SUP Risks
Paddle-sports are negatively associated with drowning, caused by a singular or multiple set of events which can be deemed:
‘Intrinsic’ – Responsibility of the individual - diminished risk management has determined the outcome.
‘Extrinsic’ – Responsibility of something or someone beyond the individuals immediate control.
The wearing of a Personal Floatation Device (PFD) is universally considered a hazard and a hinderance to all surf orientated board-sports, as a result of reduced agility both on or in the water which in itself can put the individual at risk. Falling, retrieving and recovery, are inherent, natural components of SUP`boarding, as per windsurfing and surfing, not ‘critical’ events as associated with kayaking or canoeing. While this view may seem incongruous with other water sports, SUB`s present no inherent risk of entrapment, swamping or suffer from the potentially disabling consequences of capsize, being inherently safer from these points of view than a kayak or canoe and ‘unsinkable’.
Agility and freedom from constraint are essential to the paddler to permit:
Performance of swimming strokes for board/paddle recovery
Ease of re-boarding
Agility in being able to ‘duck-dive’ oncoming waves
Avoiding oncoming manned or unmanned surf craft
Ease of handling board into position for re-boarding
Ease of paddling prone on stomach for self rescue
Ease of paddling
In the case of the tuition (learning) of novice participants, the following guidelines are recommended
Compulsory wearing of a suitable leg leash.
Compulsory wearing of a *PFD if the ability or confidence of the participant following a ‘swim test’ (or other factor) is identified as being below a reasonable level of competence.
Given the option of wearing a PFD if the ability or confidence of the participant following a ‘swim test’ (or other factor) satisfies a reasonable level of competence.
* 50N rated foam vest.
Additional Hazards and Considerations
SUP`boarding is potentially hazardous. Innocuous incidents or accidents can have serious or compounding consequences. Being both an ocean sport and increasingly performed on inland waterways, the sport presents similar and varied risks to the paddler and others
Extent of use beyond shoreline
A SUP is ‘practically capable' of and intended to be used as a water sport activity beyond the narrow limits of swimming, surfing, or bathing areas resulting in inherent risks to the paddler and other water users.
Underestimating the physicality and skill levels required of SUP
Given perfect ‘static’ conditions, balance is little challenged. Paddling may feel effortless as a first impression, however this ‘ease’ diminishes exponentially as wind, wave or tidal influences increase in combination or separately.
Failure to learn / be instructed in a sequential manner
Learning paddle and board skills in a non-sequential manner, can distract, confuse and result in slower learning curves and possible injuries.
Transportability
A Bonus and Potential Hazard. The transportable, versatile nature of the sport may potentially put paddlers within an ‘at risk’ environment / situation relative to their skill levels, expanding the risks they may place themselves, through ignorance or misadventure.
Physical limitations
Being that the SUP paddler manually propels the board through the use of a paddle, travelling range is limited by the physical endurance of the operator.
Failure of knowing self rescue techniques
Without knowledge of self-rescue techniques and distress signals, a paddler could well suffer serious consequences in failing to act when required.
Navigational liabilities
A SUP paddled on an inland waterway or at sea, can be paddled or drift intentionally or unintentionally across locations where larger, faster craft travel, presenting a substantial hazard to navigation or safety not already present, putting themselves and other water users at risk.
Abandoning the Board / Panic
In the event a paddler becomes incapacitated in some way, the board may appear to provide a minimal level of safety. Some paddlers may rashly decide to abandon their board and swim resulting in increased risks. Abandoning the board, if ever, should only be a last resort.
Increased risks associated with surf conditions.
Using a SUB in surf conditions requires increased skill levels well beyond that of flat-water paddling in sheltered environments. Potential for injury to the paddler and / or others is amplified similar to other surf orientated board-sports.
Offshore winds
A SUB can easily be blown off-shore or naturally follow wind direction even in light winds. Paddling into a headwind requires strength endurance together with good paddling technique, often absent in junior aged paddlers and some adults.
Losing touch with the board
Even in calm, windless conditions, the paddler can become separated from their board, which can travel and collide with stationary objects or other paddlers. In moderate to fresh wind a SUB can travel faster than a person can swim.
Falling on underwater obstructions / shallow waters.
Falling in murky or shallow water can result in falling onto hidden underwater obstructions resulting in impact or impaled injuries.
Impact injuries
Falling between paddle and board can cause injury.
Use of Oversized Boards
Over sized boards relative to the users body mass and strength are often ‘corky’ and cumbersome, prone to the affects of windage, making handling and the learning process and experience less encouraging
Age Limitations
Some children are too small to participate in SUP.
Inappropriate Paddle Lengths Leading to Injury
Shoulder injuries are associated with paddle-sports, one of the predominant factors being the use of overly long paddles.
Inappropriate Paddling Technique Leading to Injury
Shoulder, wrist or back injuries are commonly associated with paddle-sports, often caused by poor paddling technique or repetitive strain related injury.
Inappropriate Clothing Hindering Board Recovery
Inappropriate clothing can hinder swimming and recovery and the biomechanical demands of paddling, often accelerating fatigue in the paddler.
Failure to Consider Affects of the Sun
Over exposure to UV rays can lead to sunburn and heatstroke.
Inappropriate Clothing Leading to Hypothermia
Wind chill is of greatest concern, though immersion in cold water is also a consideration. The extremities of the hands and feet can become numb and painful in cold conditions.