This presentation was part of the Western Regional Outdoor Leadership Conference in San Diego, February 2, 2013.

1. http://worldpaddleassociation.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/as_surf_sup_crash_576.jpg
SUP Risk Management & Safety
Jose H. Gonzalez, Ed.D.
REI Outdoor Programs Market Manager
ACA-Stand Up Paddleboarding Instructor Trainer

2. Outline
1. Introduction
2. Before You Go
3. Personal & Safety
Equipment
4. Towing Systems
5. Rules of the Road
6. Signals

3. Introduction
• Stand-up paddleboards
(SUP) are now no
different than vessels in
the eyes of the U.S.
Coast Guard (Surfline,
2008)

4. Introduction (2)
When outside surf or
swim zones or bathing
areas SUP’s are required
to carry a:
1. Lifejacket
2. Whistle
3. Flashlight, if out after
dark

5. Personal abilities
• Beginner • Flat water
• Intermediate • Surfing
• Expert • River

6. Environmental conditions
• Managing the Surf Zone
– Look for the channel
– Time the waves
– Be ready to bail
– Be aware of other SUPers or surfers
espn.go.com

7. Environmental conditions
Tides and Tidal Flow
1. Is there a rip current?
2. What is the tide
doing? Ebb? Flow?
3. Will the water current
be with or against
you? http://youtu.be/wH_yg4hqoW8
4. Do you need shoes for
the low tide on the
way back?

8. Environmental conditions
Wind
1. Are you going
with or against
the wind?
2. Are you
prepared to
finish the last
miles kneeling?
www.mountwashington.org

9. Personal & Safety equipment
• Water
• Layers
• Extra paddle
• Hypothermia kit
• Knife
• Repair Kit
• Navigation tools
• Extra food
• Towing system
• Communication (VHF)

10. SUP towing systems
#1

11. SUP towing systems
#1

12. SUP Towing systems
#2

13. SUP Towing systems
#2

14. SUP Towing Systems
#3

15. Rules of the road & boat traffic
“New Reels Catch Fish So
Purchase Some”
Rules for SUP/Kayaks
1. Not Under Command
1. Be Aware
2. Restricted Ability to
2. See and Be Seen
Maneuver
3. Law of Gross Tonnage
3. Constrained by Draft
(Use Common Sense)
4. Fishing
4. Know the Rights of
Passage 5. Sailing vessel
5. Know How to Avoid 6. Power driven vessel
Collisions 7. Seaplane

16. Paddle Signals
www.npmb.com

17. Questions?
• Who is Ebb and Flow?
• What are 3 required
items every SUP must
carry with them?