You look restless. And all that your mind and body aspire is to spend quality time at the great outdoors. You remember the fun of doing stand up London paddleboarding. And like waves rushing to the shore, the fond moments you’ve spent back then came into your mind. So you’ve made up your mind to SUP your way through the weekend.
Considered as one of the most enjoyable London watersports out there, SUP guarantees a wonderful experience, complete with perks that range from enhancing your balance to improving your mental health.
But before you wade through the waters, it is better to ensure your safety first. Here are eight stand up London paddleboarding tips:
Check the weather forecast
It’s a basic thing to check the forecast before heading outdoors. Though nobody can straight-up pronounce where the winds will be blowing or if the waters will remain calm and steady, it’s always better to take heed of what the weatherman is saying. Never compromise your safety.
Make a plan and make sure someone else knows it
If the weather is on your side, do not forget to make a float plan before you brave the waters. This will cover how long you’ll be out there on the waters, and the route you are traversing. Also, make sure that the plan is known by another party. This way, somebody can check on you -- whether you’ve safely arrived, or (in any case) are in need of an emergency response.
Know your limits and be realistic
Always know your limits. Truthfully assess how good are you at doing SUP and be realistic when it comes to your float plan.
Wear the proper gears
Just like any other London watersports, it’s always advised to wear and/or bring the proper gears to help ensure your safety. If you are going to stand up paddleboard, do not forget your leash and your life vest. This won’t only do you good, it will also be beneficial to your fellow SUP enthusiasts.
Dress accordingly
Most people ignore this one, but it’s of utmost importance to dress accordingly if you plan to paddleboard. Never underestimate water temperatures -- news of people experiencing hypothermia should already serve as a warning.
Go with a companion
As much as you want to spend quality time alone while on the waters, it’s safer to go with a companion especially if you are new to SUP, or you’re unfamiliar with the aquatic territory you’re about to explore. Remember, this watersport is also a wonderful avenue to improve your socializing skills.
Know some self-rescue tips
Though you may regard yourself as someone athletic that could never fall from a paddleboard, you should still learn some basic self-rescue tips. In case you fall into the water, make sure you’ll know how to safely get back and hop on to your paddleboard.
Never panic
When you are facing any unpleasant situation while doing this watersport, the first thing you should do is to keep your mind alert. Never panic and think of the safety lessons you’ve learned. Do not let panic attacks ruin your water adventure.
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