Ready to elevate your paddle boarding game? A top-notch hat is essential.
Forget hats that fly off or fail to shield you from the sun.
We’ve found the best options to ensure comfort, durability, and relentless sun protection.
Let’s dive into the world of superior headgear for paddle boarders.
Table of Contents
#1 Ho Stevie! Surf Bucket Hat
| Sun Protection | Stiff front brim with removable neck flap |
| Comfort/Fit | Adjustable mesh chin straps for a secure fit |
| Material | 100% imported nylon, buckle closure |
When choosing the best hats for paddleboarding, the Ho Stevie! Surf Bucket Hat is a standout option for its functionality and thoughtful design. Constructed from 100% imported nylon, this hat promises durability and a comfortable fit, essential for the dynamic nature of watersports. What elevates this hat is the stiff front brim; it provides excellent sun protection without obstructing vision, ensuring clarity and safety on the water.
Adding to the Ho Stevie! Surf Bucket Hat’s versatility is the removable neck flap. Tucked away in a secret pocket when not in use, it provides extra protection from the sun’s rays when needed. For those with smaller head sizes, the availability of a small size in classic black caters to a more personalized fit.
The hat’s adjustable mesh chin straps are a game-changer, enhancing comfort and ensuring the hat stays securely in place even during rapid movements like duck dives. This attention to detail speaks to the product’s focus on meeting the complex needs of paddleboarders and other watersport enthusiasts.
Coming from “Ho Stevie!”, a brand with a strong footing in the surfing community, this hat is part of a line that’s tried and tested in the waters of San Diego, CA. This background guarantees a product that isn’t just designed well but is also practical and highly reputable among those who know watersports best.
The high customer satisfaction rating reflects the product’s quality and effectiveness, making the Ho Stevie! Surf Bucket Hat an exemplary choice for anyone seeking reliable paddleboarding headgear. It’s the perfect blend of protection, comfort, and stability – essentials for any paddler looking to maintain focus on their form and the waves ahead.
#2 airSUP Bucket Hat
| Sun Protection | Wide semi-hard brim, UV protection mesh for ears |
| Comfort/Fit | Adjustable chin strap, diameter adjuster, breathable vents |
| Material | Quick-drying polyester, 97% polyester, 3% chinlon |
The airSUP Bucket Hat is a functional and stylish choice for paddle boarders seeking reliable sun protection and comfort. With a wide brim and ear-covering mesh, it provides extensive coverage against the UV rays that reflect off the water’s surface. The added semi-hard feature ensures that the face is guarded against unexpected water sprays, offering more than just shade.
Comfort is key when it comes to headwear, and this hat delivers with an adjustable chin strap and head diameter, accommodating head sizes from 5 to 7. Breathable vents keep things cool, even on the hottest days on the water, while still offering protection from the glare and heat of the sun.
Crafted from quick-drying polyester, the hat won’t stay wet after a dip, which is an undeniable perk in the water sports world. The material blend, featuring a touch of chinlon, holds up against the wear and tear of active use, making it a hat that lasts.
Its unisex design and variety of colors grant paddle boarders the opportunity to align their gear with their personal style. The Sandy Khaki option further expands the choice between regular and unisex fits, catering to a broader audience.
Lastly, the ease of care for the airSUP Bucket Hat is a bonus; it’s machine washable with a buckle closure, answering the call for both practicality and functionality. The hat demonstrates versatility outside of the SUP realm, displaying its utility in various other outdoor activities. This quality item meets the needs of those leading an active and adventurous lifestyle, affirming its place as a valuable inclusion in any paddle boarder’s gear list.
#3 USHAKE Surf Hat Unisex
| Sun Protection | UPF 50+ rating |
| Comfort/Fit | Adjustable size with Chin & Back straps (22.4″ – 23.2″) |
| Material | 100% Nylon, Quick-dry fabric |
The USHAKE Surf Hat is a versatile accessory for paddle boarders seeking robust sun protection and comfort. With a UPF 50+ rating, wearers are shielded from the harsh sun, making it an ideal choice for long sessions on the water.
Weighing in at approximately 4 ounces, its lightweight construction of 100% nylon ensures breathability without sacrificing durability. This hat stands out for its functional design, featuring a stiff brim that keeps its shape even when wet, providing unobstructed visibility crucial for safety and enjoyment on the paddle board.
Fitted with an adjustable chin strap and a Velcro back closure, the USHAKE Surf Hat guarantees a snug fit for head sizes ranging from 22.4 inches to 23.2 inches. The attention to detail is apparent in the robust stitching and convenient design elements such as mesh ventilation near the ears and a hidden pocket.
Providing both utility and aesthetics, the surf hat is available in varied colors, catering to different style preferences. The hat’s quick-dry fabric and well-constructed straps make it a reliable companion for paddle boarding adventures. Although our third choice, the USHAKE Surf Hat’s functionality, fit, and high customer satisfaction make it a top recommendation in our Hats for Paddle Boarding roundup.
#4 VEBODI Indo Surf Helmet
| Sun Protection | Neck visor with UV-blocking ear/neck flap and face visor with small peak brim |
| Comfort/Fit | One-size-fits-all with adjustable chin strap and buckle retention system |
| Material | Polyester construction with impermeable foam waterproof lining and hard shell for impact protection |
The VEBODI Indo Surf Helmet is thoughtfully tailored for those who enjoy paddle boarding and other water sports. Its one-size-fits-all design ensures a snug and comfortable fit for adults and children over 7, evidencing its family-friendly versatility. With an impressive 4.3-star rating, this helmet has quickly become a go-to for safety and sun protection.
Crafted with a low-profile aesthetic, it offers full sun coverage without compromising style or vision. The detachable ear/neck flap made from a lightweight material and the peak brim face visor work together to protect from the sun’s harmful rays while on the water.
Durability and safety are at the core of this product, with its impermeable foam water-proof lining and protective hard shell. This combination helps to mitigate light to medium impacts, whether you’re surfing the waves or engaging in high-speed water sports.
An adjustable chin strap keeps the helmet steadily in place regardless of aquatic turbulence, providing peace of mind for the wearer. And while it might not adhere to certain land-based safety standards, its specialized design for water recreation offers a specific kind of protection valued in its category.
Endorsed by surf industry figures and trusted within the community, the VEBODI Indo Surf Helmet reaches beyond mere functionality—it’s about enhancing the paddle boarding experience with safety and comfort. Whether you’re shielding your head from the sun or preparing for the unexpected knock, this helmet stands as a reliable ally on the water.
#5 Float in Nature FiN Tactical
| Sun Protection | Tactical brim provides ample shade |
| Comfort/Fit | Adjustable snap buttons for a secure fit |
| Material | Durable EVA, polyester, and neoprene |
The Float in Nature FiN Tactical hat is a stellar choice for paddle boarders and outdoor enthusiasts who demand both style and function. Designed to endure extensive ocean field testing, this hat is crafted from high-quality closed-cell EVA, polyester, and neoprene materials, ensuring excellent floatation and durability. The variety of brim types, including the patented molded Tactical brim with a visor core, crown, and compression-molded brim, provide both formidable sun protection and a secure fit.
Comfort is never compromised, thanks to the adjustable snap buttons made from corrosion-resistant materials that adhere reliably even when wet. This feature ensures the hat remains snug on your head, even during vigorous water activities or under windy conditions. It’s clear that meticulous attention to detail has been given to every aspect of this hat’s design to ensure maximum performance.
The FiN Tactical hat not only serves its purpose with distinction on the water, but it also doesn’t look out of place as an everyday accessory. Whether you’re paddling onto tranquil lakes or traversing rapid rivers, this hat promises to keep your head protected and stay afloat—surpassing the capabilities of other brands in its floatation technology.
It’s noteworthy to mention that by opting for this hat, you’re also choosing to support a small business. On top of exceptional functionality, the FiN Tactical hat has already garnered a positive reception with a 4.5-star rating, highlighting customer satisfaction with its quality and design.
In conclusion, if you’re in search of a hat that can keep up with your paddle boarding ventures and beyond, the Float in Nature FiN Tactical hat is a commendable selection. Its combination of superior materials, top-notch sun protection, and a snug fit make it an undeniable asset for any water sports enthusiast.
Checklist: What Makes a Great Hat for Paddle Boarding
- Sun Protection: Select a hat offering comprehensive UV protection, such as a UPF rating or materials that block harmful rays. Coverage should extend to the face, neck, and ears for full sun safety during prolonged paddle boarding sessions.
- Comfort/Fit: Ensure a snug yet comfortable fit with adjustable straps or sizing systems. A proper fit prevents the hat from shifting during movement and contributes to overall comfort during wear, essential for long outings on the water.
- Material: Look for quick-drying, breathable materials like nylon or polyester that withstand aquatic environments. Hats constructed from materials that maintain their shape when wet are preferable for clear lines of vision.
- Durability: The hat should be made to endure the wear and tear of paddle boarding, including resistance to saltwater and sun exposure. Sturdy construction with quality stitching reflects durability and longevity.
- Wind Resistance: A paddle boarding hat must stay secure in windy conditions. Options with a chin strap, or other secure fastenings, will ensure the hat remains on your head even in gusty scenarios.
- Floatation: In case the hat falls into the water, it should be buoyant to avoid sinking and facilitate easy retrieval. Some hats may even include specialized floatation technology to address this need.
FAQ
What should I consider when choosing a hat for paddle boarding?
For paddle boarding, opt for a hat with UV protection, comfort, adjustability, quick-dry materials, wind resistance, and floatation for optimal sun safety and performance on the water.
Why is it important for a paddle boarding hat to have a chin strap?
A chin strap is crucial on a paddle boarding hat to ensure it stays securely in place during windy conditions or sudden movements, preventing it from being lost in the water.
Can paddle boarding hats protect against both sun and water?
Yes, paddle boarding hats are designed to offer sun protection with materials that block harmful UV rays and are also constructed to be quick-drying and maintain shape when wet.
