SUP safety Tips
Searching for a family-friendly activity that promotes fitness? Look no further than stand-up paddleboarding, or SUP, a rapidly growing water sport. To ensure an enjoyable and secure experience, follow these expert tips on how to paddleboard and prioritize safety.
Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) has rapidly gained popularity as a water sport that offers both fun and fitness. Whether you opt for an inflatable SUP or a solid board, paddleboarding provides an enjoyable way to engage with the water while improving your overall fitness. Regular paddleboarding can notably enhance core body strength, which plays a crucial role in generating paddle power.
Whether you're a complete beginner or a more experienced paddleboarder, it's always beneficial to have a few tips and tricks up your sleeve to enhance your SUP experience. One of the best ways to learn and maximize your time on the water is by taking a lesson. Lessons teach you proper techniques, provide tips for board recovery, and enhance your understanding of environmental factors such as wind and tides. This knowledge sets the foundation for your future paddling endeavors.
Here are four essential practices recommended by training agencies and National Governing Bodies (NGBs) to ensure a safe and enjoyable paddleboarding experience:
Wear a buoyancy aid: A buoyancy aid, a form of Personal Floatation Device (PFD), not only offers additional flotation to keep you afloat but also allows for a smoother recovery in case of falls—a common occurrence, especially during the learning phase. When selecting a buoyancy aid, ensure it is the correct size, provides comfort, and allows freedom of movement for unrestricted paddling.
Carry a waterproof pouch for your phone: Aside from capturing memorable moments, having a phone in a waterproof pouch ensures you have immediate access to communication during emergencies. Keep your phone on your person, such as in a buoyancy aid pocket or attached around your neck, to easily reach it in times of distress. In coastal emergencies, dial 999 and request the coastguard, while for inland situations, contact the Fire & Rescue service.
Choose the appropriate leash: Losing your board due to a fall can be frustrating. A leash not only keeps you connected to your board but also assists with buoyancy in case of trouble. It's vital to choose the correct leash based on your paddling environment. While ankle leashes are common, they may not be suitable for tidal or flowing waters where entrapment risks exist. In such cases, opt for a quick release waist leash.
Avoid offshore winds: Offshore winds blow from the beach or shore towards the sea. Although they may create a calm and idyllic appearance, they can swiftly carry you and your paddleboard far from the shore, making it arduous and tiring to paddle back. If you are on a lifeguarded beach, watch out for the orange windsock to determine wind direction.
Additional safety tips to consider:
Take lessons to improve skills and knowledge for a more enjoyable experience.
Stay aware of your surroundings and potential hazards. Understand how different locations may impact the equipment you need. Strong tidal currents, for example, can affect your paddling direction and tire you out quickly.
Whenever possible, paddle with a friend for added enjoyment and mutual assistance in case of difficulties.
Familiarize yourself with the "Float to Live" principle. If unexpectedly in the water without your board, float on your back for safety.
Check weather forecasts and tide times before embarking. Challenging water conditions, especially for beginners, can make paddling difficult. Conditions can change rapidly, so use caution.
Inform someone about your paddleboarding plans and estimated return time. Carry a mobile phone or communication device at all times.
Wear suitable clothing according to the season. In winter, use a wet or dry suit, while in summer, even though the air may feel warm, the water can still be cold enough to induce cold water shock.
When launching from a lifeguarded beach, use the designated area between black and white chequered flags for launch and recovery. This area generally has fewer swimmers, providing more space. Learn the right-of-way rules in the surf to prevent injuries to yourself and others.