SUP can be a great day out, however it always pays to be safe and ensure that you have everything to make sure you make it home safely!
Here are my 5 top tips to stay safe during your SUP Yoga experience:
1. Always use a leg rope.
A paddle board leg rope is a critically important piece of safety gear. SUP leg ropes prevent you from becoming separated from your board — which can happen in a split second if the conditions are windy or there is strong current running. This can easily be avoided by simply wearing a leg rope.
Photocredit: Hayley Lawrence
2. Sun Protection.
Protecting your skin from the sun’s powerful rays is something that might not come to mind when you think of SUP safety, but it’s a serious issue that everyone should take seriously. Being on the water for hours on end is a perfect way to get sunburnt. Make sure you wear good quality sunscreen, a hat and rash vest when you are on the water.
3. Paddle with a Friend.
Let someone know where you’re going or better yet bring a friend along with you. While SUP is a great way to escape the noise from every day life, play on the safe side and always let someone know where you are in case the worst happens. In the event something does happen, you have someone to help and get you out of trouble.
4. Keep an eye on the weather.
Conditions can change quickly and a perfect day for paddling can become a write over in a matter of minutes. Always check the weather conditions before you head out, so you can avoid any nasty surprises. We recommend keeping an eye on the BOM App (Bureau of Meteorology) for wind and warnings, and for swell conditions.
5. Lifejacket.
While they may not be the most beautiful to look at, a lifejacket is critical if you are taking a child, not a confident swimmer or if you are paddling long distances. When it comes to flotation, most paddlers typically use a traditional life jacket or inflatable belt PFD.
Remember: Always paddle within your limits and if you are unsure on if it is safe to paddle then speak to a local who knows the area well or don’t go out.
Hayley Lawrence is the founder and director of Radiant Being, a wellness company based Albany, Western Australia since 2008. Hayley (BSc. Hons Psychology, ProfCertEdPosEd) is an educator and trainer with many years of developing and facilitating workshops and retreat programs. With formal qualifications in Positive Psychology, she contributes in the community, in schools, and in corporate workplaces. Hayley has a true love for nature and the great outdoors. Her goal is to continue to improve levels of wellbeing and the ability to flourish alongside 21st Century Living for as many people as possible.
The ISYA advisory committee is a workgroup of SUP Yoga professionals dedicated to SUP Yoga education & safety. The advisory committee supports the ISYA updating and implementing educational & safety guidelines, reviewing core curriculums standards, discuss required competencies and the accreditation process in line with their country’s individual guidelines to create cohesiveness of these procedures.