Singapore is a small country surrounded by water.
Stand up paddling is primary conducted in open water coastal locations. There are minimal places in paddle on inland waterways. There is no surf in Singapore.
Singapore is situated near the equator with a tropical climate, uniform temperatures throughout the years, high humidity and abundant rainfall. Afternoon thunderstorms are typical.
Temperatures range from 23 C (73 F) to 30 C (86 F) each month. Night temperature is rarely below 20C (68 F).
Average water temperature all year round is 28 C (84F).
Due to the warm temperatures, minimal clothing is needed for paddling.
There are numerous SUP Schools located on the water, offering excellent facilities, bar/cafe, equipment storage.
Buoyancy Aids
No regulations.
However, this is currently being reviewed by local government authorities.
People with poor swimming skills and inexperienced paddlers, should wear buoyancy aids, due to the exposed waters environment.
Activity centres and SUP Schools will require you to wear buoyancy aids.
Night Paddling
No regulations.
Not recommended due to exposed waters
currents / undertow and boat traffic.
Some SUP Schools offer night paddling but only in very
controlled and safe conditions.
Hazards
Lightning
Tropical lightning storms are common in the afternoon. They do not last long but area danger to paddlers (paddle acts as a lightening rod).
Strong Currents and Undertow
The coastal waters in Singapore have quite strong currents and undertow which can be dangerous for weak swimmers. For stand up paddling, be aware of your position at all times, to ensure you are not drifting too far from your entry/exit location. Inexperienced paddlers should stay very close to shore.
Shoreline
East coastal beach of Singapore is claimed land, so the shore may drop off quite suddenly into deep water.
Heat
Warm weather and water temperature. Wear sun protection, take drinking water whilst paddling and monitor yourself for heat fatigue and dehydration.
Stinging Marine Creatures
Catfish, stingray, sea urchin and stone fish may be found in the coastal waters. They inject a venom that can be fatal to humans, or at the very least cause the feet/legs to swell up and be painful. Wear booties and slowly shuffle into the water, which can frighten them away. If stung, call an ambulance straight away.
Tides
Tide range is mid-range, approx 3.5 metres.
Poor paddling skill
Paddlers should ensure they can swim confidently in the coastal waters and take SUP lessons to develop their SUP paddle skills before venturing in exposed waters without an instructor.
Conservation
Legislation and regulations that apply to protecting wildlife that we encounter as stand up paddlers.
Make sure you're clued up on our nature standards.
Riverways Licensing
None.
References
Weather Forecasts
Meterological Service of Singapore
Singapore’s national weather service. Forecasts, temperatures,
winds speed, direction, sunrise, sunset, warnings, and more.
Flood Alerts
Not applicable
Tides
High and low predictions, sunrise/sunset, moonrise/moonset times, plus moon phase details. National Environment Agency & Tides 4 Fishing
Surf Reports / Forecasts
Not applicable
Environment
National Environment Agency Singapore - Responsible for ensuring a clean and sustainable environment for Singapore. Its key roles are to improve and sustain a clean environment, promote sustainability and resource efficiency, maintain high public health standards, provide timely and reliable meteorological information,
and encourage a vibrant hawker culture.