Safety

Please help us to keep you safe

You must 18 years old unless you are paddling with your parent/legal guardian in an activity which permits under 18s.

Some of our sessions are suitable for children aged 11yrs+ but anyone aged 17 years or under MUST be accompanied on and off the water at all times by their parent or legal guardian. (Sorry but aunts, uncles, older siblings etc. don’t count, unless they are the legal guardian.)

You must be able to swim 25m clothed in open water and have a reasonable level of fitness and strength.  (For instance, you need to be strong and agile enough to pull yourself back onto your board when you fall into the water and are out of your depth.)

You must tell us about any relevant medical considerations when you book. For your safety and that of others, please do tell us when you make your booking, and when you meet us on the day, about any medical, physical, injury or learning issues that you think may be relevant to you participating in an active water sport. This includes telling us about any medicines that you need to carry on you. If in doubt, speak out! We may need to adapt the session to keep you safe. If you are unsure or need advice, please just give us a call on 07597 094233. Please read the BSUPA SUP Safe poster – thank you.

What to bring and wear

Will we advise you on what to bring and wear in the specific activity booking details (via the ‘Book now’ button).

Please bring all your own SUP kit (your SUP board – please ensure you have third party insurance – plus your paddle, coiled quick-release waist leash and fin) and bring and wear well-fitting appropriate personal buoyancy plus paddling footwear. Please bring water and a non-nut snack for energy.

Please secure your glasses with a strap, if you wear them and bring a visor/cap with strap and sun cream if it’s bright and hot, or a hat and additional (waterproof) layers if it’s not!

Please bring your phone and any medications you need in a waterproof pouch. Please do not bring jewellery, expensive sunglasses, electronic items and other valuables as we cannot secure them. Thank you.

If you are paddling in the evening or a rural environment or if you are susceptible, you may want to bring your bug spray.

Please note that toilet and changing facilities are often quite basic.

If you have any questions, please call us on 07597 094233 before your SUP activity to discuss.

Please read the BSUPA SUP Safe poster – thank you.

On the day

Please arrive on time and comply with local parking rules and requirements, being mindful of any neighbours and other site users.  

As part of the online booking process and prior to paddling at the site, everyone must complete a ‘Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire’ (PARQ) and our ‘Terms & Conditions/Risk Awareness and Confirmation Agreement’ (which is normal practice for water sports activities.)

Safety information will be provided by your Coach or Instructor but if you are not sure about anything at any time, please just ask. Please always follow our instructions, thank you.

Please take precautions against Weil’s disease such as covering cuts and grazes securely with waterproof plasters before paddling, trying to keep your mouth shut when you fall in, washing your hands before eating, showering as soon as possible and reporting any flu-like symptoms to your GP/medical professional without delay.

Please always wear shoes/boots on land and take extra care when carrying your board and walking around the paddling site, as surfaces can be very uneven and slippery.

For safety, always please knee paddle on and off beaches, pontoons or jetties and when in shallow water and keep at least 2 board lengths from any hazard or fixed objects. Please never dive or jump off your SUP board.

Please stay well away from locks and weirs – they are dangerous – we would never take our SUP boards into a lock or over/near a weir. Please read the BSUPA SUP Safe poster – thank you.