Campbell Carter’s SUP Trip Packing List; His Seven Must-Have Items
Campbell Carter has been part of the Salt Life team since 2019. His specialties include surfing, outrigger canoeing, swimming, mountain biking, and of course, stand up paddleboarding. His most impressive accolades to-date include SUP Connects 2020 Runner-Up Grom of the Year, 2020 APP Fast Track Unsponsored winner, 2020 Jr. Olympic Gold Medalist, and more recently, 1st Place in the Graveyard Course at the Carolina Cup!
When Campbell takes a SUP trip to race or just for fun, he knows precisely what he can’t leave home without. This is his extensive list of go-to items he wouldn’t dare leave behind when embarking on a SUP trip.
1. Boards
This seems like the most obvious item he would need to pack for his SUP trip, however, Campbell is very specific about his choice of board. If he’s headed inland, he’ll bring his SIC RS 14-foot race board. On the other hand, if he’s going to be near the ocean, he’ll pack his SIC Pro Slice 6’10 SUP surfboard and his Lost Uber Drive 5’8 board.
2. Paddles
Campbell typically brings two paddles with him when he’s traveling. He brings his Black Project Hydro Flow X and Black Project Surge surf paddle. Paddles are some of the more crucial pieces of equipment to include when packing for a SUP trip. It’s never a bad idea to have a back-up paddle just in case something goes awry.
3. Hydration and Snacks
Instead of coffee, Campbell drinks V8 energy drinks in the morning. It’s extremely important to get the proper nutrients before you head out to paddle. While he’s out on his paddleboard, he uses a Camelbak hydration pack for his Body Armor sports drinks. Campbell’s must-have foods while traveling include macro bars, stinger gummies, and fresh fruit. Hydration and energy are key factors in making sure he can perform to the best of his ability, and stay healthy in the process.
4. Performance Wear
Depending on where he’s going, and for how long, Campbell will generally pack about six pairs of Salt Life boardshorts. This is considered a necessity in the Carter household. His favorite shorts to race in are the Salt Life Gridlock Boardshorts. He will also pack several Salt Life performance shirts to wear while stand up paddleboarding so he can stay warm or cool, depending on the conditions.
5. Ultra-Polarized Sunglasses
Your eyes are more exposed to the sun on the water than they are on land. That’s because the sun’s rays reflect off the water and hit you right in the eyes, making it hard to see. For that reason, Campbell doesn’t paddle out unless his eyes and vision are protected with a pair of Salt Life ultra-polarized sunglasses. This is an essential SUP packing item that keeps Campbell from squinting while barrelling downwind on a wave, and protects his eyes from harmful UV rays.
6. Sun Screen
Campbell doesn’t just want to protect his eyes from the sun when competing on his SUP board. He also wants to protect his skin that isn’t covered up by breathable performance gear. That’s why Campbell always has a solid supply of sunscreen in his bag so the only thing that’s burning is his competition, not his skin.
7. Wrightsville Mojo
If Campbell is competing in a race, there is one more thing you will always find in his suitcase, his Wrightsville SUP hat. It’s the only hat he wears when racing and perhaps the most essential must-have item on his list. You may call it a superstition, but he calls it good luck.
When it comes to stand up paddleboarding trips, Campbell is a pro at packing. With his must-have items and his lucky hat, he’s ready for any SUP endeavor. Head over to the Salt Life Youtube channel to see Campbell in action, and don’t forget to hit that subscribe button.