Associated Hazards and Considerations

All SUP activity is potentially hazardous in that apparently innocuous incidents or accidents can have serious or compounding consequences. Though associated as being an ocean sport presenting one particular set of risks, the activity is actively performed on inland lakes, quarries, dams, creeks and rivers, presenting both similar and varied risks.

1.Extent of Use Beyond Shoreline

A SUP is ‘practically capable' of and intended to be used as a water sport activity beyond the narrow limits of swimming, surfing, or bathing areas. Inherent risks are associated with operating a SUP beyond these limits to both paddler and other water users.

2.Underestimating the Physicality and Skills Required of SUP

Underestimating the physicality and skill levels required of SUP presents an insidious danger. Given perfect conditions (calm water, little or no wind or tidal flow) balance is little challenged and the act of paddling may well appear easy, even effortless as a first impression to the paddler. This degree of ‘ease’ diminishes exponentially as wind, wave action or tidal flow increase either in combination or separately, potentially resulting in the paddler succumbing to these elements.

3.Failure to Learn / Be Instructed in a Sequential Manner

Learning paddle and board skills in a non-sequential manner, lacking sound methodology, will distract and confuse the novice and lead to slow learning curves and possible injuries.

4.Transportability. A Bonus and Potential Hazard

Due to the transportable nature and versatility of the sport, newly instructed paddlers may well go on to put themselves unwittingly in an ‘at risk’ situation in an inappropriate environment relative to their skill levels. Being that the activity can take place either at sea or on inland waterways, this greatly expands the risks which a paddler can place themselves through ignorance or misadventure.

5.Physical Limitations of Paddler

Being that the SUP paddler manually propels the board through the use of a paddle, travelling range is limited by the physical endurance of the operator. These limitations are similar to other paddle sports.

6.Failure of Knowing Self-Rescue Techniques

Without knowledge of the various self-rescue techniques and distress signals available to them, a paddler could well suffer serious consequences in failing to act when required.

7.Navigational Liabilities

A SUP whether paddled on an inland waterway or at sea, can be paddled or drift intentionally or unintentionally across locations where larger, faster craft travel, (shipping lanes, ferry routes, water ski areas) presenting a substantial hazard to navigation or safety not already present, putting themselves and other water users at risk. SUP being powered by paddle alone are not as powerful or manoeuvrable as larger craft and not as visible.

8.Abandoning the Board / Panic

In the event that the paddler becomes incapacitated in some way, the board may appear to provide only a minimal level of safety. Some paddlers may rashly decide to abandon their board and swim leading to added increased risks. Abandoning the board should only be done, if ever, as a last alternative.

9.Instructing SUP from a Surfers Perspective

Facilitators from surfing backgrounds whose natural interest is surfing, not paddling, should resist teaching SUP largely as a surf sport, which could be potentially counterproductive to learning and safety. The focus should be centred on a combination of paddling and board skills, not wave-riding. The majority of newcomers to the sport live neither near surf or necessarily have an interest in this aspect of the sport. The opportunity for ‘adventure’ paddling in a variety of conditions and water environments is open to all-comers and represents the greatest area of risk and concern.

10.Increased Risks Associated with Surf Conditions

Using a SUP board in surf conditions presents a far greater degree of difficulty than that of flat-water paddling in a sheltered environment. The potential for injury to the rider and or others is amplified and is similar in nature and extent to other surfing activities

11.Offshore Winds

Moderate to fresh offshore winds are of particular concern especially in open beach environments or larger lake or dam. Board and paddler can easily be blown or naturally follow wind direction. Paddling into a headwind requires strength endurance together with good paddling technique, often absent in junior aged paddlers and some adults.

12.Losing Touch with the Board

Even in calm, windless conditions, the paddler can become separated from their board, which at times can travel and collide with stationary objects or other paddlers. In moderate to fresh wind the board can travel away from the ‘swimmer’ faster than they can swim.

13.Falling On Underwater Obstructions Operating in Shallow Waters

Falling from the board especially, in murky fresh water inland waterways, can result in falling onto hidden underwater obstructions. Falling in shallow water can lead to serious impact injury.

14.Impact Injuries

Paddlers who fall between paddle and board in particular can suffer serious impact injuries.

15.Use of Oversized Boards

In the case of instructing youth 18 years and under, boards of 12' and over are often too ‘corky’ and cumbersome and are more windaffected than a shorter board, making manoeuvring difficult and the learning process and experience less encouraging and enjoyable.

16.Age Limitations

Due to physical limitations, some children are simply too small to participate or comprehend the requirements of SUP.

17.Inappropriate Paddle Lengths Leading to Injury

Shoulder injuries are often associated with paddle sports, one of the predominant factors being the use of paddles, which are too long.

18.Inappropriate Technique Leading to Injury

Shoulder, wrist or back injuries are commonly associated with canoe sports, often caused by poor paddling technique or repetitive strain related injury.

19.Clothing Hindering Board Recovery

The wearing of inappropriate clothing can hinder swimming and recovery. Restrictive clothing can limit the paddler’s biomechanical movements required for effective technique and encourage accelerated fatigue.

20.PFD Limiting the Ability to Recover Board

The wearing of a vest-style PFD hinders swimming and recovery, however “It may be reasonable to insist that novices and under 18 year olds always wear buoyancy aids if on water where they will be out of their depth.”

21.Wearing a PFD in Surf Conditions

In surf conditions, a PFD presents more of a danger than a hindrance and should not be worn. Swimmers cannot ‘Duck Dive’ into on-coming waves or board. Board recovery becomes problematic.

22.The Affects of the Sun

Over exposure to UV rays can lead to sunburn and heatstroke.

23.Inappropriate Clothing Leading to Hypothermia

Wind chill is the greatest concern where appropriate clothing is concerned. However immersion in cold water is also a consideration. The extremities of hands and feet can become numb and painful in cold conditions.