Annabel Anderson (NZ) crossed from Ibiza to Spanish mainland (96.5km) on a Starboard Point 14'8" SUP. One of the key pieces of equipment was the Starboard Hydration Pack - read more about the trip

One thing I learned from Bush Walking in the Blue Mountains in Australia, was that hydration packs also known as "camel backs", allow you to get much more from you body without accidentally slipping into de-hydration states. To stop, take of your pack or even to have to break stride to reach for and open a drink bottle is not convenient, therefore we tend to forget to drink until we notice how thirsty we are, by then we have already long passed peak performance and may actually be stressing our bodies organs.

A Hydration pack sits well balanced on your back or inside your backpack, and at about 1kg per liter -they are not a noticeable load.

I took my new Starboard Hydration Pack out with me on my last evening Paddle Session. This was only a quick 30 minute fitness session. I came back with an empty pack, I had drank the 600ml Liter of water inside and would have drank more if I had of put more inside. I drank from the pack, because it was easy and natural to do so. My body wanted more fluids and so I drank. Normally I would have done this intense session, carried and put away the gear, had a shower and then on the way home remembered how thirsty I was. A less than ideal situation, but all to common in a busy lifestyle.

I bought my first Hydration pack at least 15 years ago, it was a well made Israeli brand, it worked well but I had to upgrade the inner bladder. Over the years I checked the latest gear in the serious adventure shops and have kept up with the advances.

What impressed me right away about this Starboard Hydration Pack was the quality of the Bladder and also the large Lid that makes it easy to clean, fill and empty. This is important if you wish to put drinks other than water in. Protein Drinks left a day too long in the old style packs were difficult to clean.

Interestingly when Amara windsurfed across the gulf of Thailand from Pattaya to Hua Hin the second time, she made her own "camel back" out of a hospital IV drip bag and tube. She came 3rd overall.

This product I can highly recommend for any SUP Adventure - we have about 10 left in stock and the price is 1,350THB