2 fundamental rules
I KNOW HOW TO SWIM
I CHECK THE WEATHER FORECAST BEFORE PADDLING
At Sea or Ocean
– You will always need a leash. The typ of leash depends on where you are planning to paddle. But it will save your life and the lives of the people around you.
– Be aware of the weather conditions. Don’t go at sea with your board without checking the weather forecast.
If you paddle between 300 m and 2 nautical miles (3.7 km) and your SUP exceeds 3.60 m
– You need to inform someone that you are going at sea
– Don’t go for a tour alone, paddle with a partner
– You also need to have safety gears with you:
• Take some waterproof lighting device with you
• Use a PFD, it will help float you if you fall off your board
• Take a first aid kit and a communication device. You can take all those accessories with you in a dry bag.
If you stay within 300 m from the beach
Stand up paddling on waves; you need to respect surf rules:
– Respect swimmers
– Always respect priority rules
– Don’t surf on big waves if you’re a newbie
– Don’t surf on crowded lineup
– Always surf with a leash.
Paddling on flat water
Lakes
– Always use a leash
– It’s better to use a PFD, although not compulsory. You never know what is going to happen
Rivers
– DON’T use a leash. It can drag you through the current and you can be tangled in underwater branches
– Use PFD and shoes on your board
– If you’re a beginner, start on flat water, without any current
