Paddlesports is immensely popular as an activity. Whether it’s kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding or more, it is extremely important to paddle responsibly and safely. Here are some top tips for safety advice.
Top Paddleboarding tips
1) Have a lesson
This is a great way to learn about your craft, paddling tips, and safety advice such as rescues and weather conditions. You might want to have a few lessons for different environments, such as paddling on rivers or seas. I recently completed the British Canoeing Foundation Safety and Rescue Training course where I learnt various paddleboard, kayak and canoe rescues in lots of different scenarios. It provided training on key skills needed to operate safely and deal with common emergencies in a sheltered water environment.
2) Have the right equipment
Wear a buoyancy aids/personal flotation device. Ensure you carry safety equipment such as clothing, first aid and communication devices in waterproof containers. You may also want to carry a spare paddle, communication /signalling equipment (mobile phone, PLB, VHF radio) and a repair kit. What3words is a good location finder app. Think about appropriate clothing for if you are to fall into the water.
3) Think about the environment
What type of water is it? Do you know the route? There are hundreds of craft in all shapes and sizes, each designed for different activities and types of water. It is important to choose the right craft for the type of water and conditions. Know the expected weather conditions and check the wind and tide.
4) Be prepared
Make sure you are able to swim and self rescue. Plan your trip; good planning, preparation and organisation, before setting out on the water, are essential for your safety. Check your boat and equipment thoroughly before you set out. Tell someone where you are going and when you will be back. Call them when you get back
5) Respect, protect and enjoy our waterways responsibly
The new British Canoeing Paddlers’ Code sets out the sort of things paddlers do to protect our environment. But also to respect other river and canal users and enjoy being on the water safely. It’s a simple set of good practice guidelines that we hope people will share and use every time they go out paddling. It is not about giving people a set of rules to abide by. It is more about describing the good things we do as a community to paddle responsibly. https://paddlerscode.info/
Happy paddling!
