Paddle Board safety: 7 tips so you can always paddle safely

Stand up paddle boarding is the fastest growing water sport worldwide. Every year, hundreds of thousands of water sports enthusiasts get on a paddle board for the first time.

This sport is very accessible and in no time you can go on your first paddling tour. Yet it is important that you observe the safety of paddle boarding.

If you consider a paddle board as a fun toy, you do not see the dangers. A paddle board can quickly take you into deep and restless water.

In this article we give you 7 tips for a good safety during paddle boarding!

Make sure you can swim well

This sounds like a logical tip but many people jump on a board without being able to swim. The idea behind this is to paddle in shallow water. Never do this!

Especially when you’re not skilled enough on a board, you can drift off to deeper water. If the sea is powerful, it becomes difficult to paddle back for a beginner.

Never get on a paddle board without being able to swim.

Tip: If you can’t swim, don’t even paddle board with a life jacket on. If the current is too strong and it pulls you further out into the sea, there is no way to return to the coast without the help of others. So don’t do this.

Always wear a life jacket

It is important to always wear a good lifejacket during paddle boarding, even if you can swim well.

An unexpected fall into the water can cause disorientation, so you don’t know where the bottom of the water is or where you come to the surface.

With a life jacket you always float to the surface.

A very handy accessory on the water is the Restube. This small lifebuoy is ideal for when you want to move freely, but still want to be safe in the water.

Very handy and this should not be missing in your paddle board safety equipment.

Use an ankle cord

It is wise to use a belt or leash that will keep you connected to your paddle board. If you fall off your paddle board, the cord or belt will prevent your paddle board from drifting away from you.

If you are very shocked by the fall into the water, you can immediately grab your paddle board.

Tip: Many SUP boards come with a free ankle cord (leash). Do you want to buy one? Ankle cords are almost always universal and can be used on all boards.

Be well prepared

Think carefully about what dangerous situations you might encounter. For example, you may fall, but you may also encounter objects that you collide with or get into trouble because of restless water.

Think about what could happen and make sure you know exactly what to do in these situations. In short, focus on self-reliance.

Aware of the environment

Make sure you are always conscious of the environment. Think of weather conditions, waves and currents, other people in the water, boats and objects.

By being well aware of your surroundings you can paddle board more quietly and safely. Not very experienced yet? Then don’t look for the limit but go for safety.

Paddling too close to the edge or between stones can not only cause you to hurt yourself if you fall, you can also cut the board against a sharp stone and cause it to leak.

This rarely happens but it would be frustrating if it happened to you.

Aware of the weather conditions

Take into account the weather conditions. Are you going to paddle board in cold weather?

Then choose a wetsuit that can keep you warm, or fleece clothing. Always bring a set of clothing for when you get wet in icy cold water.

Is the weather warm? You should also take this into account. Always bring protective clothing, sunglasses and sufficient sunscreen.

Once you’re paddling on the water, there’s a very good chance you’ll get burned.

Take sunset into account

Would you like to paddle after work? You’re absolutely right! It is wonderful to see the sunset from your paddle board.

Keep in mind that when the sun is set, it is also more difficult to see. So make sure you’re not far from the coast before the sun goes down.

Nobody wants to paddle in the dark. You are also very poorly visible for boats or other water sports enthusiasts.

Paddle Board Safety: Not so difficult right?

The above tips sound very logical and it is. Logical thinking is the most important thing to guarantee your safety.

By not forgetting that Mother Nature is always stronger and can emerge unexpectedly, you have already made a very important first step towards paddle board safety.

We hope these paddle board safety tips have helped you and made your paddle boarding tour even safer (and more fun).