No matter how sharp your senses, life has a habit of throwing an unexpected surprise or two. Imagine gliding along on your paddleboard taking in the scenery, when with no warnings or fanfares, an orca surfaces next to you. Not your everyday occurrence, but that is what happened to Luke Reilly off the coast of New Zealand.

The wayward giant spent a good five minutes checking Luke out. Though it appears this close encounter was more curiosity than anything malicious. The whole event left Luke somewhat shaken even though he’d had a similar experience the previous year.

Close Encounters with Dolphins

Photo courtesy of Max Pixel

A day’s paddling off the coast of South Africa during the Vintners Surf Classic ended up as a battle of wits between one contestant and a school of dolphins. The crowd got an unexpected bonus during this annual fiesta at Stillbay, though it was difficult to decide who got more applause. One of the members of the playful pod sent the contestant – Bernard La Roux -literally flying!  Although, fortunately, he had a relatively soft landing.

Close Encounters with Sharks

Close encounters with creatures of the deep, however, aren’t always as playful. Imagine chasing a great white shark – albeit a juvenile – while paddling off Southern California. Such was the case for Wagner Deabreu at Manhatten Beach. It seems his close encounter was potentially one of several as the area is a perfect feeding ground. But anyone planning to throw caution to the wind in the hunt for their own great white needs to remember it is illegal to harass them – if not a little dangerous.

And danger reared its ugly head for Mike Durand when he set out on his paddleboard. It arrived in the form of a nine-foot-long great white shark. This shark seemed more than a little curious about Mike’s board. Albeit this visitor was half the size of a full-grown adult, and the encounter only lasted for a few moments, it left Mike’s nerves somewhat frayed.

Close Encounters with Whales

The coast of California was also the scene of a SUP encounter and then some. Laguna Beach produced the surprise of a lifetime for Rich German when he discovered he was sharing his paddle with an endangered blue whale. At times he was only a few feet from this giant mammal of the deep. You can bet the whole event is one both parties are unlikely to forget in a hurry.

Photo courtesy of Max Pixel

If getting up close and personal with one marine mammal isn’t enough for most, consider the experience of one young woman paddler off the coast at Santa Cruz. Not only was her encounter just a little too close for comfort, but she must’ve believed she was seeing double. Two humpback whales surfaced just a few yards away. An encounter which must’ve set the pulse racing and hardly what you’d expect during a normal day’s paddling.

With Rich German, it was anything but a normal paddle when he had what he described as a dream encounter with a small pod of orcas off the Southern California coast at Laguna Beach. Naturally inquisitive, this family of four gave Rich the experience of his life as they swam beneath and around him.

And that’s the great thing about SUP. It gives you a perfect workout, it gives you the chance to see things at ground level – and at a leisurely pace. Most of all, it sometimes throws in the odd surprise or two.

I will never forget my first experience on a stand-up paddleboard (SUP). I’d been hearing about the new paddle sport for a couple of years and had been longing to try it. I finally got the opportunity to rent a board on a summer vacation in British Columbia. I hopped on the board after a very brief demonstration on how to hold the paddle and was pushed off into the lake with a personal flotation device (PFD) strapped to the board and instructions to stay within sight. While perhaps not the best introduction to the sport (and certainly far from a lesson), I quickly discovered that I could stand on the board with ease and that paddling was relatively simple. Within five minutes, I had my child on the board with me, and we had found a new favorite activity.

SUP Touring the Canadian Rockies – bucket list-worthy!

I bought my first stand up paddleboard within a month of renting one on vacation, and by the end of the summer, I had already paddled a river. I was also looking into lessons for the following year so that I could tour all of the lakes and rivers in the Canadian Rockies where I live. Fast forward a few years, and I have now paddled over 25 lakes, eight rivers (complete with class I rapids), and even tried my hand at paddling on the Pacific Ocean along with SUP surfing in Mexico.

First River Run on the Bow River in Calgary, Alberta

Of all the places I’ve paddled, and given a choice between rivers, oceans, and lakes, I would choose a river in the Canadian Rockies any day. While I am still far from considering myself an expert paddler, I love the thrill of running a river, navigating around sweepers and tight corners, and keeping my balance as I ride over small riffles and rapids. The scenery found along the Bow River in Banff National Park is also a significant selling point for learning to SUP rivers, and one gets plenty of opportunities to watch for wildlife while paddling on the river.

Learning to SUP on Forty Mile Creek, Banff National Park

Starting: Where to Rent a Board and Learn to SUP in the Canadian Rockies

Travelers and locals alike will want to stop at the Banff Canoe Club in downtown Banff, Alberta, to rent a board and get some practice paddling on a calm section of the Bow River. From the Canoe Club dock, it is possible to paddle upstream on the river as far as you want to go, and then let the gentle current carry you back to the dock. This route is beginner paddling at its finest, and you’ll enjoy a new perspective of Mount Rundle and Cascade Mountain from the water. You can expect to see deer drinking from the water and maybe even a bear or elk standing on the riverbank.

The other paddling option from the Banff Canoe Club is to paddle up Forty Mile Creek to Vermilion Lake. This option is a scenic paddle and allows you to practice some tight turns on the small narrow creek. On your way back, it is a gentle float downstream right back to the docks.

Paddling on the First Vermillion Lake, Banff National Park

The Banff Canoe Club can get busy, so it is recommended that you show up early in the day if you want to rent one of their inflatable boards. Once you receive a stand-up paddleboard, though, the staff will make sure you know how to use it, how to paddle, and will outfit you with PFDs and all necessary gear for your outing. For more information on rentals through the Canoe Club, visit their website at the Banff Canoe Club. For current information on rental rates, it is best to contact the Canoe Club directly.

Other Options for Novice Paddlers and Locations to Rent Boards

Kananaskis Outfitters has stand-up paddleboards for rent on Barrier Lake in nearby Kananaskis, Alberta, on weekends during the summer season. This area is an excellent introduction to flat-water paddling before you attempt larger outings on the Bow River. Barrier Lake will also test your skills if it’s windy while you are there. Expect small waves and white caps that will challenge the most experienced paddler if conditions are not calm.

All information on renting boards and other boats from Kananaskis Outfitters are on their website. It’s always wise to call in advance as well to ensure that the lakeside rentals are open on the day that you plan to visit.

SUP Touring on the Bow River from the canoe docks in town

Bow Valley SUP has a rental shop set up in downtown Canmore, Alberta, during the summer months. Advanced reservations are recommended, and you will have to transport your board to the nearest body of water on your own. The company has both inflatable and hard boards for rent, and they can also get you set up with tie-down straps and foam blocks for your vehicle. From here, you can SUP on the Canmore Reservoir or transport your board to Banff and float back to Canmore on the Bow River in a two- to four-hour paddle.

Stand up paddle boarding in the Bow Valley (photo: Bow Valley SUP)

SUP Touring on the Bow River

The beginner stretch for this river runs from just outside the town of Banff, Alberta, back into town in a short two-hour paddle. Parking is available right off the TransCanada Highway at a pull-off just past the turnoff for the Hwy 1A. From here, it is a short 2-hour paddle back into Banff to the canoe docks at the Banff Canoe Club.

You can park a second vehicle here or stash a bike for a quick ride back to your car. To bike back, follow Vermillion Lakes Drive and the Legacy Trail past the Vermillion Lakes to the Highway 1A turnoff. After that, it is a short ride on the highway back to your vehicle.

This section of the river is scenic and great for beginners. There are a couple of sharp corners with sweepers near the put-in spot, but after the first 20 minutes, the outing quickly turns into a float trip, and you’ll have to paddle if you don’t want to spend four hours on the river.

Stand up paddling the Bow River from the Hwy 1A turnoff back into town.

For an intermediate “trail,” start at the end of the Banff Golf Course or below Bow Falls in downtown Banff, and paddle to nearby Canmore in a 14-mile trip. Full information on what to expect from this stretch along with put-in and take out directions are on the Parks Canada website. The site says to expect a four-hour paddle, but it only took us two hours to do the run in kayaks.

Extreme caution should be taken on this stretch of the Bow River from Banff to Canmore as we encountered sweepers at every corner. Functional navigation abilities are crucial to make it around the tight corners while avoiding the trees and logs sticking out into the water. There are also a few sections with class I rapids to negotiate. I chose to kayak this section of the river so that I could get a good glimpse of what to expect next time I bring my board.

Recent paddling trip from Banff to Canmore on the Bow River

Advanced SUP paddlers can also run the full stretch from Lake Louise to Banff or Canmore (portaging around Bow Falls in Banff) with complete information found on the Parks Canada website.

A great video of the Lake Louise to Canmore run by stand up paddleboard can be found here at SUP Bow River Expedition – Down by the River by Milky Chance. If this video doesn’t get you packing your bags for a paddle trip to the Rockies, nothing else I write will.

Additional Information for Travelers and Visitors to the Rockies

Please visit the Banff Lake Louise Tourism website for additional trip planning resources and information on where to stay while in the area. Other useful information is also on the Tourism Canmore website.

Paddling at Lake Louise on Moraine Lake (a good warm-up before tackling the river)

The two may seem like an unlikely pairing, but river sports and yoga have gained a great deal of ground over the years, particularly among SUP (Stand-Up Paddle board) enthusiasts. These days, it’s not hard to find SUP yoga classes and lessons.  Whether it’s on a slow moving river, the clear waters of a lake or a sheltered bay, SUP yoga will lift your spirits to new heights, irrespective of experience level.

A beginner stand-up paddle board is wider than other boards for increased stability.

Using 10 to 12-foot-long boards, similar to a surf board, SUP yoga combines traditions from two different culture rooted in India and Hawaii. By bringing the two together, balance and muscle tone are vastly improved, and stress levels greatly reduced. For a chance to try this popular sport in the UK, Lagoon Watersports at Hove Lagoon, outside of Worthing, is a perfect location. The lagoon’s flat and sheltered waters make it ideal for learning to maintain posture, keep your balance and improve your SUP skills.

To begin, an instructor from Lagoon Watersports will teach you the basic yoga poses on dry land before venturing into the water on paddle boards. You are guaranteed a great workout owing to the less than solid surface, and although you will need to focus totally on balance, the enjoyment and challenge will be well worth it.

Combining yoga and paddle boarding maximizes physical challenge as well as stress relief and relaxation.

Lagoon Watersports is BSUPA accredited and its instructors have a strong passion for paddle boarding, which they are only too pleased to share. Their SUP yoga courses run from early June to early September and cost £17.50.

Further afield on the North coast of Cornwall, you’ll find Harlyn Surf School near Padstow. The history and scenery of this North Cornish coastal area combined with the protection from high winds and waves by the Trevose Head rock formation creates an ideal environment in which to learn this innovative sport. The beach at Harlyn Bay is reckoned to be one of the finest in Cornwall due to its relative safety and dog-friendliness. It’s a place to come and relax or be as active as you wish, much like the overall sport of SUP yoga.

In partnership with Hang Ten Yoga and Ride On Retreats, the Harlyn Surf School offers a variety of SUP yoga lessons, classes and tours. Vacation packages combining SUP instruction, meals, accommodation and even spa access are also available.

The season of stand up paddleboarding is upon us and there is no better time to purchase a board than right now. But what if you are new to the sport? What do you look for in a board, how much is too much to spend and what are the right questions to ask when picking out a shiny new board?

Knowing how to pick out a board is essential in this sport as a board that doesn’t fit your needs will end up ruining this awesome sport for you. I headed into our local retailer to get the scoop on choosing the perfect board.

Step 1: How You’re Going To Use Your Board

The first step in picking out your board is to decide how you are going to use it. Different types of boards are suited to different activities. Are you planning on racing with it or just using it to explore flat waters and maybe some small waves? Or are you planning on hitting up the heavy waves?

There is a lot to consider and beginners should start off with a board that allows for fun and fitness. Beginners are also more likely to want a board with a planning hull; this means that the board is flat and wide giving more stability to it. Displacement hulls tend to have a pointed nose and are longer and more narrow. Planning hulls are perfect for riding on top of the water and in ocean waves while displacement hulls are meant for touring and racing.

Step 2: Volume of the Board

Looking at the volume of the board is the next step once you have decided which kind of board you want. Volume is expressed in liters and gives a good indication of the board’s ability to float with weight on it. Essentially the higher the volume, the more weight the board can support. More volume means easier to paddle but you lose some maneuverability.

Volume can be confusing and it is best to know what you want your board to be able to do before purchasing. You don’t want to spend your days falling off the board in the waves. Best to speak to an expert at the retailer you are purchasing from.

Step 3: Length of the Board

Each board has its own weight capacity and it is worth double checking that you fit within the guidelines. Not only will you want to consider length when it comes to what type of paddling you want to do, but also how much storage space you have at home, your car roof rack and the length of time you will have to carry it.

Boards are classified into three different lengths; short, medium and long. Short boards are under 9′ and are more maneuverable and great for kids. Medium boards are 9′-12′ and are perfect for lakes and small waves. Whereas long boards are anything over 12′ and tend to be faster and track straighter; great for touring and racing.

Step 4: Narrow Or Wide

When purchasing a board, you have to combine length and width and decide whether you will get a narrow or wide board. Narrow and long often go well together as they are the fastest option, while wider boards tend to be slower but much more stable. A wide medium length board is perfect for beginners.

Sweet Water Paddle Sports

Step 5:  Fins

Fins are an essential part of every stand-up paddleboard. Without one, your board would simply go around in circles. The fin helps to keep you in a straight line or on a track. Larger fins will help make the board feel more stable but will slow you down compared to smaller fins that cut through the water more easily. Not every paddleboard will have the same setup and depending on your activity, will determine if you need just one or four fins.

Step 6: Don’t Forget The Paddle!

And there is one of the most important pieces of equipment besides the board. The paddle is essential in this sport to get along, maneuver the waves and not tip over. Our paddleboard expert recommended a paddle that was 6′-8′ taller than the user; although some experts recommend one that is 8′-10′ taller.

If you can try one out before purchasing, we recommend that in order to ensure the right paddle fit. You want maximum paddle efficiency and won’t get that without a proper fitting paddle. A leash is another accessory you won’t want to leave the store without. Tethering your paddleboard to you is a great way to make sure you don’t lose it in the water.

What To Expect for Price

So now that you have the essential tools to help decide what paddleboard is right for you; let’s talk price. Boards typically range from US $150 (for an inflatable board) up to $1000. If there is one thing experts recommend is not to cheap out on a board. Take the time to shop around, check for sales and really find the board that connects with you.

It is highly recommended to rent boards the first few times to get a feel of what kind of paddling you want to do and what types of boards you feel most comfortable. With this sport quickly gaining in popularity there are numerous rental shops to suit your needs. Good luck and Happy Paddling!!

Sunset Paddle

Brody Welte stepped on a stand up paddle board (SUP) in 2007 in Hawai’i and never looked back. Despite the economic downturn, Welte launched his own SUP company in 2008 and developed a comprehensive SUP fitness training program, PaddleFit. Today his San Diego-based business has helped train 1,100 coaches in 20 countries. Welte’s company recently formed a partnership with Dave Kalama, a world-class athlete and innovator in watersports, to create elite-level coaching experiences. And he puts his coaching theories into practice with board manufacturer Infinity’s team that boasts top athletes Candice Appleby and Slater Trout. He is also the race coach for Team USA competing at the 2015 ISA World Stand Up Paddleboard Championships in May in Mexico. SUP is only in its infancy, he says, and he is on board to help athletes and enthusiasts reach their peak performance.

Photo courtesy of PaddleFit

What’s your take on what people need to think about when getting in shape for SUP?

One of the most common mistakes that I hear is that SUP is a core exercise. Now before people throw me under the bus, let me explain myself. The great thing about SUP is that most anyone can grab a paddle and a board, then stand up and paddle their first time. The barrier to entry is relatively low and also your muscle engagement is low and you are using your core very little. SUP does not become a true core exercise until you learn to do it properly.

Another major issue is that people do not understand what your core is. Many people think that your core is your ab muscles. While your abs are important muscles, your core consists of so much more. The simplest way that I describe your core is basically everything from your knees to your shoulders. This incorporates your large back muscles, your abdominal muscles as well as your posterior (glutes, hamstrings) and anterior (quads, hip flexors) leg muscles. When you are paddling with proper technique you are engaging and incorporating all of these great power muscles.

What kind of training myths do you encounter when you are working with your clients?

There are a lot of training myths out there. People are told to do cardio or strength training and then maybe a little stretching. Our bodies are very complex and extremely well designed. To truly reach our peak, no matter what our goals are, we need to have a comprehensive training program. You need a solid corrective exercise program to get your body functioning properly. You need a good dynamic warm up and a strategy to prepare your body for whatever you are putting it through. Strength training is essential, but has many parts such as rotational strength, functional strength and power development like plyometrics. Flexibility is a key component but must be done as part of a larger program. The traditional definition of cardio such as running on a treadmill or exercise bike is not a very efficient way to train your body. Energy System Development (ESD) is a better strategy to focus on because it will develop both power and endurance through things like interval training. All of this sounds complex but it really is not. Not every trainer is going to know or understand these components.

Photo courtesy of PaddleFit.

What is the proper way to stand up paddle?

This can be difficult to describe without showing. Most new paddlers stand very upright while they are paddling with their hands close together. That incorporates very little core and most people’s arms and shoulders get tired which is not good. So the progression that I have created for PaddleFit teaches people to use their entire body by focusing on the rotation of the upper body and at the same time hinging at the hips to reach their paddle to the proper position. Once someone has properly extended then they can use their entire body to propel the board forward. Most new paddlers do not do this.

What are your 3 favorite destinations for SUP?

Number 1 on the list is Hanalei Bay on the island of Kaua’i. That place is special for two reasons. One is that it is one of the most beautiful places to paddle with green mountains in the background and with large waterfalls coming down. The other reason is that it is where I learned how to SUP when I lived there for a couple of years. My second favorite place is Namotu, Fiji. Fiji should steal the slogan “Happiest Place on Earth” from Disney. The waves are great, the people are great and it is in the middle of nowhere in the Pacific. That place is magical. Number 3 would be Cascade, ID. I went to the Payette River Games last year and spent some time in the whitewater. They have a great park to learn whitewater SUP. I know that there are crazier whitewater places but Cascade seems to be “learner friendly” and it is very beautiful.

Photo courtesy of PaddleFit.

With SUP being a relatively new sport, there must be some exciting times ahead–any that you would like to highlight?

For me the most notable moment has yet to happen. SUP was just included in the 2019 Pan Am Games, which is monumental in the process of becoming an Olympic sport. So I am thankful to be the race coach now; the potential and opportunity to coach on that level is exciting. So the best is yet to come.

Although it bubbles to the surface on Exmoor, just 5 miles from the Bristol Channel, the River Exe takes a southward journey through a sizeable swathe of Devon before it reaches its outflow at Exmouth. Situated on the east bank, the town – a very popular holiday resort – is also the home of Liquid Motion Watersports.

If you’re looking for a great way to keep fit, ideal conditions and some amazing experiences, this is the place to be. Imagine paddling up the wide estuary, exploring the Jurassic Coast or joining an SUP party in the summer. These are all possible with their expert guidance. If you’ve never set foot on a paddleboard or want to stretch your skills, there’s instruction to suit.

Catering for the complete beginner, Liquid Motion’s instructors will teach you from scratch. Almost from your first lesson they’ll take you paddling safely along the coastline. This level 1 lesson lasts for 2 hours, giving you ample time to enjoy the experience and the scenery. The minimum requirement is 2 people and for £45 – which includes board hire – you get great value for money.

Liquid Motion can also help take your boarding to a higher level with a ‘Wave and Distance’ course. Over a full day or afternoon, they’ll teach you everything from safely catching the swell and riding the wave to trimming your board for distance paddling. The course will stretch your skill but will also show you the upper limits paddleboarding can be taken to as a sport.

If you already have the required BSUPA level 1 skills and you are keen to socialize with like minded enthusiasts, the SUP Club is the perfect mix. The Club meets every Tuesday evening during the summer at Orcombe Point – the western end of the Jurassic Coast. This will give you ample opportunity to develop your skills even more in a social atmosphere with a meal and drink afterwards. There’s no need to book, all Liquid Motion asks is a call in advance and £15 for your board hire.

Expert tuition, ideal conditions to suit your skills and an historic coastline. Exmouth – a regional centre for watersports – and Liquid Motion couldn’t be better placed. If it’s flat water or wild waves you’re after, you’ll find them here. Their tuition will be geared to the level you want and you’ll be in safe hands. Why not give Liquid Motion Watersports a call on 01395-276599 and try out this great type of exercise for yourself.

England’s second longest river has a history dating back to Neolithic times. The Thames flows through some of the driest parts of Britain’s mainland on a route taking it 236 miles from start to finish. Well known for its regattas at Henley, the Oxford and Cambridge boat race, and its Royal connections at Windsor, the river is also the base for Active 360. Water sport and particularly SUP is at their heart and it’s unlikely you’ll ever see London from such an unusual perspective.

The sport knows few boundaries, being enjoyed by both young and old alike. It’s wonderful exercise and a leisurely way to take in the surroundings while keeping fit. And the great thing about Active 360 is they’ll have you paddling like a pro in next to no time.

To start you off, their introduction course is ideal. Under supervision from fully qualified ASI instructors, Active 360 will teach you self-rescue as well as comprehensive motion techniques. The starter course lasts for 90 minutes and the cost includes buoyancy aids, wetsuit and board.

For the slightly more advanced, Active 360 offers a course on land and water designed to improve your SUP skills. This includes board carrying, prone paddling and how to fall safely on water. There’s always a fun element whichever course you’re on and safety on the water is paramount. As with all courses, suitable clothing and footwear is required. This course runs for over 2 hours and is great value.

If you’re a little shy of group activity, try their one-to-one coaching. You’ll be taught the correct stance, race turns and how to improve your paddling techniques. There’s even a chance to try before you buy your own board and equipment. For an extra charge, you can introduce a friend to the sport and learn the basics together.

Always popular are the company’s Group Paddleboard Trips. These are, inevitably, conditions and weather dependent, but generally cover up to 10 miles. They are a great way to socialize and share your experience – under guidance – on both inland and open water. The trips are more suited to those with higher levels of skill rather than total beginners, but are certainly something to aim for.

With its three locations on the Thames, Active 360 has been established since 2011. They emphasise the sport is like no other. You set the pace and progress accordingly. There’s no risk because you are always in experienced hands. Most of all, Active 360 is a company with a deep passion for SUP and an even stronger desire to share it. For more details, call them on 0203-393-5360 or visit www.active360.co.uk.

Eighteen miles southwest of Bristol is Weston-super-Mare. This popular beach resort in North Somerset has been around since the 19th century and started life as a small village. Now, with an award-winning beach – one of the longest in the UK – high tidal range and World famous Grand Pier, Weston-super-Mare attracts vast numbers of tourists. And it’s not just for the golden sands.

Watersports, and SUP in particular, play a major role in the resort’s popularity. Weston Paddleboard Academy offers tuition from 10 years upwards, provided an accompanying adult is a willing class-mate. Learning groups are small and short introductory sessions are a great way to find your feet and keep your balance. If required, longer one-on-one tuition is available, as well as higher level and refresher courses. Wetsuits are provided and all instruction begins on dry land. Fully BSUPA accredited, they request all bookings in advance. For more details call 07816-652720.

Hotels in Weston-super-Mare offer wide choices of quality accommodation. Among many is the Sandringham. It couldn’t be better positioned for the Grand Pier or the seafront. If you enjoy a traditional restaurant with live entertainment, this is for you. All rooms have private bathrooms, and a full English breakfast will keep you going till lunchtime. For more details, call 01934-624891.

The charming little harbour town of Watchet is the base for Active Adventure Southwest. A few miles east of Minehead on Bridgwater Bay, Watchet, with its busy marina, is ideally placed for this ever-growing sport. Active Adventure’s instructors are BSUPA qualified and lessons start with the basic introductions to equipment as well as necessary board handling skills. Safety is paramount and there are no restrictions on ability. Tuition is readily available from age 11 to over 45’s and non-swimmers are welcome: www.activeadventuresw.co.uk has more information.

If you’re ready for an activity break in the region, the Old Stables Bed & Breakfast in Minehead could be the solution. They have joined forces with Active Adventure Southwest for paddleboarding tuition off Minehead Beach. The beach is minutes from the Old Stables, which is conveniently close to Exmoor National Park. As a gentle alternative, paddleboard tuition is offered at Wimbleball Lake with transport available at an extra cost.

The historic Old Stables dates back to 1901. It offers light and airy accommodation with en-suite facilities. As an added extra, you could have a professional photo-shoot during your stay. With free WiFi and its own off-road parking, the Old Stables couldn’t be better placed for exploring the region. For more details, call 07435-964-882.

SUP has experienced a sharp increase in popularity in North Somerset, largely thanks to funding from the Local Access Rural Community. The sport is even expanding its boundaries to include pilates and yoga. It’s an activity accessible to everyone, no matter their age or skill level. It gives you a fresh perspective and is great exercise into the bargain. You just have to add water.

With stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) booming, it was only a matter of time before a traditional surf sport started to make its way inland. Now, stand up paddleboards have made appearances in places where you’d have never expected them. From the Mississippi River to Lake Tahoe, there isn’t a place that holds water that’s off-limits for the ever-popular SUP crowd.

However, with the popularity of stand up paddleboarding, there comes increased risk. The more inexperienced paddlers you put into the water, the more inherent risk that it carries for those that enter these waters. Of course, everyone has to start somewhere to gain experience. If you’re a first-timer to stand-up paddleboarding, here are a few valuable safety lessons to keep in mind to protect yourself and others around you while on the water.

Recognizing the potential danger, such as other creatures in the water, is key to remaining safe on your board. Photo courtesy of Legends SUP

Know Your Ability Level

Understanding your limits, especially for first-time paddlers, is critical. Barreling down the Colorado River isn’t the same as the lesson that you took on Lake Tahoe last summer. All stand-up paddling isn’t created equal.

Knowing your ability level, and recognizing potential danger is key to remaining safe on your board. Start with calm waters and then work into the rapids, the shallows, and the rocks. You have to crawl before you walk.

Know The Limits Of Your Equipment

In addition to knowing your limits, you’ll need to consider the limits of your equipment as well. When I first walked into Legends SUP, a local shop specializing in SUP, the first question they asked me is how I wanted to use my board, since different boards cater to a variety of situations and applications.

There are inflatables, flat waterboards, SUP surfboards, race boards, boards made for women, those that carry gear, boards for more than one person, or even SUP boards made for those that use their board for yoga.

If you choose the incorrect board and use it without knowing the limitations, you could potentially be putting yourself into a dangerous situation.

Read More: Choosing A SUP: The Right Way

Knowing the basics of stand-up paddleboarding is a significant first step to being safe! Photo courtesy of Legends SUP.

Dress for the Conditions

The sun and the elements are a real danger to freshwater paddlers. If you’re going out, make sure to wear at least an SPF 15 (preferably an SPF 30) as the water has a mirror effect on the sun’s rays and leads to severe burns. Better yet, don a rash guard (a close-fitting athletic shirt that can be worn under your wetsuit) or a long sleeve shirt and a cap to protect your skin from dangerous UV rays.

The same holds for winter paddling or cold water paddling. While you might be an experienced paddler who rarely takes a dip in the water, it’s always advisable to wear a wet suit in water that’s colder than 65 degrees F (18 degrees C). Just a few minutes in cold water with freezing temperatures outside could cause you to become hypothermic, a serious problem with life-ending implications. Be safe and dress for the weather.

Make sure to dress appropriately while stand up paddleboarding. You could wear your swim gear or a rash guard if in rough waters. But always wear sunscreen! Photo: Pixabay / Standuppaddle

Understand and Use Safety Gear

You may have all the right clothing, but what about any needed safety gear? I’m not suggesting that you strap on a coat of armor and head off to your local lake. In fact, most flatwater requires nothing more than good sunscreen, your board, and a paddle.

However, some situations call for more gear and extra safety measures when stand-up paddleboarding. Riding rapids, floodwater, or taking long trips on your board might require you to pack some additional safety equipment such as a helmet or a personal floatation device. Although the board serves as a floatation device, it’s never a bad idea to wear a life jacket as well.

Another common thread in freshwater paddling is whether or not to use the leash to strap yourself to your paddleboard. Loose rope or straps have the potential to entangle on underwater trees or rocks, which has the potential to make the leash a safety hazard.

On the other side of the equation, without a leash, it’s not only possible but also probable to lose your board in fast-moving water, especially on rather swift currents.

So, if you must use a leash to keep your board, use a coiled leash with a quick release. The quick-release allows the release of the strap in emergencies, like being hung up on a branch or underwater debris.

Read More: River Safety: 4 Lessons From Swiftwater Rescue Training

Never paddle alone, even if you bring along your pups. Photo: Legends SUP

Use the Buddy System

When possible, never paddle alone. Even the most experienced paddler runs into underwater debris from time to time. A simple slip and a knock to the head is a recipe for disaster that could easily be avoided if you were paddling with a partner.

Read More: Doing The Dog Paddle: Tips For Canoeing & Kayaking With Dogs

Go Out & Stand-Up Paddleboard Safely!

Stand up paddleboarding is remarkably safe, and the chances for severe injury or death is decidedly low. That said, it could never hurt to brush up on a few safety guidelines before heading out for a day of fun on the water. Stay safe out there.

What recommendations do you have related to safety while stand up paddleboarding? Let us know in the comments below!

Read Next:
First-Timer’s Guide To Stand Up Paddleboarding
WasSUP, Banff: An Interview For Mountain Stand Up Paddleboarders
Wildlife Encounters On The Water

Article originally published August 28, 2014, with content by Legends SUP. Editor updated links and formatting May 12, 2020. 

Stand up paddleboarding (SUP) has become one of the world’s fastest growing water sports. Not only does it offer a great work out in the open air, it also enables you to progress in the water at your own pace. The sport has caught on big-time in several UK beach resorts. Not least in Newquay, Cornwall. The nearby estuary of the River Gannel is one of the most scenic and safe areas to try the sport. And if you’ve never tried it before, guidance is readily available.

Crantock Bay Surf School, at Crantock Beach, offers SUP tuition in the ideal surroundings of a golden sandy beach. Each lesson lasts for over two hours. Included in your coaching will be a variety of paddle strokes, prone, stand up and knee paddling, launching and landing, as well as self-rescue. With group discounts available, the £40 cost is superb value.

The Gannel estuary is also a great place for river kayaking. Crantock Bay Surf School offers unique river tours in this scenic part of Cornwall. Depending on the tides, the trip will take you past the Old Boatyard and the tidal Penpol Creek, a tributary of the River Fowey. Steeped in maritime history, the Creek is now home to wildlife including egrets, oystercatchers and woodpeckers. Each river tour lasts two to three hours and for £30 includes kayak, buoyancy jacket, wetsuit and paddle. No previous experience is needed and because the tours take place at high tide, times will vary. www.crantockbaysurfschool.com has more information.

SUP Cornwall offers tuition in both surf and flatwater. For complete beginners, their ‘taster’ lessons are very popular. Instruction is based on individual skill levels and includes the importance of stance when using the board and falling safely into the water. You’ll be in experienced hands no matter if novice or more advanced, and their coaching is tailored to your own individual SUP requirements.

SUP tours of the River Fal are ideal ways to take in the scenery and safely test your skills under guidance. SUP Cornwall will take you from Loe Beach near Falmouth, and the trip will include a chance to see the Carrick Roads–the world’s third largest natural harbour. Bring a towel, drink and swimwear. Wetsuits can be provided for £5. It’s a tour you’ll not forget, and at £30 is great value for money. For more details, visit www.supcornwall.co.uk.

Loe Beach, on the south Cornish coast, is a haven for water sports and a great place to hire out kayaks. Triple seat, double or single, they are a stable and safe way for the whole family to enjoy the beautiful surroundings. No previous experience is needed and buoyancy jackets and full instructions are provided. For more information, call 01872-864-295.

Widely referred to as the UK’s surfing capital, Newquay’s position on Cornwall’s northern coast certainly gives it the edge. With nine sandy beaches and a maritime climate, it’s no surprise that over 80,000 tourists visit in the summer. Few resorts can offer such a wide range of water and river sports. No matter your skill or age, Newquay offers something for everyone.