Are you thinking of taking up paddle boarding? Or maybe you have been practicing for a while and you now believe that you are ready for a slightly bigger adventure? If you are just getting started, then you definitely need to learn more about this sport before you start practicing. However, if you are more experienced, then you are feeling more confident in your skills, which is a great thing.
Regardless of how confident in your skills you are, one thing is for sure. You should never take your safety for granted. You can have mad paddle boarding skills and still find yourself in some unpleasant and unpredictable situations. Therefore, you need to be absolutely sure that you can handle yourself in difficult situations like these.
In other words, you will have to get properly prepared before you actually set off, and safety should always be your top priority. If you do not know enough about how to stay safe, we would advise you to learn more about paddle boarding safety before you start your next adventure. Sure, all the information may be overwhelming in the beginning, but once you get the hang of things, you should be able to get yourself ready for these adventures pretty quickly.
If you are ready to learn how to safely prepare for your next adventure, then keep reading as we will share some paddle board safety tips that you should keep in mind whenever you participate in this sport.
Find A Paddling Partner
You might be a paddle board athlete that has been on a lot of adventures already and that has been involved in this sport for a long time. On the other end, you could be a novice. Either way, finding a paddling partner to go with is always a much safer option than going alone. Of course, this is an absolute must for beginners, but even experienced athletes should also remember this rule because you may encounter unexpected situations out on the water.
Wear A Personal Floatation Device (PFD)
Regardless of your level of experience, unpredictable situations may be lurking around the corner, and you will need to do your best to navigate them safely. One thing you absolutely have to do to remain safe is to always wear a personal floatation device. This is the most important paddle boarding accessory that you need to have with you at all times.
Don’t Forget Lights If Paddling At Night
Some people prefer paddle boarding during the day, while others also like enjoying this activity at nighttime. If you are in the latter group, you should always remember to bring the right lights with you so that you don’t get lost. Of course, we would advise you to take the lights with you even if you set off during the day, because you might end up out on the water much longer than you initially expected, meaning that the sun may go down before you get back to shore, and you want to be safe.
Wear A Leash
A leash is another important accessory that you should definitely have on you at all times. If you fall from your board, the leash will allow you to easily recover it and get back up on it in no time. The wind can easily carry your stand-up paddle board (SUP), and a leash can ensure that the SUP stays close to you no matter what happens. Using a leash will help provide maximum benefits and safety from paddle boarding.
Pack A Dry Bag With Other Accessories
If you’re planning on engaging in paddle boarding frequently, you will also need to invest in a dry bag and add all the necessary accessories into your dry bag when setting off. Don’t forget to pack water and some snacks if you are planning on paddling for a long time. Packing a cell phone will also be extremely useful, because you’ll be able to call for help if you find yourself in an unpleasant situation. Most importantly, don't forget to protect the cell phone from getting wet.
Moonlighting as a blogger to pursue my interest and enjoyment of sports. Former high school and Division I athlete (now a "retired" family man) that loves watching and discussing all sports. Follow me on Twitter (@HoldoutSports) and like Holdout Sports on Facebook.
