top of page
SUP Standards. Paddling infront of a grand vista in a grouup. SUP in the mountains.

+ Let's Get Started

Recreational paddlers should be aware of the characteristics of SUP locations, hazards and emergency response.

Study it, know it, keep coming back— we're here to stay!

The Recreational Standards

Safety Tips
Activity Environments

Paddle Boarding Safety Tips

Stand up paddle boarding may look easy, but it's essential to keep SUP safety in mind. Here are 12 tips to keep safe when paddling.

  1.  Paddle in flat water

  2.  Always wear your leash

  3.  Know how to read weather conditions and forecasts

  4.  Avoid fast flowing water

  5.  Sit down

  6.  Stay close to shore

  7.  Keep 360 degree awareness

  8.  Paddle with a buddy

  9.  SUP rentals/hire

  10.  Inflatable boards

  11.  Avoid muscle injury

  12.  Be SUP savvy

Article: 12 Safety Tips for Safe Stand Up Paddle Boarding

Activity Environments

Activity Environments

Emergency Response

Below is the definition of the different types of SUP environments that you may be paddling in, and the conditions that you should abide by to stay safe at that type of environment.

SUP Standards. Black Arrow Vector
Enclosed-Flat-Water-HL-resize.jpg
Exposed-PT-resize-2048x1029.jpg
SUP Standards. Black Cross Vector

+ Enclosed Flat Water Inland waterways and bodies of water including creeks, rivers, lakes, lagoons, estuaries, canals, no wider than 1 km (0.6 miles)

Guidelines: 

Flat water  no swell, no breaking waves
Wind speed less than 12 knots
Water flow under 4 knots

No more than 250 metres from shore
At least 200 metres from a river mouth

SUP surfing.jpg
SUP Standards. Black Cross Vector

Guidelines: 

Flat water swell / chops up to 2ft.
No breaking waves

Shore break less than 1½ft (0.5m)
Wind speed less than 12 knots onshore
                        less than 10 knots offshore
No more than 250 metres from shore

At least 200 metres from a river mouth

+ Exposed Waters Coastal beaches and bays Harbours and large inland bodies of water greater than 1 km (0.6 miles) wide

SUP Standards. Black Arrow Vector
ASI SUP Downwinding Instructor.JPG

+ SUP Surf You need to be an experienced paddler to do SUP Surfing.

Defined As: 

Surf up to 1½ (0.5m) (beginner level)
Surf up to 3 ft (intermediate level)

Surf up to 4 ft (advanced level)

+ Downwinding Using the swells and wind to help propel you along in coastal ocean environments.

Guidelines: 

Wind behind
Wind speed 15 to 20 knots
Swell size between 2ft to 4ft
No more than 500m (1,640 ft) from shore

SUP Standards. Black Arrow Vector
YOGA 2.jpg

+ SUP Yoga Flat water environments

Guidelines

Inland waters or coastal environments with flat water, no swell or breaking

Waves, minimal or no wind
Water depth no more than 4ft
No more than 50 metres from shore
Paddling less than 50 metres to get to the SUP yoga activity area

row pullback 1[295].JPG
SUP Standards. Black Cross Vector

Guidelines

Inland waters or coastal environments with flat water, no swell or breaking

Waves, minimal or no wind
Water depth no more than 4ft
No more than 50 metres from shore
Paddling less than 50 metres to get to the SUP fitness activity area

+ SUP Fitness Flat water environments

Whitewater-Avon-resize-.jpg
SUP Standards. Black Cross Vector
SUP Standards. Black Arrow Vector
SUP-Racing2.jpg

+ SUP White Water Rapids Takes place on fast moving rivers, using the flow and features of the river to paddle with the flow of the water.

Guidelines

Specialist equipment needed

River grades 1-5

+ SUP Racing Competition formats defined by distance, technical and sprint races. Board class will also form part of the racing formats.

Guidelines

Three types of course - distance, technical and sprint

General board classification is 14ft, 12’6” and all round.

Regional and International comps held. 

SUP Standards. Black Paddle Instructor Vector SUP Safety.

Important
Some of these activities are for experienced paddlers only, please read this advisement
ahead of taking to the water.

SUP Standards. Black Cross Vector

Emergency Response

Activity Environments

Emergency Response

Are you prepared in case of an emergency?

Take your mobile phone with you.

Stay close to shore at all times.

If you lose your paddle, make sure you know how to prone paddle.

Keep your leash attached at all times, if you fall off your board, you can easily get back on.

Stay on your board at all times. 

Make sure you know where you can exit safely, if you have to come to shore.

ER
bottom of page