How to stay safe when paddleboarding
With the huge increase in participation within the sport of paddleboarding it’s become really apparent that there are
different levels of safety being practised within the sport. I’ve run a water sport centre and lifeguard club for over 30 years and am now a paddle board instructor with BSUPA. There are things we are seeing that we need beginners to be mindful of when taking up the sport.With the exception of the surfing community, it is standard practice for
buoyancy aids to be worn along with protective headgear whilst out on the water. More and more we are seeing paddleboard schools popping up and not adhering to these safe practises. Especially working in rivers and shallow water where other water users (including commercial vessels) are potentially very dangerous hazards to a beginner on a very unstable board.Although some schools are following great safety practices, there are many that are not.
Maybe even more worryingly, we are also seeing hire companies sending novices out on boards with no basic training given – although this might just be OK within the safety of an enclosed shallow lake, this is not acceptable within open waters.
Then there are also those who have seen people paddleboarding and enjoying themselves, buy themselves a SUP (stand up paddle board) and go out with no training or safety awareness.
To keep yourself safe it’s essential you know the basics – go to a ‘Ready to Ride’ session with a registered BSUPA instructor. For around £25 and 2 hours it will teach you 3 basic paddle positions, how to self-rescue, what to do in case of an emergency and you’ll have a lot of fun along the way whilst wearing the right safety gear – you will not be allowed out on the water without a buoyancy aid!
If you are being taken out in open water then a fully equipped safety boat will be on hand to deal with any emergency situations that may arise. They will also be able to advise you of the best kit to buy and what you would need to keep yourself safe in any situation on the water.
Often, paddleboard schools have clubs attached to them so it’s a great way to get involved with planned trips out and to meet other paddle boarders. You’ll be issued with a Ready to Ride card which if you haven’t purchased your own equipment, will enable you to hire from reputable companies all over the world.
It is an instructors job to make sure you have all of the tools you need to go out, have a fabulous time and stay safe, but it is your responsibility to make sure you adhere to these practises once you have that Ready to Ride card in your neoprene cladded hand!
If you have any questions regarding paddleboarding or if you are involved in paddle board injury or case, please do not hesitate to contact our Expert Witnesses on 0117 986 2194 or at enquiries@iew.org.uk.
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