Welcome to the exciting world of stand-up paddleboarding (SUP)! It’s a fantastic way to enjoy the water, get some exercise, and connect with nature. We are so lucky here in the UK to have some breathtaking lochs, lakes, rivers and coastlines to explore and experience. However, like any water sport, SUP safety should be your top priority, especially when you’re just starting out. This guide combines essential advice to ensure you have a fun and safe experience when out adventuring on your LOMO Watersport SUP.
Before You Hit the Water On Your Standup Paddle Board:
Learn the Basics (Consider a Lesson): The best way to start safely is by taking a lesson from a qualified instructor. They can teach you proper paddling techniques, balance, how to fall safely, and crucial safety guidelines. And most importantly, give you a safe space to build some confidence if you are unfamiliar with water sports in general.
Check the Weather Forecast: Before heading out, always check the weather. Pay close attention to wind speed and direction. Be especially cautious of offshore winds, which can quickly push you far from shore. As a beginner, avoid going out if the wind speed exceeds 10 knots/11.5MPH
- Check the Met Office wind map here >> https://weather.metoffice.gov.uk/maps-and-charts/wind-map#?model=ukmo-ukv&layer=wind-speed-and-direction&bbox=%5B%5B41.11246878918088,-45.263671875%5D,%5B64.73664139557685,37.30957031250001%5D%5D
Tell Someone Your Plans: Let a friend, family member, or someone on shore know where you are going and when you expect to be back. This is crucial, especially if you’re paddling alone.
Consider Paddling with a Buddy: It’s always safer and often more enjoyable to paddle with someone else. In case of difficulty, you’ll have immediate assistance. There are plenty of meet-ups and group SUP forums on Facebook.
Essential SUP Safety Gear:
Venturing into nature’s embrace, especially on a paddleboard, comes with inherent unpredictability. Mother Nature, in her raw power, doesn’t discriminate, and when conditions turn, self-reliance becomes paramount. Safety equipment isn’t just a suggestion; it’s your lifeline. When the wind picks up unexpectedly, or you take an unplanned swim in cold water, having your wetsuit, buoyancy aid, leash to keep your board close to you, and a way to call for help can be the difference between a manageable situation and a dire one. Self-rescue isn’t just about physical ability; it’s about being equipped with the right gear and the knowledge to use it, ensuring that when it all goes wrong you have the means to help yourself.
Wear A Wetsuit When You SUP:
Dress for the water temperature, deep bodies of water are always cold! You will get wet, and most likely will end up in the water. However, the wetsuit comes into its own when something goes wrong and you are forced to stay in the water for a longer period. A wetsuit is a lifesaver.
Wear a Buoyancy Aid (B.A.) / Personal Flotation Device (PFD):
Always wear a B.A. to help you float and make it easier to remount your board if you fall into the water. In cold conditions, a BA can give a little extra warmth. Make sure it fits properly.
Use the Correct SUP Leash:
A leash keeps your board attached to you, preventing it from drifting away if you fall.
Calm Water: Use an ankle leash.
Moving Water (Rivers, Tidal Areas): A quick-release waist belt leash is highly recommended. This allows you to detach quickly in case of entanglement with underwater obstacles. Never use an ankle leash in moving water, as it can trap you.
Water Sports Helmet:
Your head is the most important thing to protect, and unforgiving, uneven terrain or falling into shallow water are all possibilities. Protect your most valuable asset with a water-specific helmet. When starting out, expect to fall!
Carry a Phone in a Waterproof Pouch or Dry Box or Dry Bag:
This allows you to call for help in an emergency.
Deck Dry Bag:
Connects securely to your SUP and can keep everything you need on hand, from your communication device to medication and food, and an extra layer if you get cold.
Sun protection:
(hat, sunscreen, sunglasses) in warmer weather. Sunlight reflects from the water, and there is little to no shade on an open body of water. Also, the wind will continuously disguise how hot the sun really is.
First Aid Kit:
Every adventure needs a first aid kit.
Throw Bag:
Popular in kayaking circles but not yet fully adopted by SUP users. The throw bag gives you a bag of floating rope and a means to rescue when situations turn.
Knife:
Cutting lines, ropes, nets and anything else that can tangle you or your kit.
On the Water Safety for Beginner Standup Paddleboarders:
Start on Your Knees: It’s much easier to get a feel for the board and practice basic paddling strokes while kneeling. This lowers your centre of gravity and improves stability.
Practice Standing Up Gradually: Once comfortable kneeling, practice standing up slowly on flat, calm water. Find the centre of the board and maintain a balanced stance with your feet shoulder-width apart and knees slightly bent.
Maintain Good Posture and Look Ahead: Stand with a straight back and look towards the horizon. Focusing on the horizon helps with balance.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Constantly scan your surroundings for other water users (boats, swimmers), obstacles (rocks, debris), and changes in water conditions or weather.
Avoid Shallow Water: Be mindful of water depth to prevent injuries from falling onto rocks or the bottom. When approaching the shore, transition to a sitting or kneeling position. Also, protect your board’s fin by walking the last bit in.
Learn How to Fall Safely: If you feel yourself losing balance, try to fall away from your board to avoid hitting it. Aim to land flat in the water.
Practice Getting Back on Your Board: Practice this in shallow water. Position yourself near the centre of the board, grab the handle, and kick your legs out flat to propel yourself back on. The last part can be a rather athletic manoeuvre, so practice often and make sure that the first time you need to get back on the board is the first time you practice this move.
Know Your Limits: Don’t go out in conditions that are beyond your skill level. Start in calm, sheltered waters and gradually progress as your skills and confidence improve.
Be Aware of Tides and Currents: If paddling in tidal areas or rivers, understand the flow of the water. Be aware of when the tide is coming in or going out and how it might affect your paddling. Be aware of rip tides.
Avoid River Mouths: River mouths can have unpredictable and dangerous currents.
Stay Away from Weirs: Weirs are very dangerous; the water beyond the lip of the weir flows backwards, and it is very difficult to escape. Maintain a safe distance and avoid at all times. https://press.hse.gov.uk/2025/04/23/paddleboard-tour-leader-jailed-over-deaths-of-four-people/
Key Takeaways for Beginners:
- Respect the water: Understand that conditions can change quickly.
- Start slow and build confidence: Don’t push yourself too hard too soon.
- Prioritise safety over everything else.
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying the wonderful experience of stand-up paddleboarding safely and with confidence! Have fun out there!
Enjoy your adventures. Team Lomo