5 Essential Safety Tips For Cold Water Paddle Boarding

A lot of us outdoor lovers are drawn to cold water paddleboarding, and it's not hard to see why. The colder seasons offer a much more peaceful, quieter experience than you’ll find during the summer, and the clean, crisp air is a draw all of its own. But it does come with extra risk that you need to be prepared for, which is why we've prepared this list of the most important tips that you need for cold water SUP.

Layer Up To Protect Yourself From The Cold

Paddleboarding in autumn or winter means that you’ll need to be prepared for cold weather conditions, so layering up to keep warm is mandatory. Something like the Waterproof Pro Change Robe EVO from Red is an ideal companion for your cold water paddleboarding sessions. With a fantastic 15k waterproof / 8k breathable rating, phenomenal wind protection, you’ll be ready to face poor weather without issue. Meanwhile, the deep-pile sherpa fleece lining inside provides excellent warmth and comfort to the wearer. It’s a great pick for all kinds of outdoor adventures in the cold.

Always Check Weather And Water Conditions Beforehand

One of the most important aspects of staying safe when you’re cold water paddleboarding, or paddleboarding in general, is to make sure you’re aware of the conditions you need to expect. Check the weather forecast and water conditions beforehand so that you know if they’re safe to paddle and what you need to do to be prepared. If you aren’t sure about whether it’s safe to head out, it’s best to put it off for another day, where you’re confident you’ll be safe.

Go With A Friend

Don’t head out cold water paddleboarding alone. You’ll be much safer if you’re together with a friend or family member. Should an accident happen, having someone else to help you get out of trouble is extremely important. This is true at all times, but especially when there are extra hazards in play, like cold water shock. Besides, group paddleboarding is always more fun in a group.

Remain Hydrated At All Times

Unlike summer, where it's more obvious, dehydration really sneaks up on you in cold weather. Even if you don’t necessarily feel it, it’s really important to keep yourself properly hydrated. A warm drink kept in an insulated drinks bottle will help your body regulate its temperature and maintain consistent energy levels.

Ensure That You’re Fully Prepared With Safety Equipment

You’ve got to make sure you’re properly equipped with all of the safety gear you need. Heading out for a cold water paddleboarding session without it would be extremely risky - don’t take the chance. You’ll need to have a properly fitted PFD and a leash to keep you connected to your board at all times. A first aid kit would not go amiss either if you plan on a more remote location for your SUP session.

If you plan to head out paddleboarding in autumn or winter, these safety tips will help you to make the most of your session while ensuring you’re properly protected. If you have any questions or need any advice on your cold water paddleboarding equipment, then why not reach out to the Red Paddle Co team? Our friendly experts will be happy to help.