SUP Safety Awareness: A Crucial Aspect for Water Enthusiasts

Shared from: BSUPA - British Stand Up Paddle Association

Safety on the water is a big deal – there is growing number of SUP related safety incidents happening daily across the UK  inland and coastal. We have launched the BSUPA SUP safety poster and initiative to hopefully increase awareness of SUP safety and kick start awareness that you need to take a different approach to water safety if you’re a novice paddleboarder.

Learn SUP Safely

Start by having a ‘ready to ride’ lesson at a BSUPA recognised school. This introduces all the necessary basics of technique and location selection, which will help avoid negative or dangerous experiences. Go to your local BSUPA Sup school / shop / club for advice, check in with local lifeguards, ask other experienced paddleboarders before heading out. Read the poster and take some advice before venturing out on the water.

We hope experienced paddleboarders and Sup enthusiasts, SUP instructors will take up the safety call and also advise some of the many newbies to SUP about conditions where to go and to avoid poor weather conditions, strong tides and offshore winds.

Sup safety couldn’t be more highlighted with UK Prime Minster Boris Johnson rescued on a paddleboard by secret service in Scotland.

BSUPA SUP Safe Poster

Water safety is never a straight forward topic, combinations of conditions, fixed objects, strong currents, water flow, depth, 3^rd parties, rips, tides, waves, temperature, equipment, water wear and ever changing wind directions all add to mix when you head on the water.

BSUPA feels getting the correct learning process and essential water knowledge before you venture out is big step in the right direction.

Even with the challenges that heading out on the water sometimes presents – SUP is still probably the most accessible of all water sports – its still growing, a great sport for mind and body.

Please keep SUP safe.

Simon Bassett 
Chairman BSUPA

Title: SUP Safety Awareness: A Crucial Aspect for Water Enthusiasts
Author: Simon Bassett
Source: BSUPA - British Stand Up Paddle Association
Published Date: August 11, 2021