Understanding what safety equipment you need, making sure you have it and knowing how to use it will massively reduce the chances of you becoming a paddleboarding statistic. This is absolutely essential knowledge for every paddleboarder. Whether you’re beginner or expert, you should know what equipment you need for each particular environment you paddle in. Plus – even more importantly – how to use it, maintain it, and when to throw it away and replace it.
Order your copy now (available in print or ebook format)
This first book in the SUP Safety series is a complete guide to what you should be using, carrying and wearing for each paddleboarding environment, plus how to use it and keep it in good condition. The book also goes into quite a bit of background and history about the evolution of the various types of safety products, which will help users understand some of the controversy surrounding certain aspects of safety equipment. Order your copy now (available in print or ebook form)
If you’re not sure whether you need to read this book, run your eye over these following questions:
What are the specific advantages of beltpack buoyancy aids?
What precautions can you take if you find yourself in a strong current with an ankle leash on?
What should you look for in a drysuit specifically for paddleboarding?
What is the most appropriate type of buoyancy aid for the competent swimmer looking to paddle significant distances offshore?
List three advantages of a portable marine VHF set as a comms option?
Is carrying your buoyancy aid on your board a good idea, and why?
What are the visual indicators that you’re in fast flowing water?
What are the best emergency comms option for paddling a long way away from built up areas?
In order to choose the right attire for your session, what two factors do you need to know?
What type of leash should you use in surf, and why?
What thickness is a typical wetsuit?
If the air is warm but the water is below 15°C / 59°F, what would be the safest options for paddleboarding?
What type of leash should you use in fast flowing water?
What’s the safest way to ensure that your phone case is waterproof?
Can a windsurfing, swimming or diving wetsuit work for paddleboarding?
Which part of the body is most prone to injury, and what might happen to it?
UPF is the same as SPF – true or false?
Base layer clothing is designed to be waterproof. True or false?
What should you carry in a paddleboarding first aid kit?
If there’s anything here that you’re not entirely sure about, then you need this book! The answers to these questions are just a tiny fraction of the vast quantity of vital paddleboarding safety information in this book.
In order to avoid having to constantly update the book every time a new recommendation comes along, the book does not name or recommend specific brands or products. That’s where this website comes in – and you can help!
Please feel free to leave any general comments on the book using the form below. (Comments will be moderated, so please keep them relevant). If you want to follow the discussion then enter your details below and you’ll be notified when any new comments are added.
Do you know what the lifejacket rules for paddleboarding are in France or Italy?
Very interesting and educational book. I learned a lot!
Many thanks for the feedback Paulo!
When will the paper version of this be available? I don’t do ebooks.
Hi Adam. We weren’t actually planning on producing paperback versions of the three parts, but instead were going to put them all together as one big book so you have all the information to hand in one volume. However, that would mean waiting until we have all three parts finished and ready to go, which won’t be for several months yet. So we’re totally open to adjusting this plan, if you’re keen to get hold of the paperback version now. Watch this space!
Thanks for the quick reply. Yes definitely keen on getting the paperback version now.
I have just downloaded your book and read the first few chapters, and already you’ve completely changed my view on a lot of things. There is a lot of wise words here! Fantastic book, really glad I have found it.
Thanks for the great feedback Sue! Let us know what you think when you’ve finished reading the book. Hopefully you will find the next two in the series equally useful, as well.