11 Common Paddle Board Rules You Need to Know

Paddle boarding offers an exhilarating blend of adventure and serenity, whether it's on a hidden river, near a tropical island, or along an urban canal. The joy it brings remains constant, as does the need for safety. Our guide to paddle board rules taps into this spirit of exploration with a focus on safety, combining a set of rules you need to know before you hit the water.

1. Wear a Personal Flotation Device (PFD)

When paddle boarding, a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) is like a life jacket that can keep you afloat in case of an emergency. Considering it as a lifeline in emergencies since Canadian regulations mandate using life jacket for paddle boarders, ensuring compliance with Transport Canada's safety standards. When on the water, you must wear a well-fitting, condition-checked PFD in order to protect against drowning. A PDF also offers protection from the elements, providing warmth and shielding your skin from the sun, thus enhancing the overall paddle boarding experience.

2. Use a Leash

Using a leash while paddle boarding keeps you connected to your board in all conditions, which can prevent your paddle board from drifting away from you if you fall off or lose your balance. The SUP leash has been adapted to ensure that the board springs back gently to the rider, which is particularly beneficial in flat water conditions where drag is an issue.

Different types of leashes include the straight leash, coiled leash, and hybrid leash, each serving a distinct purpose. The straight leash is a basic fixed-length tether, commonly used in surfing. The coiled leash, a popular choice for SUP, stays short to prevent dragging but extends to full length when needed. Hybrid leashes combine features of both straight and coiled leashes, offering a versatile option.

In addition to choosing the right type of leash, consider its length, thickness, and attachment type. Longer leashes provide more freedom but can increase entanglement risk, while thicker leashes offer durability but may create more drag. The attachment method should match your board's attachment point, ensuring a secure and reliable connection.

3. Carry a Sound-Producing Device

For paddle boarding, having a sound-producing device, such as a whistle or a horn onboard is a practical way to communicate. These sound-producing devices can help you to signal in emergencies or alert nearby boaters as changes in visibility can occur when you're on the water. Ensure your device is within easy reach and loud enough to cut through the sounds of water and wind. Its usefulness extends beyond safety, facilitating communication with other paddle boarders and people onshore, which provides instant help when needed.

4. Be Sober

Paddle boarding while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is not only dangerous but also constitutes a legal offence under Canadian law. Alcohol and drugs can impair your judgment, balance, coordination, and reaction time, not to mention increase your risk of hypothermia and dehydration. Therefore, you must be sober when you paddle board to comply with the Criminal Code of Canada, which prohibits operating a vessel while impaired while impaired by alcohol or drugs. This law applies to the person controlling the paddle board and passengers who may be assisting in navigation, even in seemingly minor ways. The legal limit for blood alcohol content while boating is the same as for driving, set at 0.08%.

Boating under the influence can lead to penalties similar to drunk driving, including a $600 fine for a first offence and more severe consequences for repeat violations, like jail time. These rules aim to prevent accidents and injuries, given how alcohol and drugs can impair your judgment, coordination, and reaction times on the water.

5. Follow Navigation Rules

Paddle boarders should learn and follow navigation rules like other boaters, which means keeping to the right, yielding to vessels with the right of way, and avoiding collisions. Awareness of your surroundings, including other water users, buoys, markers, and potential hazards, help you to navigate safely.

• Giving Way: Think of it like driving – smaller, more agile paddle boards usually yield to bigger boats. Big boats cannot stop or turn on a dime, so it's on us paddle boarders to steer clear.
• Reading the Water Signs: Just like road signs, waterways have buoys and markers. They're there to guide you safely and let you know about no-go zones or hazards.
• Local Rules Matter: Every spot you paddle board might have its own rules for paddle boarding; it could be about wildlife, special zones for paddle boards, or speed limits. Therefore, quickly checking before hitting the water is always a wise move.
• Nature’s Rules: Keep an eye on the weather, tides, and currents. They can change the game fast, and you have to be ready to adapt.
• Talk the Talk: Sometimes, you've got to signal or shout out to let others know what you're doing. Avoiding confusion helps keep everyone safe.
• Speed Check: Just like on the road, there's a safe speed for conditions. Going too fast can be risky, especially if you have to make quick moves to avoid a collision.

6. Check Weather Conditions and Forecasts

Weather conditions can change quickly and unexpectedly and affect your paddle boarding experience. Wind, tides, weather and temperature can all influence your speed, direction, stability, and comfort.

• Wind: Windy days can turn a chill paddle session into a real workout, especially if you're fighting against it. For those just starting out, a breezy day might not be ideal. Seasoned paddlers can take on a bit more wind, but it’s always a good call to check the forecast. (A rule of thumb: Paddle into the wind at the start when you've got energy to spare, and let it push you back when you're headed home.)
• Temperature: Weather dictates your wardrobe here. Cold days call for wetsuits or dry suits, while warmer weather means lighter gear. Think about both air and water temps to avoid any surprises.
• Rain Check: Paddling in the rain can be peaceful, but it can also get tricky with reduced visibility and choppier waters. If there's thunder or lightning, though, it’s time to call it a day. Safety first!
• Tide Talk: Tides can alter your whole paddle boarding plans. They influence everything from water depth to current strength. Before you head out, do a quick check on local tide patterns. It’ll help you plan a safer route and avoid any unexpected strong currents.

Each paddle boarding spot might have its own set of rules and conditions, so always do your homework before you hit the water.

7. Nighttime Lighting

Paddle boarding at night can be a thrilling and magical experience, but it also comes with some challenges and risks. Visibility, orientation, and communication can all be compromised in the dark, and you may not be able to see or be seen by other boaters. Therefore, having a nighttime lighting device on your paddle board turning your experience into satisfying and safe at the same time.

Whether you go for those cool underwater LED lights that make your board glow or mount something like a Suptig Diving Light up top, make sure other folks on the water can spot you. You could set up with red and green sidelights and a white light at the back, or just rock a 360-degree white light. Or, keep it simple with a good old flashlight to flash if you need to avoid a bump-in, these devices making you visible from all directions and at least two miles away.

Stay away from the unpredictable ocean waves and stick to calmer waters like lakes or rivers. Also, always let someone know where you're heading and when you plan to be back.

8. Age Restrictions

Paddle boarding is a sport that requires some important age-related guidelines and considerations for ensuring paddle boarding safety and enjoyment for all.

Children can start their solo paddle boarding journey as young as eight, but this depends on their swimming abilities and comfort in the water. For those who are younger, including toddlers and babies, paddle boarding is still possible but requires the close supervision and presence of an experienced adult paddle boarder. In these cases, the board must be suitable for the combined weight and size of the child and the adult. When paddle boarding with young children, adults should ensure the environment is safe, opting for calm, shallow waters where assistance can be easily provided.

9. Stay Clear of Large Vessels

Paddle boarders must be careful of large vessels, such as ferries, cargo ships, and cruise ships, that may be operating in the same waters. Large vessels have limited maneuverability and visibility, and they may be unable to see or avoid paddle boarders. The specific rules for paddle boarding can vary based on whether you're in open sea, rivers, or enclosed water bodies.

Also, paddle boarders should avoid crossing busy port channels and stay alert to their surroundings, especially in high-traffic areas. Right-of-way on the water is similar to road rules, with the approach from the right usually taking precedence.

Passing on the left is standard practice if two paddle boarders meet head-on. Many areas designate specific zones for paddle boarding to minimize conflicts with other water activities.

10. Respect Wildlife and Environment

As paddle boarders glide silently across the water, they become part of the environment, witnessing the beauty of wildlife in its natural habitat.

This sport's low-impact nature, free from the noise and pollution of motorized water activities, positions paddle boarding as an environmentally friendly choice. It allows enthusiasts to explore waterways with minimal disruption to wildlife and aquatic habitats. Many paddle boarders take on the role of eco-advocates, participating in activities like wildlife observation and beach cleanups. The emphasis on using sustainable equipment further highlights the sport's commitment to minimizing its ecological footprint.

11. Know Local Regulations

The local rules often exist to protect both the paddler and the environment, especially in areas with fragile ecosystems or heavy boat traffic.

Paddle boarding rules and regulations may vary depending on where you paddle board, such as different provinces, territories, or countries. They tell you where it's cool to paddle and how to stay safe, whether that means wearing a life jacket, understanding the right of way, or being mindful of protected areas and wildlife. Each regulation is a step towards preserving our waterways. In essence, knowing and respecting local regulations is as much a part of paddle boarding as the board and paddle itself. It reflects the adventurer's spirit - eager to explore yet always conscious of leaving a positive imprint on the natural world.

Other Tips

As you embark on your stand up paddle boarding journey, there are some additional tips to enhance your paddle boarding adventures. Let's uncover the finer details that can make your experience safer and more enjoyable.

• Wear a quick-release waist leash when paddle boarding on rivers.
• Avoid using your paddle board in designated swimming or beach areas, unless it's for beach activities.
• Steer clear of port entrance and exit channels at sea, marked by red and green buoys.
• Do not cross in front of sea vessels like tugboats or sailboats with limited maneuverability.
• Choose a paddle board that fits your experience, body type, and how you like to paddle.
• Dress appropriately for the weather and water, like wearing a wetsuit, rash guard, or a hat.
• Protect yourself from sunburn and dehydration by using sunscreen and staying well-hydrated.
• Paddle with a buddy or a group, or let someone know where and when you are paddle boarding.
• Have fun and be respectful of other paddle boarders and water users.

Your Journey Through Paddle Board Rules

Beyond the surface of a simple recreational activity, we've uncovered a profound connection between humans and the water, where safety, respect, and a sense of adventure blend hamorniously. Paddle board rules can be your compass, guiding you to new horizons. Equip yourself with knowledge, embrace the adventurous spirit, visit iROCKER to explore a world of high-quality paddle boards and let the waters be your endless source of wonder.

References

Transport Canada. (2020). Stand Up Paddleboards. Retrieved from https://tc.canada.ca/en/marine-transportation/marine-safety/stand-paddleboards

Decathlon. (n.d.). Navigation at sea: SUP rules to know. Retrieved from https://www.decathlon.co.uk/c/htc/navigation-at-sea-sup-rules-to-know_114da9b6-7cb5-4efe-a2db-516fb0a0be6f

Government of Canada. (2019). Impaired boating. Retrieved from https://www.canada.ca/en/services/policing/police/community-safety-policing/impaired-driving/impaired-boating.html

Transport Canada. (2011). Safe Boating Guide. Retrieved from https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/SOR-2010-91/

Government of Canada. (2020). Weather and marine. Retrieved from https://www.canada.ca/en/services/environment/weather/marine.html

Transport Canada. (2018). Navigation Safety Regulations, 2017. Retrieved from https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/SOR-2017-86/page-1.html

Government of Canada. (2019). Vessel Operation Restriction Regulations. Retrieved from https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/SOR-2008-120/page-1.html

Transport Canada. (2019). Collision Regulations. Retrieved from https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/C.R.C.,_c._1416/page-1.html

Fisheries and Oceans Canada. (2018). Marine Mammal Regulations. Retrieved from https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/SOR-93-56/page-1.html

Environment and Climate Change Canada. (2019). Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999. Retrieved from https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/C-15.31/page-1.html

Transport Canada. (2019). Vessel Registration and Identification Regulations. Retrieved from https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/SOR-2007-31/page-1.html