SUP Safety Tips - Cal Major and The RNLI

We've teamed up with Cal and our partners at the RNLI to share some great safety advice for anyone looking to get out there and have fun on a SUP. Here are Cal’s key things to consider when paddleboarding…

Sea conditions are one of the biggest challenges—wind, tides, swell, and weather. Always check the forecast carefully before heading out. Preferably, check a couple of different forecasts to compare and err on the side of caution if they differ. My favourite app for wind forecasts is ‘Windy’.

The wind is a huge consideration for paddleboarding because not much of the board is in the water and the paddler can catch the wind, meaning they are much more vulnerable to gusts. Even moderate winds can make paddling much more challenging or send you off course. Aim for conditions of less than 10-12mph average wind speeds.

Don’t go out in an offshore wind, this is when the wind direction is blowing out to sea. The sea can look really flat and calm at the beach as it may be sheltered by land, but wind speeds can quickly pick up offshore and take you out to sea.

Check the swell forecast, especially if you’re planning to land at a beach. The Surfline app is great for checking this. If there is swell, consider a safe harbour instead, it can be very dangerous paddling a large board through surf.

Before setting off, always check the weather forecast and avoid paddling if lightning is forecast.

These are very nuanced locally. You can get Admiralty charts which show the movement of water
around the coast, but I highly recommend local knowledge! RNLI lifeguards on beaches are full of knowledge and they're really happy to help share that with you to keep you safe.

Finding a local SUP club is the best way to learn about local water conditions, how to read the water, forecasting for a particular place, and much more. It’s also a great way to learn about nearby adventures and meet new pals to go on them with!

Make sure to pack waterproofs to stay warm and dry, sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of hydration. If it’s sunny, take polarised sunglasses if possible. The glare from the water can cause headaches and eye strain, and reflections from the sea can actually cause sunburn!

Whenever I'm paddling, I always take a mobile phone with me in a waterproof pouch somewhere accessible and in reach, normally around my neck. This means that I can call for help if I need to. I also pack a battery bank and charging cable in a separate waterproof pouch if I’m out for a whole day.

If you know how to use them, a VHF radio and/or personal locator beacon are useful if you are heading offshore. Garmin InReach has messaging capacity through GPS, even without a signal, which is great if you are planning to camp somewhere remote but need to contact people at home.

I recommend paddling with other people where possible, but if not, let someone know where you’ll be and when you’ll be back.

Always wear a PFD/buoyancy aid which is properly fitted, so if you do fall in it’s not going to rise up
over your face. Attach a leash so you can’t lose your board; use a quick-release waist leash if you’re paddling in moving water. Otherwise you can quickly get separated from your board, especially in the wind.

What should you wear on your paddle board? This will depend on where you are paddling and for how long. Your bottom half will get wet even if you’re not falling in, so protect yourself from the cold. I wear dry trousers or neoprene leggings most of the year, and booties to keep my feet warm and protected. Sometimes I’ll go in shorts and barefoot but only if it’s a short paddle here in Scotland, as the water is always cold! I normally take a dry bag with extra layers in it just in case I fall in or get cold.

Most wildlife in the UK is not going to harm a human! Some jellyfish can give a sting, but most are not life-threatening. Local RNLI lifeguards will be able to advise on what to watch out for.

Give seals space! Don’t land on a beach where seals are hauled out—not just for your own safety but to respect theirs. Keep at least 100m from seals hauled out on rocks, they are resting, sometimes nursing young or pregnant, and frightening them off their rocks can cause them injuries and distress.

Give all wildlife space and let them come to you only if they want to. If seals approach you in the sea, stay calm and keep paddling slowly. They may follow if you keep gently paddling away! It can be a great experience if it’s done on their terms.

Seabirds nest on UK cliffs from May to July. Make sure to keep your distance on a paddleboard, as getting too close may mean they jump into the sea, which can dislodge their eggs, expend unnecessary energy, or sometimes cause chicks to jump into the sea well before they’re ready. This can be very harmful to them.

One last tip, when landing somewhere, paddle in on your knees. If you fall into the water, fall like a starfish to avoid hitting anything submerged!

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