SUP Safety
Implications for instructors and those self-teaching must ensure a methodology reinforcing that SUP is a paddle sport, the craft capable of traveling distance, not merely a surfboard used within a limited area.
Recognise the implications of paddling beyond the narrow limits of swimming, bathing and surfing areas and the risk factors and safe practices required. This may include general levels of preparation, hydration and nutrition, contact with the Coastguard, reporting intentions of departure and return times, launching and landing venues, adequate clothing, carrying of a phone or distress signals.
Basic rights of way and navigation
Rights of way exist for maritime and inland waterways as a means to avoid collision, with other craft, vessels or underwater objects. You should familiarise yourself with these 'Rules' in order to avoid conflict and or collision.
Self rescue
Self-rescue techniques taught/learnt as an initiation to SUP`ing; paddling assuming a kneeling or sitting position, paddling prone using the hands and advice as to when to use such techniques (strong off-shore winds, broken paddle, strong currents etc) A distress signal can include waving the paddle side to side above the head whilst straddling board or waving arms above head, side to side to attract attention.
Stay with your board
Stay with your board at all times, which is more visible in a rescue situation than a lone swimmer and will provide in most cases an adequate platform of safety.
Avoid offshore winds
Avoiding paddling in offshore winds (or tidal flow) and know how and when to respond if needs be (self rescue).
Define boundaries
Define the limits of use of SUPs and appropriate, safe venues and situations in which future learning should take place.
Sequential learning
Instruction must be sequential introducing simple through to more complex skills; mastery of basic paddling and board skills, balance and board recovery, fostering achievable outcomes, limiting attrition rates, and higher levels of safety.
Don't underestimate the physicality of the sport
While the initial experience of SUP may appear ‘effortless’, it must be stressed this is a skilful, physical sport the demands of which significantly increase as natural forces intensify i.e. wind, wave action, tidal flow.
On-water sessions must include defined paddling areas (boundaries) understood by paddlers for their safety and others and the overall management of the learning environment. The use of markers, buoys or fixed objects can be used if necessary.
Surfers instructing SUP
‘Surfers’ instructing novice SUP`boarders, (with no surf experience) must ensure introductory lessons focus on paddle and board skills, self rescue, safety, rights of way and etiquette, not wave-riding. Adventure and recreational paddling in a variety of water environments is open to all-comers and represents the greatest area of risk and concern. SUP`surfing, is an advanced niche interest of SUP. Individuals must be confident and possess sound paddle and board skills prior to venturing into surf conditions and preferably possess surfing experience or have been taught by a professional surf school / instructor where they will learn valuable safety skills including: paddling through waves, enhanced stationary turning skills, wave selection, positioning and surf etiquette.
Under water obstructions
Be aware of underwater obstructions in the teaching environment, remove or isolate via the use of a boundary to avoid impact injuries.
Know how to fall
Ensure paddlers know how to fall avoiding falling between paddle and board.
Children
Consideration should be given to instructing children under the age of say 10 years, because of physiological concerns. Short, fun, recreational sessions should however not pose a problem in most children.
Proximity
A SUB can easily ‘drift’ as a result of wind, tidal flow or combination of all three. Paddlers must learn the value of being focused on their proximity to shore and their immediate surrounds.
Demonstrations
Teaching and demonstrating efficient and appropriate paddling technique will safeguard the paddler from potential injury. Instructors must understand the biomechanical principles and phases of the basic forward stroke.