Paddle Board Safety

Personal Flotation Devices - Leashes - Quick Release Belts - Phone Cases

Paddle boarding is the easiest water sport! It's a fact. It's the most accessible, the simplest when it comes to skills sets and can be done sitting, kneeling or standing. 

The set up is simple, open the box, inflate the board, everything is in there ready to get on the water...so simple!

But...is it too simple? 

We think that it is and that's why we will always do our best to provide you with information and safety advice. There are many forums with 'experts' on them, but where does their expertise lie and what makes them experts. 

Paddling for many years doesn't give you the badge of 'expert'. The best people to speak to are those that listen as well as talk - those that keep up with the changes and those that are balance, trained and have paddled different boards and locations. 

There are also so many brands that don't care and won't talk about risks or safety.

With all that being said we thought we'd put together a quick and simple guide to the safety equipment that you should have with you when you paddle and how you use it.

PFDs/BAs/Life Jackets

What's the difference? 

In a nutshell - as described by the RNLI - a PFD or Personal Flotation Device is both a Life Jacket and a BA or Buoyancy Aid. Both of these things are a 'flotation device' but they have very different mechanics of rescue.

A Life Jacket will not only keep you afloat, it'll prevent you from drowning by turning you to face the right way up (face out of the water) should you become unconscious. 

A Buoyancy Aid provides you with flotation but requires you to be able to swim and remain conscious. 

A Life Jacket is bulkier unless gas filled, and can impact the activity you are involved in.

A Buoyancy Aid is fitted and slimmer so it doesn't limit your movements. 

We recommend that if you take children with you on your board, they wear a life jacket. This way, should they fall off, they will be safe in the water even if they begin to panic, until you can safely rescue them.

As a paddler, this is a call that you have to make yourself. If you aren't a competent swimmer, a scared of the water or don't feel that a BA is the right fit for you - the next question should be 'should I actually be paddle boarding'? Safety is everything and if you're not confident on the water, you shouldn't go out. 

Leashes

There are 2 types of leashes. Straight and Coiled. Usually and typically a straight leash is used by those that are surfing and a coiled leash is used by the paddler enjoying a simple paddle or touring.

The coiled leash is a poor choice if surfing as it will pull the board back to you should you fall off. When in waves and emerging from surf, the last thing you want is a paddle board on a spring coming back at you at head height. The straight leash arrests or stops the board from getting away from you but without the recoil.

The coiled leash for a sedate or touring paddle means that it is out of the water, usually attached to your ankle or calf. A straight leash worn on a river or in a harbour can collect weed and other bits and pieces which can ultimately affect you paddle efficiency. 

Quick Release Belts

These pieces of kits are invaluable and you should always have one in your kitbag. These are made to prevent entrapment or entanglement. 

What is entrapment - Entrapment is caused when a paddlers leash becomes caught or tangled around an obstacle that is below the waters surface, particularly on flowing water.

When the body of water the paddler is paddling on is moving - rivers, estuaries, harbours - the risk of entrapment becomes severe and life threatening. If the paddler separates from their board and the leash becomes caught on the underwater obstacle, the board and paddler will float either side. The board being larger with more volume will start to go with the flow of water pulling the paddler toward the obstacle. When the paddler's ankle (where the leash is attached) meets the obstacle the paddler will slowly be forced under water and will drown. 

With the weight of water and the location of the leash attachment, it is impossible to detach from the board. 

This is where the QR [Quick Release Belt] comes in. As soon as the paddler falls in, before they're pulled to the underwater obstacle, they will pull the release toggle and with the help of their PFD, they will float safely down the river. 

If you are paddling on ANY body of water with flow or obstacles, a QR Belt is best practice. 

The only exception is white water paddling, and for that it's recommended that no belt or leash be worn - just a good PFD and helmet. 

Phone Cases

It's always recommended that whether you paddle in a group or on your own, you take your phone with you. You can buy inexpensive phone cases that can be worn around your neck or that can go in the pockets of your PFDs. 

Don't put them in your dry bag, just in case you become separated from your board. 

The simple way to test how waterproof your phone case is, place some paper towel inside and submerge it in the sink. If the paper is dry - you're good to go! 

If you are at risk and need help - don't call your partner, parents or your best friend - call 999 and ask for Coastguard if out at sea or Fire and Rescue on inland water. 

If you have any questions on anything we have mentioned, please always feel free to send us a message or email. 

Enjoy the water and stay safe!