbing strap and carabiner
• Waist leash - I wear a waist leash all of the time, its my personal preference 
• Throw line
• PFD - 50N buoyancy
• Whistle
• Phone/VHF in a waterproof case
• Extra warm layers, hat and gloves
• Drink  - hot or cold, depending on conditions 
• Navigation - map (paper or electronic)

​Optional extra's: 

• Pump - I take on my longer trips or trips where I am away from assistance 
• Helmet -  for my fruiter and faster flowing river runs
• Paddle - a three piece paddle as a spare