SUP Safety – Hazards from Weather Changes and Wind
Stand Up Paddling is a sport that we primarily associate with beautiful things: sunshine, nature, exercise, and summer.
However, as with all sports, there are certain dangers. In this article, we shed light on potential hazardous situations when the weather changes and how to react correctly to them.
Misjudging the weather and SUP conditions
One of the greatest dangers in Stand Up Paddling is the incorrect assessment of the weather. While kite- and windsurfers concern themselves very intensely with the weather, SUP beginners are overwhelmed by assessing the weather and the sudden onset of wind and bad weather. Especially in the Alps, thunderstorm fronts can move in very quickly and put a sudden end to the fun on the water.
Offshore wind is particularly dangerous on large lakes or at sea. Offshore wind pushes you away from the shore and out into open water. Because of your standing position, you offer a large surface area for the wind, and a few knots of offshore wind can drift you out very quickly.
Another danger when Stand Up Paddling is the water temperature and improperly chosen clothing.
How to react correctly to dangers when Stand Up Paddling
- Before planning a SUP excursion, you should definitely keep an eye on the local weather. Some lakes have local thermal winds that can make paddling quite uncomfortable.
- Wind is unpleasant when Stand Up Paddling because your standing position makes you a large surface area for the wind. If you feel insecure and wobbly due to the wind, sit down on the SUP board, shorten the paddle, and continue paddling from a seated position. This offers less surface area to the wind, lets you move forward faster, and prevents you from falling off the board. Try to paddle close to the shore, as the wind is usually a bit weaker there or, depending on the wind direction, it might even be sheltered.
- Pay attention to wind and storm warnings! On many lakes, flashing lights on the shore and in harbors warn of storms. If the storm warning is flashing, head for the nearest shore as quickly as possible!
- If a thunderstorm is approaching, you should paddle as hard as you can to reach the nearest shore. Do not panic under any circumstances; instead, paddle to the shore with focus and look for a sheltered area or follow the safety rules that apply to being outdoors during thunderstorms.
- Always take a smartphone in a waterproof case or drybag on your SUP tours so that you can call for help in emergencies.
- Furthermore, you should never go without safety equipment! Choose the right leash for the prevailing conditions, wear a life jacket, or a Restube.
- The right SUP equipment also includes appropriate clothing, which must be adapted to both the water temperature and the outside temperature. This is very difficult, especially in spring, as the water temperatures are very cold while the air temperature is already touching the 25-degree mark. If you fall into icy water, the danger of shock is high, so you should dress appropriately for such situations. Many wetsuits are not really suitable for SUPing because you will sweat a lot in them, so you should wear specialized, breathable SUP clothing. You can always carry a change of clothes in a drybag. We especially recommend bright-colored clothing so that you can be spotted more quickly in fog or other dangerous situations.
- Download the "Windfinder" app on your smartphone and familiarize yourself with how the weather works at your preferred SUP spots. Kite- and windsurfers, as well as local SUP shops and SUP stations, are also good contacts when it comes to assessing the weather.
- When at the sea, inquire about potential currents that could pull you out into the open ocean. Sometimes there are signs on the beach warning of so-called "rip currents." The local surf shop is usually a good contact for this as well.
When Stand Up Paddling, make sure to prioritize your safety and the safety of others who are in the water!
