Safety Guide
Wear Personal Flotation Devices
We always recommend the use of a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) or Life Jacket when using our Paddleboards. For people who are able to swim we recommend at least a 50 Newton buoyancy Aid or life belt
For weak swimmers, and young children we recommend proper Life Jackets of at least 100 Newtons. Get more Info HERE on this.
We do not recommend our Boards for non-swimmers.
We recommend that dogs also wear a flotation device!
Wear The Leash
If you fall off your board the first thing you will want to do is retrieve your paddle (but it’s always best to try to hold on to it!). In order not to get separated from your board, ALWAYS WEAR THE LEASH ROUND YOUR LOWER LEG.
When to Stand Up
We suggest you start off by kneeling on the SUPs until you are confident to stand up. Do not stand up on the boards in shallow water or next to hard objects, such as pontoons or boats.
Wear Shoes
We recommend that users wear some form of shoe when on our boards to protect the bottom of their feet should they need to step off in to shallow water.
Always Supervise young People
As parents ourselves, we feel that all people under 18 years should be supervised when on the water in all conditions.
Follow any Local Rules and Advice
Water can be unpredictable and it is always advisable to check with the local sources of information on water safety in the area before you take to the water.
For example, rivers are rated by the flow and depending on the river, some craft are not allowed on the water during particular flow rates.
OR – there may be a particularly dangerous part of a coastal area you wish to paddle on so check with the local coast guard, the RNLI or Harbour Master.
Always take a cautious approach.
Advise People On Land
Always tell someone land based about a trip you intend to take with times and vicinity and report to them when you are back safely.
Take a Mobile Phone
If you can, take a charged mobile phone or VHF radio in a sealed dry bag in case of an emergency.
Take adequate clothing for your trip
Do not wear jeans of other water-logging clothes or wellington boots, waters, heavy waterproofs. If you are paddling a distance, take spare clothes in a dry bag.
If it’s cold, wear a wet-suit.
Plan your journey
Always be realistic with the distance you plan to travel. Never paddle in the dark or in busy shipping lanes.
River Paddling
If paddling on a river, stay on the correct side of the river (normally the right) do not go through locks and use the “Portage” areas and carry your boards round. Avoid the tops and bottoms of all weirs.
Sea Paddling
paddleboards less than 3.5 metres are regarded as beach craft. You must never go more than 300 metres from shore (from a point on the coast where any craft or vessel and its crew can safely anchor or dock and leave again without assistance). A buoyancy aid is not mandatory but strongly recommended to make it easier to get back into the boat in the event of a capsize.
Right of way at sea – At sea, vessels restricted in their ability to manoeuvre have priority. On a paddleboard, you will therefore only have priority over power-driven vessels, which have unrestricted manoeuvrability. You must also keep away from sailing vessels, which have less manoeuvrability than you.
Right of way on a river – On river and in sheltered water, a paddleboard is considered a small craft: it must therefore give way to all craft over 15 m (barge, cruise ship). Again, you will have to give way to sailing vessels, but a power-driven vessel less than 15 m long will have to manoeuvre to stay out of your way.
Right of way between two paddleboards – Priority to whoever is on the right! And if you find yourself face to face, you should pass on the right of the other user… just imagine you are driving in Europe!
Plan for Tides
If you are on the sea, be aware of the tide times and strengths and always seek expert advice if unsure.
Protect yourself from the Sun
The sun reflects off the water intensifying it’s power, Cover up, wear sunscreen, a hat and decent sun glasses (even when it does not seem to be very sunny).
Keep Hydrated and Your Energy Up
Take some water and some snacks if you are paddling a distance.
Paddle in Pairs
If you are going on an adventure trip, we strongly recommend that you buddy with another board or another vessel.
Do not Use Faulty Equipment
Whilst we always check our kit before it goes out, things can fail. If you have any doubts, do not use and contact us and we will advise and do our best to sort any problems out fairly and quickly.