SAFETY GUIDELINES

Stay safe on the water. Advises given below are guidelines only. For complete beginners we strongly advice to book a lesson first.

All returned boards are unpacked, checked for your safety and cleaned before rented out again.

Please read carefully all safety advises before you go on the water.

1. Personal Flotation device (PDF) or Life Jacket

We believe that there's absolutely no reason why someone should ever paddle out without wearing Personal Flotation Device (PDF) or Life Jacket. Personal flotation devices save lives, and they're a critical SUP safety accessory for even the strongest, most confident of swimmers. That's why we will provide you PDF with every paddleboard you rent with no extra charge!

2. SUP leash or Quick Release Belt

Another super important paddle boarding safety practice is wearing a SUP leash. This is another SUP accessory that you simply can't afford to be without as it'll keep you from getting separated from your board. Losing your board far offshore in windy, choppy conditions can be fatal, and you can completely eliminate this risk by wearing a simple ankle leash. If you're going to be running rivers, please remember to wear a quick release belt.

SUP leash and quick release belt is always provided with every rented board with no extra charge!

3. Carry a phone in waterproof pouch

As well as being able to take photos of your paddle you can also use your mobile phone in an emergency to raise the alarm. Make sure you carry this on you (e.g. in a buoyancy aid pocket or around your neck) so that you can get it easily if are in trouble – it is no good in a dry bag attached to your board!

In a coastal emergency call 999 and ask for the coastguard and if you are inland ask for the Fire & Rescue service.

We do not provide waterproof pouches, sorry...

4. Keep the kids safe

Whenever you're planning to bring the kids along for a paddle, there are several critically important safety tips to keep in mind. Things like life jackets, sunscreen, and adult supervision are absolutely essential when it comes to keeping your children safe on the water.

Kids life jackets are available to hire for an extra charge.

5. Keep the pets safe

Whenever paddling out with your pet, make sure that your pet is wearing a life jacket. Also, make sure that your pet is comfortable on your board before hitting the water and keep nails neatly trimmed. Properly preparing for a day on the water with your dog will help to prevent unfortunate accidents and also result in a more enjoyable day of paddling.

Pets Life Jackets are available to hire for an extra charge.

6. Avoid offshore winds

Offshore winds are winds that are blowing from the beach or shore out to sea. Often with offshore winds the water looks idyllic and calm however this can be deceptive as offshore winds will quickly blow you and your paddleboard far out to sea, which can make it extremely tiring and difficult to paddle back to shore. If you are on a lifeguarded beach, keep an eye out for the orange windsock to see which way the wind is blowing or check one of the weather apps/websites, such as WINDFINDER, WINDY, METOFFICE and etc. These websites/apps will also provides information about tides times, current directions and etc.

7. Cold water shock and suitable clothing

Wear suitable clothing for the time of year. In the winter, you will want to use a wet or dry suit. In the summer although it may feel warm the water is often still very cold and if you fall in unexpectedly you might experience cold water shock so consider wearing a wetsuit. Even when the air is hot, water can be cold.

Wetsuit hire is available for an extra charge. All returned wetsuits are checked and washed before rented out again.

8. Extra tips and information

Have a lesson. This will develop your skills and knowledge making you time on the water more enjoyable in the future.
Be aware of your environment and hazards. Understand the location you are supping in – does it change the equipment you need? Strong tidal currents could make it difficult to paddle in your chosen direction or even be unpredictable making you tire quickly. It's always advisable to understand the location you are paddling in as this will really help your SUPing experience.
If you can, always go with a friend. It’s more fun, and they can help you if you get into difficulty.
Do not stand up on the boards in shallow water or next to hard objects, such as pontoons or boats.
Remember to Float to Live. If you end up in the water unexpectedly or are in trouble in the water without your board then float on your back.
Check the weather forecast and tide times before you set out. If the water is too choppy, you might find it difficult, especially if you are a beginner. And be aware, the conditions can change quickly. If in doubt don’t go out.
We recommend that users wear or have some form of shoe when on boards to protect the bottom of their feet should they need to step off in to shallow water or use river banks to safely exit the water.
Tell someone where you're going and when you'll be back. Don't leave the house without a mobile phone or communication device.
If you are launching on a lifeguarded beach, make sure you launch and recover between the black and white chequered flags. There should be less swimmers in this area, giving you more room to manoeuvre. Consider other water users by learning the rights of way in the surf. This can save you and others getting injured.
If paddling on a river, stay on the correct side of the river (normally the right) do not go through locks and use the “Portage” areas and carry your boards round. Avoid the tops and bottoms of all weirs. Never try to go down a weir.
Do not paddle in fast flowing water or shallows/rapids.
Please do not stand on the board if its not deep enough in the water - you will break the fins.

9. Insurance and liability

Please see Terms and Conditions for more information.

10. Waterway licence

We do not provide Waterway licence. Please check British Canoeing website to check if you need one. To purchase one please visit British Canoeing website.

For short term licence please visit Canal River Trust website.

11. Launching points

We recomend https://gopaddling.info/ or free GoPaddling app from your app store for best paddle locations and launching points.

Respect the water and stay safe!

Please feel free to share your paddle adventure on our forum!