7 High Energy Snacks For Your Next Paddleboarding Trip

Paddleboarding is a fantastic form of physical exercise - offering a surprisingly wide range of fitness benefits. It’s no wonder, then, that paddleboarding is also hungry work! You’ll burn a remarkable amount of calories when you hit the water, so it’s important to be equipped with the right snacks and drinks to keep you full of energy on your adventure. 

Whether you’re preparing for race day with your Elite board or embarking on an all-day adventure on your Ride, these seven high-energy snacks will have you fuelled and ready to go.  

Trail Mix

Trail mix is a paddleboarding staple, delivering the perfect balance of carbs, protein and healthy fats to give you lasting energy. You could make your own selection of nuts, seeds, dried fruit and even chocolate, or buy pre-made from your favourite brand and enjoy quick and sustained fuel. The great thing about trail mix is that it’s lightweight and ideal for snacking even between strokes. Simply pop it in your waterproof SUP deck bag or even in the pocket of your active jacket if you’re travelling light!

Protein Bar

Protein bars are another of the best snacks for paddleboarding when it comes to compact and mess-free options. These nutrient-dense snacks are packed with all the things you need to keep going, including oats, nuts and dates. Protein bars without added sugars are definitely your best bet as they’ll offer you a sustained energy boost, even during the most intense paddling sessions. 

Fresh Fruit 

There’s no need to restrict yourself to dry or long-life foods when choosing your high-energy paddleboarding snacks. Equip yourself with a reliable and durable cool bag and you’ll have no issues taking your favourite fresh foods with you on your trip. Fresh fruits like apples, oranges and bananas are a particularly great pick, as they offer a quick energy boost with lots of natural sugars. For an extra protein kick, take a pot of peanut butter for dipping with your apple. 

Tea or Coffee

On a cold day, a hot drink can be just as energizing as a food-based snack. Whether stowed in an insulated bottle in the pocket of your SUP deck bag or an insulated tumbler left on the shore or in the car, nothing beats a sip of tea or coffee pre or post-paddle. The boost of caffeine will give you a little lift, while you’ll be grateful for the warmth as you get changed after your time on or in the water.

Rice Cakes or Crackers

Next on our list of suggestions for the best snacks for paddleboarding are rice cakes or whole-grain crackers. These high-energy snacks are lightweight and endlessly versatile, satisfying as a quick bite or used as a base for nut butter, cheese, or even hummus. While they can be crushed easily when not stored correctly, the durable and waterproof TPU outer shell of your SUP deck bag will keep your snacks ready for when you need them most.

Hummus & Carrot Sticks

The combination of hummus and carrot sticks is a winner when it comes to a high-energy snack that blends protein and fibre. This paddleboarding snack is both nutrient-dense and exceptionally filling, best kept in your cool bag so that your carrot sticks stay fresh and crunchy until you’re ready to snack. 

Energy Gels

Energy gels are the perfect snack for SUP races or endurance paddling events. These quick-digesting gels are designed to give you a quick and instant boost of energy when you need it most and have the added benefit of being exceptionally lightweight. Throw a few into your deck bag for emergencies or a final push to the finish line or back to shore.