Recreational paddlers should be aware of the characteristics of SUP locations, hazards and emergency response.
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The Recreational Standards
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.
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Paddle in flat water
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Always wear your leash
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Know how to read weather conditions and forecasts
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Avoid fast flowing water
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Sit down
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Stay close to shore
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Keep 360 degree awareness
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Paddle with a buddy
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SUP rentals/hire
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Inflatable boards
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Avoid muscle injury
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Be SUP savvy
Article: 12 Safety Tips for Safe Stand Up Paddle Boarding
Activity Environments
Activity Environments
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.
+ 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
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 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 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
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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
+ 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.
Important
Some of these activities are for experienced paddlers only, please read this advisement
ahead of taking to the water.
Emergency Response
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.