Paddleboarding is a great way to relax and reconnect with nature. No matter what your experience level, staying safe should always be your top priority.There are so many unique places that you can explore on your SUP and with every different location comes an assortment of different risks.
We understand that this might not always be possible but going paddling with a friend is always going to be the safest way to enjoy this sport. If no one is able to come with you why not ask a friend to watch you from the shoreline. This way if something was to happen to you at least there is someone to call for help.If you decide to head out by yourself make sure you tell someone where you are heading and what time you expect to return. Once you have returned safely, get in contact with your friend to tell them you are back safe.
If you are carrying your phone with you while paddling make sure you keep it in a waterproof pouch or a small dry bag. Your mobile can be used to call for help and for taking photos of your adventure (of course!)
Before you head out, check the weather forecast and tide times. If it is windy the water might be too rough to go out paddling in. If you are heading out to paddle in the ocean check if there are surf cameras available to get a visual understanding of what the conditions are.If you are a beginner paddler and not sure if the conditions are good for you, why not ask a friend for their opinion. If you are still not sure then take it as a sign to have the day off from paddling.
Depending on what time of the year you are going paddling, make sure you wear the best clothing for that climate. In winter you will want to wear a thick wetsuit or a drysuit.The thickness of the wetsuit will depend on where you live and the temperature.In summer you may get away with wearing a swimsuit or a thin wetsuit. However, if you are planning to go paddling for a long time, always cover up to avoid sunstroke.
You can choose to wear either a lifejacket or a buoyancy aid. No matter which one you choose, make sure that it allows for you to have plenty of movement so you can paddle easily. These devices will keep you afloat but they will also give you time to recover if you were to fall in.
This is an important piece of safety equipment as it keeps you and your board together.A leash is a strap that is connected to the back of your SUP. If you fall off (which you probably will) having a leash will save you from the embarrassment of having to swim after your board.It is also safer for other paddlers for you to wear a leash, especially if you are paddling in the surf. No one wants to be hit by someone else’s board while they are out having a nice time. Wearing a leash in a surf zone is pretty much mandatory however it is also advisable to wear one on flat water. This is because you never know when the wind might pick up.If you were to get into trouble while paddleboarding a leash will keep you connected to your board and increase your risk of survival by being attached to a floatation device.
There are two different types of leashes available to purchase:
- Coiled: This is when the leash is coiled similar to a spring. These are the common leashes and are favoured for flat water SUP usage.- Straight: A straight leash is one continuous length and these are used in the surf. There are also different areas where you can wear a leash:- Ankle Leash: This is the most common way to wear a leash. These are worn in lakes, oceans, slow-moving rivers and canals. They are worn when there is no risk of the leash being snagged. If you are paddling on flat water you can attach it to either ankle. However, if you are surfing the leash will be attached to your back foot.
- Calf or Knee Leash: These can be used in all of the same environments as the ankle leash. They are very similar in design however the cuff is slightly larger to fit below your knee. Some paddlers prefer these because there is less chance of tripping over the leash if you are moving around your board a lot.
- Belt leash (quick release): For any moving or flowing bodies of water including rivers, white water rivers and tidal rivers, quick release leashes are advised. This is because there is a risk of the leash being snagged or caught. The leash can easily be reached and will release you from your board if you were to become entangled. If you are wearing a buoyancy aid, we recommend that you wear the belt on top of your aid.
It may be tempting to get your hands on a SUP and start paddling with no training. However, if you want to increase your success on the paddleboard, getting a few training sessions can teach you the correct technique to get you adventuring faster. The course will also teach you how to be safe on the water and you might even make friends that share the same hobby as you.Hopefully, by taking a course, you will be experiencing more stand up paddling rather than in-the-water paddling!
Depending on where you are paddling, motorised boat traffic can be a huge concern. As a general rule of thumb if a boat is bigger and faster than you then it has right of way.However smaller water crafts such as jet skis, ski boats and sailboats are often going to be your biggest hazards. If you stick to the side of the lake or river then the chances of getting in anyone's way will be significantly reduced.
If anything goes wrong the best thing to do is to keep calm. You will then be able to think clearer and make smarter decisions to get yourself out of whatever predicament you find yourself in.
The more time spent on the water, the better you will become at paddling and the more confident you will be. Why not practice some worse case scenarios with a friend so that you will be prepared if it ever happens to you (touch wood it doesn’t).Practice falling off your board and climbing back on (unsupported), paddling without a fin and paddling without a paddle. This will make you more confident if it happens in reality.
