SUP & Kayak Safety Tips
Stand-up paddle boarding and kayaking are two of Britain’s most popular watersports. They are excellent activities for those who love being on the water to try, as they are easy to train for and provide hours of fun and excitement.
Whether it’s your first time paddling or you’re a seasoned professional, it’s important to ensure you stay safe whenever you’re on the water. When you’re paddle boarding or kayaking in a large body of water, such as a lake, a river or the sea, there are several steps you must take to ensure the safety of yourself and others.
Staying safe will help give you the best paddling experience possible, equip you with the skills and supplies you need to avoid danger and prevent you from coming to harm if trouble arises.
Our kayaking and paddle boarding safety tips offer essential information on how to prepare for a trip on the water and how to stay safe during your kayaking or paddle boarding experience. Discover the most important kayak and paddle boarding safety advice, and start your adventure today.
Contents
1.1. Make sure you’re dressed appropriately
1.2. Check the weather forecast
1.5. Wear a leash and floatation device
Paddleboarding and kayak safety tips
Before you start planning your session, you should establish whether you’re eligible to participate in this type of watersports. Paddleboarding and kayaking are unsuitable for non-swimmers, as swimming is essential to keeping yourself safe. You should only participate in these activities if you’re a strong swimmer.
As a precautionary measure, under 18s should always paddle with an experienced adult and shouldn’t be allowed to enter the water alone. It’s also beneficial to be cautious during your trip out onto the water, as this will allow you to focus on paddling safely and identify any hazards you might find along the way.
Here are the main safety tips you’ll need to remember before and during your paddling session:
Make sure you’re dressed appropriately
SUPs and kayaks require you to wear specific types of clothing to ensure your comfort and safety. Light clothing is advisable for both watersports, as heavy or thick clothing can become dangerous in the water. Whatever the season, the water temperature is likely to be much colder than the temperature on land, so you should dress to prepare to fall in.
It’s sensible to wear light base layers such as leggings and long-sleeve t-shirts in warm weather. A wetsuit is also appropriate, as it will provide extra warmth and protection from the water. While you can go barefoot when paddle boarding, it is advisable to wear waterproof SUP shoes, especially in cold weather, as they will keep your feet covered and dry. SUP shoes can also be worn for kayaking, as can water sandals, shoes and boots.
Check the weather forecast
The weather, wind and tide conditions can change often, so familiarising yourself with what this could mean for your paddling trip is important. A slight change in these conditions can affect your surroundings dramatically, so we recommend choosing mild and calm weather days to increase your safety.
Before heading out onto the water, you’ll need to study the local weather forecast to know the predicted conditions from when you arrive at your paddling location to when you leave to go home.
A slight increase in the wind can make controlling your boat or board extremely difficult on a large body of water, such as a lake or the sea. Similarly, heavy rainfall upstream of a river can quickly turn still, tranquil waters into fast-flowing rapids. As an extra precaution, you can also build up your knowledge by talking to local paddlers and kayakers in your chosen location.
Check your equipment
You’ll need equipment you can rely on to have a successful paddle boarding or kayaking trip. To ensure that it is in good condition and works, you should check over each piece of equipment before you leave home and when you arrive at your chosen destination to begin your activity. Your paddle should be assembled correctly, your boat or board should be inflated to the recommended PSI, and your other supplies should ensure you’re prepared for various conditions.
Take a mobile phone
While you should always make a copy of your planned route and your predicted return time with someone on land, taking a communication device with you on your adventure is also recommended. Access to a mobile phone during your chosen activity will allow you to call 999, ask for the coastguard if you get into trouble, and share your location if needed. Keep your mobile phone safe in a dry bag to prevent any water damage.
Wear a leash and floatation device
One of the most important aspects of watersports is ensuring you have the correct paddle board and kayak safety equipment to prepare you for anything. Those using a SUP paddle board should always wear an ankle leash in calmer waters and a quick-release waist belt in flowing or tidal waterways to help you stay upright on your board and prevent it from floating away should you need to get back on.
If you fall off your paddle board or out of your kayak, you should always try to float on the water’s surface to ensure your survival. A buoyancy aid or waist belt personal floatation device (PFD) are essential pieces of kit, as they enhance your ability to float in various water conditions. Always stay calm in the water, so you can get back onto your board or kayak safely.
Paddleboarding and kayaking provide a fun and fulfilling pastime for you alone or with companions. Taking the correct safety precautions is essential to have the best experience possible.
At NorthShore Watersports, we offer everything you need to make your paddleboarding or kayaking trip successful. Whether you’re looking for drysuits, buoyancy aids or safety and rescue equipment, our collection has high-quality watersports supplies suitable for everyone.
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