Paddle Boarding: How to Stay Safe
Image: Julianuc at Pixabay
Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) is one of the fastest-growing watersports. It’s hailed as a great way to improve fitness, particularly when it comes to core body strength, and those who love it can’t get enough of it.
Enthusiasts choose between the inflatable paddleboard or the solid one. It’s very much a personal choice but always ensure you have a leash so you don’t get separated from the board.
The sea is an unpredictable playground, and if you can, go in company. There are a number of groups and organisations, so if you don’t have a reliable buddy to team up with, it’s advisable to get started at least with a group for safety’s sake.
Determined to ignore that advice? Do at least let someone know where you’re going and when you’ll be back, and take your mobile phone, in a waterproof pouch. It’ll be great for taking snaps and, if the worst comes to the worst, calling for help.
It’s important to check the weather forecast and the tide, and remember that everything can change very suddenly, so don’t take chances with choppy water and offshore winds. You really don’t want to get blown out to sea.
A suitable personal flotation device is essential, so choose a buoyancy aid or a lifejacket that allows you to paddle freely and keeps you afloat if you fall in. Underneath the buoyancy aid, make sure you are wearing something that will keep you warm.
Have a wonderful time out there, but stay safe.
