{"id":2869,"date":"2022-02-03T09:37:09","date_gmt":"2022-02-03T09:37:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.www.paddleboardtips.com\/?p=2869"},"modified":"2022-08-31T06:46:09","modified_gmt":"2022-08-31T06:46:09","slug":"paddle-board-safety","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.paddleboardtips.com\/paddle-board-safety\/","title":{"rendered":"Is Paddle Boarding Dangerous? 7 Ways to Stay Safe on the Water"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Stand-up paddle boarding is one of the most fun and versatile water sports you can take part in. But no matter what you plan to do on your board or how high your experience level is, you need to consider paddle board safety every time you head out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Every trip out on your board requires proper planning and safety precautions. In this article, I\u2019ll take you through proper paddle board safety to have fun on your paddle board while keeping out of trouble.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, Is Paddle Boarding Dangerous?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Paddle boarding is not a particularly dangerous sport, but it is of course essential to prepare for every eventuality while out on the water. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Safety is paramount with any outdoor activity, and while SUP is generally thought of as a low-risk sport, you have to remember that anything involving being out on the water carries an inherent risk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is why it\u2019s important to do your homework when it comes to SUP safety!\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can You Paddle Board if You Can’t Swim?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You might be surprised to know that yes, you can paddle board if you can\u2019t swim<\/a>. This comes with a caveat, however.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are a non-swimmer, or even just not a particularly strong swimmer, you should avoid paddling in waters that are deeper than about chest-height. You can still get a decent SUP workout while staying in the shallows. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can You Paddle Board While Pregnant?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

While you should obviously consult your doctor first, the answer is yes, you can paddle board while pregnant<\/a>. Gentle exercise is actually encouraged for pregnant women, and the great thing about SUP is the fact that it can be as gentle or as challenging as you make it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Just take care while paddling, don\u2019t strain yourself, and if you do fall into the water, be sure to fall away from the board. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Paddle boarding has a ton of health benefits and is a great way to incorporate gentle exercise into your lifestyle, so as long as you practice proper safety, it can be a great option for pregnant women.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do Sharks Attack Paddle Boards? <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of the big concerns among new paddlers (and perhaps one of the most unwarranted), is a fear of shark attacks. It\u2019s only natural to wonder \u2018do sharks attack paddle boards<\/a>\u2019, or if paddle boarding itself is likely to lead to a shark attack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fortunately, the chances of a shark attacking you while paddle boarding are incredibly slim! In fact, less than 150 attacks occurred last year alone – which should be an encouraging statistic. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are, of course, safety measures you can employ to help mitigate any potential attack (such as not wearing contrasting colors, for example) but the truth is that shark attacks are so rare, the chances are you’ll be fine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Seven Ways to Prepare for Safe Paddle Boarding<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Before starting your next SUP adventure, it\u2019s essential to check your equipment and to  carry out some basic planning<\/strong>. SUP safety precautions don\u2019t have to take long, so you shouldn\u2019t skip them. Follow these six safety tips, so you stay safe on your stand up paddle board.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Check the Condition of All Your Equipment <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Before hitting the water, make sure that you give all of your equipment the once over.<\/strong> You don’t want to need something in an emergency and find that it’s not working. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You’ll find our vital SUP safety equipment list below. Ensure that you check the condition of all items thoroughly, paying close attention to these key areas: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

  • Check your SUPs condition and ensure that nothing is damaged<\/strong>. If you suffered some damage the last time you were out but never got around to repairing it, it would be best to cancel today’s trip (obviously). You can almost guarantee you’ll have a problem if you go paddling while hoping it doesn’t get worse.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
    • Double-check that you’ve pumped an inflatable SUP to the correct pressure<\/strong>. It’s always a good idea to leave your board (away from direct sunlight) for about 10 minutes after you’ve inflated it. You can re-check the pressure to ensure that there aren’t any small leaks.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
      • Check that you’ve assembled your paddle correctly and that the clamps hold solid<\/strong>. A paddle failure on open water is a big problem, so it’s worth taking the time to check that yours is up to the job.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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