Because the Best Trips Start Where the Road Ends
A multi-day SUP trip isn’t just a getaway - it’s a rite of passage. It’s where adventure meets simplicity: you, your board, and the water stretching endlessly ahead.
Sure, it can take some planning, but that’s half the fun. Once your crew’s locked in, mapping out routes and swapping snack ideas turns into part of the adventure itself.
Here’s how to plan a multi-day paddleboarding trip across New Zealand or abroad that you’ll remember long after the tan lines fade.
1. Chart Your Course
Start by scoping out areas where you want to go. Google Earth is your new best mate - you can use it to spot potential launch points, camp spots, and exit areas. Then do a little local research. Some regions and national parks require permits or have no-camping zones, so check the DOC (Department of Conservation) or local equivalent guidelines before you go.
Decide whether your trip will be a loop or A-to-B paddle. For A-to-B routes, you’ll need to plan a shuttle or have a mate waiting at the finish line with cold drinks and something salty to eat - trust us, it’ll feel like a hero’s welcome.
Once your route is locked in, share the plan with everyone in your group - and one responsible person staying home. Include:
- Launch and return dates
- Planned route and campsites
- Group names and emergency contacts
- Backup communication info
And if you’re paddling through a managed park, hand a copy to the local ranger.
2. Plan Your Paddle Days
Base your itinerary on your slowest paddler - not your most ambitious one. If your mate Sam tops out at 15 km a day, that’s your pace. It keeps things fun, not punishing.
Its also a good idea to add a spare day or two for weather delays or rest stops. If you’re on the coast, make sure to check tides and wind patterns - timing them right can make the difference between a relaxed glide and an exhausting slog.
3. Check the Weather (and the Water)
New Zealand weather loves surprising us. Research average temps for the season and watch the forecasts as launch day approaches. Dress for the water, not the air - cold water steals heat fast.
Even on grey days, pack sunglasses. Glare off the water is no joke and intensifies the suns impact. And if you’re hitting a river, monitor flow rates and rainfall - even “calm” rivers can turn dangerous after rain.
4. Stay Connected (When You Can)
Before you head out, find out if your route has mobile coverage - a quick google search should tell you. If it does, carry at least one fully charged phone per pair and a power bank to recharge.
If not, bring a satellite communicator like a Garmin InReach or SPOT device. They’re pricey but worth every cent when you’re off-grid and need to reach help.
5. Safety Gear - Don’t Skimp
Essential gear for multi-day missions:
- PFD (personal flotation device) - required, smart, and potentially lifesaving.
- Leash - always stay attached to your board.
- First-aid kit - include any personal meds and know how to use them.
- Headlamp or waterproof torch - for night paddles or midnight snack hunts in your dry bag.
- Sunscreen & insect repellent - because sandflies and sunburn never take days off.
- Bright, quick-dry clothing - no denim, no cotton, no regrets.
6. Pack Smart
Packing is an art. Pack too much and you’ll feel like a floating garage sale, pack too little and you’ll regret it halfway through day one.
- Hydration: Know where you can refill on your route or bring a portable filter system.
- Food: Plan group meals - it saves weight, fuel, and cleanup. Cooking together also builds solid camp camaraderie.
- Shelter: Lightweight tents, bivvies, or hammocks work well. Our Endurance and Endurance XL touring boards fit a sleeping pad right on deck - perfect for minimalist overnighters.
7. Test Paddle First
Load your board with the same gear you’ll take on the trip and do a test run. You’ll quickly figure out where the weight sits best and how your board handles when fully loaded. Better to find out close to home than mid-journey miles away from anywhere.
8. Train for the Glide
Multi-day paddling is no joke. It’s a full-body workout that hits your legs, core, and shoulders.
The best training? More paddling.
Build up endurance with longer sessions and more kms, then sprinkle in balance and leg exercises to keep your body strong. Consistency beats intensity - don’t burn out before you even launch.
9. Keep It Fun
This isn’t a race - it’s your escape. Take breaks, have swims, and don’t rush sunrise coffee on the beach. The best stories come from the moments in between the paddle strokes.
Final Stoke
Planning a multi-day SUP trip might sound like hard work, but once you’re gliding across still water under a painted sky, every checklist item will feel worth it.
Pack smart, paddle safe, and embrace whatever the water throws your way.
We’d love to hear where your next mission takes you - tag @pauhanasurfsupply in your adventure posts and join the tribe of paddlers chasing their own Pau Hana time.
