As the summer has at long last arrived, it’s an ideal time to enjoy the beautiful waterways, lakes and coastal areas of the UK with some fun outdoor water based activities. 

One of the most accessible and easiest to learn types of watersport is paddleboarding, which can be great exercise whilst also being a more chilled out way to enjoy your time on the water and take in the views from a different perspective or observe wildlife. 

Paddleboarding may not present the same safety risks as the more fast and furious watersports such as wakeboarding or waterskiing, but it’s still important to know how to use the equipment properly and be aware of hazards. Here are some tips to ensure that you enjoy paddleboarding safely.

Check the weather forecast

It sounds obvious, but paddleboarding in adverse weather conditions such as high winds, heavy rain and extremes of temperature makes paddleboarding more risky, if not impossible. At best, paddleboarding in poor weather won’t be particularly pleasant unless you are an extremely hardy seafaring soul.

Avoid paddleboarding in strong winds, which makes the water choppy and heightens the risks of falls and being blown off course. More experienced paddleboarders may be able to handle a certain amount of breeze and rain, but it’s advisable to wear an inflatable life vest and a wetsuit for extra insulation and buoyancy in the water in case you do fall in.

Assess the water

Not all bodies of water are suitable for paddleboarding, as there may be a lot of submerged objects such as rocks, debris or reeds, or unsafe levels of pollution. If you are paddleboarding in the sea, be aware of the currents and tide tables: the tide can rise rapidly and leave you much further out than you thought.

Be aware of rough conditions or high rolling waves if you are an amateur, because these require more experience to handle safely. Always keep the shore line in your sight to avoid drifting out too far to sea. Familiarise yourself with rules and regulations for lakes and rivers, such as designated areas for watersports and navigation etiquette. 

If you are paddleboarding on a river, be aware of weirs and waterfalls, and keep clear of estuaries where you could collide with vessels or risk getting carried out to sea. 

Take risks within your limits 

Be honest about your capabilities and limitations as a paddleboarder, and don’t feel pressured into keeping up with your mates if you feel out of your comfort zone. Beginners should stay in shallow calm waters and always have someone with them to assist or raise the alarm should they get into difficulties. 

If you can’t swim, it’s strongly advised to have a few lessons and learn how to float and tread water, as this may be necessary to help you get back on your board should you fall off. Paddleboarding is not difficult to learn, but a couple of lessons with a certified instructor can set you up for success and confidence to enjoy the sport to the full.