This is a guide only; North Sands Water Sports will not be held responsible for the safety of hirers.
North Sands Water Sports takes safety very seriously, while on the water it is your responsibility to follow the safety guide to help you decide if it is safe to paddle board.
1. Always wear a life jacket.
We recommend you always wear a buoyancy aid or life jacket.
2. Always wear a leash
If you fall off you will not want to lose your board, therefore, wear the leash around your ankle and it will never be too far away.
3. Is there an offshore wind?
An offshore wind could easily push you and the board out to sea. A person standing on a board will act like a sail, which will make it harder to paddle board into the wind (towards the shore).
4. Be aware of the tide
If you are paddling with the tide, it can make paddle boarding easier. However, it will also make it harder if you are paddling against the tide. You can use the tide effectively if you paddle board with the tide one way up the estuary, then as the tide turns, you can ride it back down to your starting point. If you must paddle into the tide, stay close to the shoreline as the tide will not be as strong and if necessary/possible, get out and walk.
5. Plan your Route
Check the weather and tides before you set off and plan your route accordingly. If in doubt do not go out. You will be given a tide table with your hire however, if lost, check northsands.co.uk for the weekly tide table blog.
6. Children
We advise that anyone under the age of 18 is always supervised by an adult.
7. Be very careful of rocks
You can damage the paddle board if you hit rocks and in the worst-case scenario it will burst. Keep your distance from rock and be careful of rocks hiding under the waterline.
8. Other Vessels
Estuaries can be very busy placing during the high season. Be very careful of other vessels and do not cross the estuary if you are not confident to do so.
9. Always carry a mobile
In case of an emergency, always carry a mobile in the waterproof bag provided and make sure it is insured. Please note that NSWS takes no responsibility for phone damage.
10. Wear adequate clothing
Always wear weather appropriate clothing and carry additional clothes in the dry bag. Do not wear jeans, wellies, or heavy clothing when wet.
11. Protection from the sun
The sun can get very strong while on the water as there is no shade. Always wear sun cream and a hat to protect yourself.
12. Keep hydrated
Always take water to keep hydrated and snacks for energy.
13. Paddle in pairs
For safety reasons we suggest you paddle in pairs.
14. Tell someone where you are going
If you are going out alone (we advise you don’t), always tell someone where you are going and what time they should expect you back.
15. RYA Safetrx
Download and use The RYA Safetrx.
Comments