PADDLEBOARD SAFETY

RNLI Advise - Float to Live

Around 140 people lose their lives at the UK and Irish coasts each year, and over half never even planned to enter the water. It's important you know what to do in an emergency so you can help without putting yourself in danger.

There are two simple skills you should know that could save a life:

- If you find yourself in difficulty in the water, float to increase your chances of survival.

- If you see someone else in trouble in the water, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.

Read our other blogs for more safety guidance

12 Safety TIPS

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Guide to Leashes

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Gearing up for SUP

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Wind and tide

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A guide to PFDs

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what to wear while SUPing

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Safety is paramount to any water-sport and if you are not confident or have not lessons or basic training, you should be extremely cautious of where you go and what you are doing on your Sea Lion paddelboard. The elements such as the wind and tide, the suns' UV rays and water temperature are just several things you need to consider. Make sure you know the basics, it could save you or someone else's life!

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What leash should I wear?

It depends on what body of water you are on and what discipline of SUPing you are doing. Check out our leash blog (LINK)

What kind of wind is dangerous?

Offshore winds (winds that blow outwards from the land), whatever the speed, should be avoided as it may blow you out into sea/ocean. Experience and stamina are a huge factor when paddling in winds and you need to understand your own capabilities before venturing out onto the water. If you are a beginner at SUPing, anything over 10mph (8.6 knots) will be a struggle and should be avoided until you gain more experience and stamina. Check out our saftey blog on Wind!

Do I really need a pfd (personal floatation device)?

YES. At no point should you not be wearing some form of PFD when paddleboarding, whatever experience you are or how good a swimmer you are. The weather can change in a heart beat and any body of water should never be underestimated. A PFD could save your life.

Where should I paddle if I am a beginner?

If you are a total beginner, you should go have lessons at your nearest certified SUP centre. They will teach you the right skills and knowledge to tackle the water on your own. Check out our store locator to see where your nearest Sea Lion demo centre! If you are a beginner but have had some lessons, make sure you paddle with a buddy and have the right equipment. Check out our 12 paddleboarding safety tips to keep you safe blog!

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The Basics for understanding the wind and tides

People always think of paddleboarding as a calm sport and it can be most of the time, but if you don’t plan your paddle you could get caught out by either or both the wind and tide.
7 MIN. Read
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12 Paddleboarding Safety Tips

Stand Up Paddleboarding is a great way to enjoy the water, from calm sheltered bays along the coast, to the white-water fun that can be had along a river but remember to be mindful to know your your limits and keep yourself safe whilst paddling. Here are some of our top tips to think about before you hit the water!
3 MIN. Read
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Gearing up for SUP – Your Guide to what Kit to take!

If you’re new to Stand Up Paddleboarding, navigating the minefield of knowing what to take with you can be difficult, so we’ve put together a list of our top items, from the bare essentials for keeping you safe, through to the items you’ll want to take with you to enhance the experience of being out on the water! While most SUP packages will include the basics to get you started, there are some extras to consider:
5 MIN. Read
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An all-season guide to what to wear while SUPing

What you wear SUPing depends heavily on where you are in the world and what temperatures you get, therefore we will be basing the below on UK Averages, so please make sure you plan for the different water temperature and air temperatures where you are and check the forecast for the changing weather conditions!
5 MIN. Read
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A guide to Personal Floatation Devices (PFDs)

Stand Up Paddleboarding is an incredible way to enjoy and explore the water, but as with all water sports, the right preparation and kit can have a huge impact on the enjoyment levels. Without a doubt, one of the most important points of preparation to consider is your safety, and that’s where a personal floatation device comes in.
6 MIN. Read