The Most Essential Stand-Up Paddle Safety Guidelines and Gear
How to Enjoy This Fun Sport Safely
Stand-up paddling (SUP) is gaining popularity year after year which isn’t a big surprise. It’s great for core fitness and balance, has a quick learning curve, and is fun. However, there are definite safety guidelines to keep in mind as you get ready for the summer season. Here is essential information for having a good SUP experience while staying safe.
Life Vest or No Life Vest
The US Coast Guard classifies stand-up paddleboards as “vessels”; therefore, when using a SUP beyond the limits of swimming, bathing, or surfing areas, everyone should be prepared as if they were operating a traditional vessel. In other words, if you’re out of these zones adults need to be either wearing a life vest or have one attached to their board. Children under the age of 13 should be wearing a life vest. You should also have a whistle attached to your vest to signal for help. This article outlines the different classes of life vests and their uses. I prefer the self-inflatable belt pack because it doesn’t restrict my arms while I’m paddling, and you barely notice it clipped around your waist. If you happen to have a dog who likes to paddle with you make sure to invest in a doggie life vest. Additionally, you should familiarize yourself with your state’s local regulations because they vary.
Wear An Ankle Leash
It is very important to be attached to your SUP with an ankle leash. Anyone can unexpectedly fall off their board. I was paddling with a friend of mine when we were waked by a boat. My friend fell off the back of her SUP which shot forward like a torpedo, and she had to swim quite a bit to get her board back. She purchased an ankle leash the next day.
Know How to Swim
Stand-up paddling is a water sport. There are many times that I don’t fall off my SUP, but there are those times that I do. It’s important to be a competent swimmer if you plan on taking up this sport in addition to following the life vest and ankle leash precautions.
Understand the Elements and Hazards:
Wind
Wind kicks up the seas, so look at the marine forecast to see how strong the wind is blowing and from what direction it is coming. Wind tends to be lighter early morning and later in the day. I often switch locations based on the direction of the wind. Remember that winds change; if it starts blowing hard while you’re paddling sit down or kneel. Standing makes your body catch more of the wind and you’re less stable in choppy water. Another great strategy is to start out paddling into the wind. It’ll be easier to return with the wind blowing you back towards home especially when your arms are more tired.
Tides and Current
Consider the tide and current in the body of water where you plan to SUP. Tidal ranges vary greatly by location. Refer to a local tide chart to make sure you don’t get grounded on your board. My daughter and I made a wrong turn in the marshes as the tide was receding and had to trudge across mud flats to get to deeper water where we could put our boards back in. It was a few days until we could laugh about that adventure. Currents also vary greatly, so pay attention to tides and learn from local knowledge.
Consider Your Visibility
Be on the lookout for other boats on the water. Stay closer to shore and avoid boating channels with lots of traffic. It is better to be a defensive paddler and avoid going where you shouldn’t. Keep your eye out for other swimmers also. If you have your heart set on a sunset paddle, remember that visibility will be extremely limited after sunset and make sure to bring a waterproof flashlight so other watercraft can see you.
How to Handle Cold Water
If the air and water temperature are on the chilly side and you’re determined to paddle a wet suit is a good option. I have a shorty wet suit like this one that I wear early in the season if I’m paddling in a cooler body of water. Sometimes a long sleeve rash guard is all you need for an extra layer of warmth.
Don’t Fry Your Skin
UV rays are the strongest between 10am and 2pm. It’s great to cool off on a SUP when it’s hot and sunny but lather up with plenty of sunscreen and wear a hat to limit your exposure. Water reflects roughly 10% of UV rays so your exposure is amplified when paddling.
Miscellaneous Guidelines
It’s always a good idea to tell someone your paddle plans before you go especially if you will be alone. Some people just don’t feel comfortable paddling alone. I don’t mind it, but I follow the above safety guidelines and I let someone in my family know where I’ll be and when I expect to return. If you have a marine radio or a waterproof phone you should consider bringing it along with you.
According to the US Coast Guard Statistics alcohol, operator error, lack of boating safety knowledge are often factors in boating accidents. As much as that on the water cocktail seems enticing it’s best to wait until you return to shore to imbibe. Additionally, know your body’s limits when planning your SUP adventures.
Personal Gear For Your SUP Adventures:
- Sunblock and lip block
- Swimsuit
- Rash guard like these from Carve Designs
- Board shorts – Patagonia has good styles
- Polarized sunglasses with a retainer strap
- Hat
- Water
- Drybag with a way to attach it to your board if you need to bring something you don’t want to get wet
- Straps to secure your SUP on your car’s roof rack – these straps lock so they are more expensive. (You can save money if you buy straps without a locking feature.)
- For longer excursions a waterproof backpack cooler compartment is fun wishlist item
If you would like to read about a SUP adventure in the heart of San Juan click here. Also, remember to click “Subscribe” in the upper right hand corner so you don’t miss any of my posts.
