SUP SAFE!

Stand-up paddleboarding is on the whole a pretty safe sport, as it is conducted at low speeds.  However, like any water sport, there is the potential for things to go wrong, especially here in New Zealand where the weather can often change rapidly. So, however experienced a water-person you may be,  we strongly advise you follow the SUP SAFELY code.

  1. LEASH

  • LEASHES SAVE LIVES – but it is important to use the right leash for the conditions.
  • On moving water (rivers, harbour mouths etc): use a leash with a quick-release system that can be operated from above the waist.
  • NEVER wear a leash attached to your ankle or calf in moving water. No leash is better than the wrong leash in these conditions.
  • Surf: only use a straight ankle/calf leash.
  • Weedy conditions:  use a coiled leash so that it does not drag in the water and catch weed.

For much more information on leashes click here

  1. BUOYANCY AID  

A Personal Flotation Device (PFD) will greatly increase your survival time in the water should you become separated from your board.  A PFD is also a legal requirement in most areas of NZ – see PFDs and the Law below. Beltpack PFDs are an excellent low-profile option for experienced stand-up paddlers.  

  1. CONDITIONS

Know the weather,  wind strength and direction (now and forecast), tide height and flow, and water temperature. Is your ability, equipment and clothing right for the conditions?

  1. COMMUNICATIONS

Carry two forms of communication. A phone in a waterproof case if you have signal, or a hand-held VHF (emergency channel 16) or a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), and a waterproof whistle.

  1. TELL SOMEONE

Even if you’re paddling with others (always safest!), make sure someone onshore knows that you’re on the water, where you’re going and how long you will be. Tell them when you get back too! The Coastguard App ‘Log A Trip’ function is a great resource for this.

This advice is primarily about SUP cruising, rather than surfing. If you’re planning on taking your SUP board out into the waves, please check out the SUP SURF SAFETY page.

Beginners and Inexperienced Paddleboarders: While you’re learning the basics stack the odds in your favour as much as possible. Restrict your paddling to flat shallow water, and light winds.
The one overriding factor to remember is that in your early days, the wind is not your friend.   It’s hard to paddle against the wind, so just don’t take any chances with it. And remember too, just because it’s called stand-up-paddleboarding doesn’t mean it’s compulsory to stand up. If you’re having trouble staying on because it’s getting rough, or you’re struggling to make headway against the wind, kneel down, hold the paddle with both hands low down the shaft, and you’ll find it far easier (and more stable) to make progress.
Once you’ve mastered the basics, always follow the SUP SAFELY code above. Don’t use the board in surf until you are confident in handling your board in rough conditions, can get back on it swiftly after a dismount and know how to turn it quickly. See the SURF SAFETY page for more on this.

PFDS AND THE LAW:  New Zealand Maritime Law says that you must carry a PFD on a small craft under 5m. While the reality is that the coastguards or harbourmasters may well turn a blind eye if you are close inshore and wearing a leash, and it does seem a bit irrelevant if you are tethered to a huge big floating thing anyway, it is still the law.  The only exemption for SUP is if you are actively involved in surfing, in which case you do not have to wear a PFD. At any other time, the law states that you do. Fortunately, the belt-pack pull-to-inflate style are acceptable under NZ law, and are actually no problem at all to wear. So if you are going any distance away from easy access to the shore, then we strongly recommend that you wear one. Likewise, carry your mobile phone, with plenty of charge. It could save your life!