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Coach Notes - #PaddleSafe

Posted on Sun 11 Aug 2024 in General

Learn more about SUP Safety with these 5 simple steps...

Coach Notes#PaddleSafe

In this week’s Coach Notes, I’m talking about paddle safety. We’ve all seen and heard it on the news, paddle boarders being rescued due to winds, tides, currents or equipment challenges. 

So, the question is, how safe is SUP and how do we get safer??

On the whole, paddle boarding is a safe water sport. However, it is important to be aware of the risks and dangers to ensure an enjoyable and safe experience. Quite simply you don’t know what you don’t know so the question is:

How do we get safer? 

Since becoming the National Governing Body (NGB) for SUP, Paddle UK has invested time and money into researching key safety points. These include SUP leashes and off-shore winds. They have also teamed up with the RNLI to create the “#PaddleSafe” campaign.  This campaign offers advice and guidance when heading out on the water. Following these five points can really help you to stay safe and enjoy being on the water.

 

  • Always wear a buoyancy aid or PFD – These can come in many forms, including buoyancy aids, life jackets and self-inflating waist belts. They are important for many reasons, including helping to stop the immediate effects of cold-water shock.
  • Tell someone where you’re going and when you’ll be back – Telling someone where you’re going and when you’ll be back is really important as they can call for help if you have not returned by a certain time. App’s like Paddle Logger are incredibly useful in this too.
  • Carry a form of communication – This is essential! If you or one of your group get into trouble one the water you can alert the emergency services by calling 999 and asking for the Coast Guard. Mobile phones and VHF are two examples, carry them in a dry bag to keep them safe.
  • Check the weather and conditions – Tides, river flow, winds, heavy rain, thunderstorms can all influence both your ability to paddle and the water state. If you are unsure ask a local club or centre but remember, if in doubt, don’t go out!
  • Know your limits – This is true of all of us! The water can be unpredictable, and you may need a certain skill set to paddle in it. If you want to increase your skills head to a Paddle UK Go-Paddling centre and book onto one of their sessions or awards.

Head over to the Paddle UK and Go-Paddling websites for more information regarding SUP safety!

Next "Coach Notes" will focus on leash safety so stay tuned...



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