Please Read This Before Paddleboarding at Sea!

In the past five years, RNLI lifeboat volunteers have helped save the lives of 77 stand up paddleboarders, 32 of those in 2022 alone.

In 2022, RNLI lifeguards and lifeboat crews responded to 1,465 incidents. More than double that in 2021.

Don’t become part of the statistic!

If in doubt, don’t go out!

It doesn’t just feel more difficult to paddleboard on the sea, it is more difficult and you should be prepared, and aware of more things too!

What is the weather forecast for the day you want to go paddling? How trustworthy is the forecast? Can you get confirmation from anywhere?

Do you know what time the tides are? What state are they in? Neaps or Springs? What size swell is forecast, and which direction is it coming from? Are there any local currents or rips? How can you find out?

That might seem like a lot of questions, but that’s just the ones to answer before you leave the house!

Certainly, there is a lot of research you can do on the internet, but is that really a decent replacement for experiencing the knowledge first-hand? Join one of our Sea SUP Lessons to find out what you need to know and where you can find it!

Get a Sea Paddleboard Lesson with Outdoor Explore Wales

As part of our lessons, we cover:

Where and when it’s safe to paddle
Where to find out about the weather, tides, and sea state.
What to wear, for safety and comfort.
What extra kit to take on a sea paddle
How to paddleboard on the sea!

Check these recommendations from the RNLI (embellished by Outdoor Explore Wales! 😉 )

Book a lesson (with Outdoor Explore Wales!). This will develop your skills and knowledge making your time on the water more enjoyable in the future.
Be aware of your environment and hazards. Understand the location you are supping in – does it change the equipment you need? It’s always advisable to understand the location you are paddling in as this will really help your SUPing experience.
Check the weather forecast and tide times before you set out. And be aware, the conditions can change quickly. If in doubt don’t go out.
Tell someone where you’re going and when you’ll be back. Don’t leave the house without a mobile phone or communication device.
Wear suitable clothing for the time of year. Check this Blog for more info.
Don’t paddle alone! Take a friend for company and safety! Even better – take the guesswork out of preparing and book a trip with a guide (such as Outdoor Explore Wales!), we’ll take care of safety, show you all the secret spots, and make your paddle even more relaxing! You’ll also meet and paddle with like-minded paddlers!