If you’re a new or novice stand up paddleboarder and want to raise your safety awareness and personal safely, then the SUP Safer course is for you! It’ll help you develop a better understanding of how to be safe when on the water.
During this award, your instructor will work with you to develop your knowledge around equipment and environmental factors, as well as practical rescues, giving you confidence on the water.
What is the SUP Safer course?
The SUP Safer course is exactly what it says on the tin. This practical course gives you top tips and considerations to support you to stand up paddleboard safely. Over the four hours, you will explore how to choose the appropriate equipment, and develop an understanding of the factors which affect your paddling, such as the environment and weather.
During the half day course, you will develop your knowledge, and ability to plan a trip, highlighting what to expect and look out for, based on the places you choose to paddle.
You will practice a range of rescue techniques, and learn how to support each other and explore possible solutions to common mishaps.
Who is SUP Safer for?
It is for anyone new to stand up paddleboarding or would like a refresher, and open to any age that wants to develop their awareness and skills on the water. You don’t need any previous experience to take your SUP Safer course, just the desire for fun and learning!
Where and how can you do it?
There are Delivery Partners, Clubs, Coaches and Leaders who offer this award up and down the country. To find a SUP Safer course near you, visit your Delivery Centre website
You can book your place by contacting the Provider near you. They will have all the information you need.
Is it a compulsory award to get started?
Absolutely not, no! It’s completely up to you whether you take the course or not. But, if you’ve never been on a stand up paddleboard before or are relatively new to SUP, it’s definitely something you should consider.
Stand Up Paddleboarding is very accessible to everyone, but it’s a little like riding a bike… easy if you know how and important for you to stay safe on the water.
What is covered in the SUP Safer course?
- Clothing and equipment information, it covers everything you need to know to physically get yourself on the water, covering different types of equipment you’ll need, as well as any additional safety equipment to consider.
- The paddling environment, you will discuss and observe the sheltered water environment, based on the places you usually paddle, as well as what to look out for with the changing weather forecast.
- Learn to plan your journey, with top tips around what to expect and look out for, considering your experience and ability.
- The fun bit, practicing your rescues, you’ll learn about how to stay safe and make the most out of your paddleboarding session, providing practical solutions if you get into difficulty, how to support each other and call for help.
What’s next?
Completed your SUP Safer session? Great! When you’ve completed your SUP Safer Award, there are a range of options:
- Develop your SUP skills during the SUP Sheltered Water Award
- Head out paddling with your friends and family… our Paddle Trails are a great way to get started
- Make use of your new found planning skills and create your own adventure
- Find a club or Delivery Partner near you
