There’s nothing quite like hitting the water on your paddle board in the middle of summer. For so many people, summer just isn’t the same without their share of paddle boarding adventures. Of course, with everyone hitting up their favorite paddle boarding spots, it’s important to keep safety in mind. Ponds, lakes, rivers, reservoirs, marinas, and the ocean can all be great places to cool off, and while they can often look safe at a glance, danger could lie beneath the surface. Here are a few safety tips to always keep in mind when you take your inflatable paddle board to your favorite SUP destination.
Never Paddle Board Alone
This is a tip for anyone on the water. You never want to take on an adventure alone, no matter how many times you’ve enjoyed a local spot before. If something goes wrong, having someone nearby can be lifesaving—literally. They can offer an assist to help you get back on your board or call for help. SUP boarding is an incredibly safe activity, but when you’re on the water, you can never know exactly what you’re going to encounter. The more steps you can take to ensure your safety, the better.
Keep Your Guard Up
Checking out a new paddle boarding spot? Or paddling where the water visibility is limited? These are both excellent reasons to keep your guard up on the water. Unfamiliar and low visibility waters can be dangerous. From rocks to branches to hidden currents, stay alert to identify any potential hazards in the environment. If you’re familiarizing yourself with a new body of water, take things slowly at first so you have time to react to any unforeseen obstacles.
Watch the Skies
Before heading out for a few hours of paddle boarding (or a full day), check the weather. Better yet, keep a reliable weather app on your phone that you can regularly check while out on the water. During the summer, a bright sunny day can turn into a thunderstorm in a matter of minutes. If the forecast says a storm is coming, plan your inflatable SUP board adventure around that forecast. While on the water, keep a vigilant eye on the skies. If they start to turn gray or you feel some light rain, head for the shore and seek shelter if necessary.
Prepare for Rip Currents
This tip is primarily for SUP boarders who enjoy ocean boarding. Rip currents can happen along any beach. Keep a close eye on the surface of the water. If the break waves seem to slow or stop or the water ahead of you looks darker than the rest (where it’s deeper), it could be the site of a rip current. If foam, sand, or seaweed looks like it’s being pulled away from the beach, this can also indicate a rip current. Always wear safety gear (like a life jacket and ankle strap), and if you find yourself caught in a rip current, stay calm and resist the urge to swim or paddle to shore. Instead, paddle parallel to the shore until you feel the water pushing you toward dry land once again.
About iROCKER
Paddle boarding is the name of the game at iROCKER. They’re your paddle boarding specialists and your guides to all things adventure on the water. They offer inflatable paddle boards for everyone. Find an inflatable SUP just for kids with their NAUTICAL Kids board. Or discover inflatable SUPs for sports and fishing with their BLACKFIN collection. Love to travel? Check out the ULTRA™ Series from iROCKER. These are ultra-light and incredibly durable blow up paddle board options made to go where you go, so you never have to compromise your paddle boarding experience. And if you’re looking for SUP resources, iROCKER has just what you need. With an informative blog and tons of helpful videos, getting into paddle boarding or learning new techniques has never been easier!
Stay safe and have fun with all the paddle boarding gear you need at https://www.irockersup.com/
Original Source: https://bit.ly/3OzHta8
