Safety is very important when you go supping. It is not only about your own safety , but also about that of others. Every year we see that more and more people get on a SUP board for the first time. This is mainly because it is an accessible water sport and it is becoming increasingly popular.
However, it is important that you do not see a paddle board as a toy, because you can sometimes end up in difficult situations. That is why we would like to give you a number of tips, so that you can go supping safely .
Tips that help with safe supping
We have neatly listed all the useful tips that may come in handy. This way you have an overview of things that can contribute to a comfortable and safe adventure on the water at a glance.
1) Make sure you can swim well
When you go out on the water with a SUP board, it is of course essential that you can swim well . But you're standing on a board, aren't you? Why should you be able to swim well? It is almost impossible to avoid falling off the board, unless you have been doing it for years.
Yet it sometimes happens (even with the best) that you fall off the board and end up in troubled water. In that case it is useful if you can swim well and can get back on your board.
2) Use an ankle cord
No matter how well you swim, you can't influence the water. Therefore, always use an ankle cord to attach the SUP board to your ankle . This prevents the plank from floating too far and you can no longer reach it.
This sometimes happens when you go supping on rough water, such as in the sea. If you want to paddle board safely and prevent you from getting to your board, an ankle cord is strongly recommended.
3) Put on a life jacket
Do you really want to paddle safely? Then we recommend that you always put on a life jacket (just to be on the safe side), even if you can swim well . An unexpected fall into the water can result in disorientation, so you don't know where you are or how to surface.
With a life jacket you know for sure that you will float to the top again and therefore also where the water surface is. We recommend this especially when you go supping on rough waters or at sea , the current can be treacherous.
4) Be aware of the environment
Safety while supping is paramount and an essential part of that is awareness of the environment around you. Think of the weather, the waves, other suppers, boats and objects. When you are aware of the environment you know what is and what is not possible .
That is why keeping an eye on your surroundings is crucial if you want to go supping safely. Especially for beginners, it can be equally difficult to both master your technique and pay attention to your surroundings at the same time.
However, it is a perfect challenge to paddle better and, above all, safer. As a starter, we recommend that you look for a beginners SUP board .
5) Always go well prepared
Before you step on the plank, it's important to know what to do in different situations . So always consider in advance what could go wrong and try to find a good solution for this.
Should something really go wrong along the way? Then you don't have to panic, but you can act immediately. The maintenance of your SUP board is also very important , so you can always be sure that you are going out on the water with properly working material.
Finally, it is wise to map out a route in advance where you want to go supping. Do this especially when you go alone. Let friends and/or family know where you are going to paddle board and pass on the route to them in case something happens. Then at least there are people who know where you are.
6) Consider the weather conditions
Just like the water, the weather cannot be influenced. Therefore, make sure you are aware of the weather conditions and forecasts . For example, is it going to storm very hard? Then it is usually not smart to go on the water.
The water can then be very wild and cause problems during supping. You also do not want to end up in wild water, since you can often not swim well here. So always check the weather forecast before you go supping.
7) Go SUP with someone
You can paddle very safely when you go with one or more people . This way you do not necessarily have to inform someone about where you are going to sup, because there are others who can come to the rescue.
In addition, it is also much more fun to go with a small group. This way you can help each other and make it a pleasant day.
Do you choose to go alone? Then make sure you bring a dry bag (waterproof bag). You can put your phone in here, so you can take it with you on the water. Should something go wrong? Then you can quickly call someone. It is therefore wise to bring a phone that can withstand some water. View all our SUP accessories now .
8) Remember the time
It is of course beautiful to watch the sunset during your trip. However, keep in mind that you can see less and less after sunset .
This automatically makes you less aware of your surroundings, making things less safe. Do you still want to go supping on a warm summer evening? Then always stay close to the coast or on the edge of the river.
Safe supping with a SUP board from Watersports4fun
If you have gone through the tips, it may seem that supping entails quite a few dangers. However, this is not true at all , because we have always assumed the most dangerous situations that could arise.
Do you follow the tips we have appointed? Then little can happen. That is why safe paddle boarding is essential for the safety of yourself and others.
Would you like to go supping, but you don't have a board yet? Then take a look at our webshop. Here we offer different types of boards, special paddles suitable for supping , clothing and accessories with which you can safely set off. Think of drybags, ankle cords and much more! In short, at Watersports4fun you are at the right place for all your SUP articles.