Paddle Board Safety Tips to Avoid Risks
Anytime you are in the water there are risks. Flat water lakes may be the safest place to paddle board. Rivers, the ocean, seas and large inland lakes all have risk and potential danger. There are risks even when paddling the most placid small lake. In this article I will show you ways to avoid the risks of paddle boarding.
Although there are risks, paddle boarding does not have to be dangerous
What makes paddle boarding risky?
1. Not Wearing a PFD
Okay, Papa don’t preach. But the truth is I see a lot of paddle boarders not wearing a PFD. Now in some places you are required by law to have a PFD on your paddle board deck. A PFD on the deck of your board will do you no good, you need to wear it. Anyway- it’s your choice.
2. Not Wearing a Board Leash
Whenever I talk about PFDs I throw in a word about board leashes. A paddle board leash is your most important piece of safety gear. A paddle board leash is mandatory. Enough said.
A board leash is your most important piece of safety gear.
3. Not Knowing How to Get Back on Your Board after Falling
Part of learning how to paddle board is learning the proper way to fall and then get back on your board. Take lessons or watch Youtube videos to learn the proper way to get back on your board. And practice until you have it down.
4. Lightning & Severe Weather
Obviously paddling in a thunderstorm is a bad idea. Lighting and water are a bad combination. A little rain is no big deal. But if you hear thunder rumbling get off the water immediately.
5. Wind
The wind fools a lot of paddlers and gets them in big trouble. This is where experience comes in handy. Beginners should never paddle out with the wind to their back (or on windy days period.)
Your body acts like a sail on a paddle board. While paddling with the wind is fun and exciting it can quickly take you far out to sea. Turning around and paddling into the wind can be impossible and leave you stranded out in the middle of the lake or ocean.
When out paddling take note of any changes in the wind. Always mind the wind. If the wind picks up start paddling for shore immediately.
6. Hypothermia
Hypothermia is a real danger for anyone paddling in cold water. Just because the air is warm does not mean you can avoid hypothermia. Of course cold air plus cold water is double trouble. But cold water and warm air is deceptively dangerous.
When paddling dress for the water temperature. And when paddling in cold water you should always dress as if you plan on falling in the water. Neoprene is your first line if defense. Wetsuits, drysuits, neoprene tops, jackets and pants should be considered.
When paddling dress for the water temperature, not the air temp.
7. Sun Exposure
An hour paddling in the sun can be no big deal. But any longer than that can lead to sun burn, heat stroke, heat exhaustion and dehydration. Remember the sun reflects off the water adding to greater exposure than if you where just on land. Sunscreen, a sun hat, polarized sunglasses, a UV protectant shirt or rash guard are all good ideas.
8. Dehydration
Sun exposure can lead to dehydration but you can become dehydrated anytime you paddle. Dehydration will even occur on cold, cloudy days. Most paddle boards have a bungee system on the nose and you should carry a water bottle every time you paddle. Dehydration can impair your ability to paddle and it will also affect your mind making it harder to think clear thoughts.
9. Boats or Jet Skis
On certain lakes boats and jet skis are a real hazard. In a collision a paddle board will always lose. First, avoid lanes where boats travel. Second, wear bright clothing. You can find quick-dry UV protectant t-shirts in neon yellow. Third, if you are paddling around dusk or dawn have a deck light on your paddle board.
10. Strainers, Sweepers & Submerged Logs, Rocks
Very dangerous, strainers and sweepers are objects in rivers that let water pass through but will block a paddle board or swimmer. Typically they are trees that have fallen into the water. Strainers and sweepers are extremely dangerous. Even a moderate flowing current could hold you trapped under water. Water currents are more powerful than you think they are. Kayakers die every year when strainers or sweepers hold them under water. Rivers with fast moving current should be left to advanced paddlers with plenty of experience.
On flat lakes with no current you still need to watch out for submerged logs and rocks. Your center fin can catch these obstacles and throw you into the water. You could fall and hit your head on another log or rock. You could also damage you fin or fin box. So when paddling close to shore, or waterways with low water levels, keep an eye out in the waters in front of your board.
11. Paddling Solo and Not Telling Anyone
Always tell someone when you go out paddling. How long does it take to text a few friends telling them what are doing, where you going and when you will be back.
In Conclusion
All water sports have a certain amount of risk. But paddle boarding does not have to be dangerous. Acknowledge the risks involve and use your common sense to avoid danger.
If you use common sense paddle boarding can be a safe, fun activity for the whole family
Really great information enjoyed reading it.
Cheers mark Wilson