Stay Safe When Paddleboarding With These 6 Tips

Paddleboarding is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and get some exercise, but it’s important to stay safe while doing it. This outdoor exercise  can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels, but there are some safety considerations to keep in mind. It ‘s important to be aware of your surroundings and always wear a life jacket when paddleboarding. This  will help you stay safe and enjoy your time on the water. In this article, you will  learn about 6 tips to stay safe when paddleboarding.

Check Your Equipment

Before heading out on the water, it’s important to make sure that your paddle board and paddling gear are in good condition. The  last thing you want is to be out on the water and have something go wrong with your gear. It ’s also a good idea to familiarize yourself with your equipment and know how to use it properly. This   way, if something does go wrong, you’ll be able to troubleshoot the problem and get back to paddling as quickly as possible. When  in doubt, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and rent or borrow equipment from a local shop before heading out on your own.

Wear  Stand Up Paddleboard Life Jacket

Wearing a personal flotation device is an important safety measure when paddleboarding. The  U.S. Coast Guard requires all sup paddlers to wear a sup life jacket when paddleboarding in open water. This  is because if you fall off your sup board, you may have a difficult time getting back on without the help of a life jacket. It  is also important to wear a sup life jacket if you are paddleboarding in an area with strong currents or waves. Though,  sup life jackets  are not required when paddling in calm water, such as a river or lake. More so,  if  you are an experienced paddleboarder, you may feel more comfortable not wearing a life jacket.

Wear A Leash

It is essential to wear a leash when paddleboarding. A leash will keep you attached to your board in case you fall off, and it will also help prevent your board from getting away from you in windy conditions. The  leash should be securely attached to your ankle or calf. This  will help to prevent the board from hitting you in the face or head if you do fall off. If  you are not comfortable with an ankle leash, you can also purchase a waist leash. This  type of leash will attach around your waist and to the back of the board. More so,  it is  important to make sure that your leash is the proper length. You do not want it to be too  long, as it will get in your way, and you do not want it to be too short, as it will not  provide enough slack if you need to quickly detach from your board.

Take A Phone

It’s always a good idea to take your phone with you when you’re paddleboarding – just in case you need to call for help. The  floatation device that you’re wearing should have a pocket or some other way to securely stash your phone. It ‘s also a good idea to put your phone in a waterproof bag. This  way, if you do happen to fall in, your phone will be protected. It is  also a good idea to take a photo of the location you are launching from so that if you do get lost, someone will be able to find you.

Learn to Paddle while Kneeling

You can stay close to your board and have more control over it when you start paddling while kneeling. This will also help you avoid getting tired too quickly. The  only time you should stand up is when you’re ready to surf or if you need to get past a wave. This  will help you stay safe and keep your energy up. Though,  if you’re feeling ambitious, you can try paddling standing up once you’ve gotten the hang of it while kneeling. However,  keep in mind that it’s more difficult to balance and control the board when you’re standing up.

Proper Clothing

One of the best things you can do to stay safe when paddleboarding is to dress properly for the conditions. Wearing a life jacket is always a good idea, even if you’re a strong swimmer. If the water is cold, make sure to wear a wetsuit or drysuit to protect yourself from hypothermia. The  sun can also be a hazard, so make sure to wear sunscreen and a hat. This  will help you stay safe from both the sun and the water.

In conclusion,  following the proper safety precautions while paddleboarding can help to ensure a fun and safe experience. Wearing a life jacket, avoiding areas with strong currents or high winds, and being aware of one’s surroundings are all important factors to consider. By following these tips, anyone can enjoy a day out on the water without having to worry about safety concerns.