Safety and rules for stand-up paddling (SUP)

Always check the wind direction and strength before paddling! If the wind force is 4 or higher, we recommend that you stay on shore or paddle your planned trip along the coast with the wind. In high winds, weather fronts and thunderstorms, you should always stay on shore.

Offshore winds are dangerous. It blows from the land to the sea (body of water) and is usually much weaker near the shore than out at sea. This is due to obstructions such as rows of houses, tree tops, or steep banks. It does not reach its true strength until far out to sea and is therefore often underestimated.

The leash is the link to your life raft. It must be worn ALWAYS except in strong currents. Also make sure you get a leash when you rent a board.

• Are there any swimming or conservation areas?
• Are there any dangerous areas in the water (shoals / harbor entrances / fairway)?
• Is there an emergency exit upwind?
• Are there any special features and rules of the area that I can find out from the local watersports school or a "local"?

• Am I wearing a board leash (except in white water)?
• Is my paddle in order, properly adjusted and secure?
• Is my board, valve (iSUP) and fin secure?
• Am I wearing appropriate clothing for the temperature (wetsuit, shoes, hat, sunglasses)?
• Do I have a cell phone or similar in my waterproof pack, emergency number?
• Do I have enough water and food?
• Does someone on shore know how long I will be out and where I will be?
• Will at least one other person be paddling with me?
• Is there a suitable exit point (ideally downwind)?

If you have checked the wind, the weather, the area and your equipment and something should still go wrong, here is what to do in an emergency:

1. Never let go of your board - it is always your life raft (except in whitewater).
2. If you are unable to reach the shore on your own, give the following distress signal in time: sit, kneel or stand, move your outstretched arms clearly and slowly up and down or wave a brightly colored object slowly in a circle.
3. If you have a cell phone, dial the emergency number

• Be considerate of others.
• Keep your distance from swimmers, fishermen and other water sports enthusiasts.
• Depending on the type of water and land, different rules of avoidance may apply.

On German inland waters, for example, the following rules apply

You have to take evasive action with the SUP:

• commercial shipping (e.g. passenger ships)
• sailing boats, windsurf boards, wing (foil) boards

SUP paddlers must move out of the way:

• All motorboats (except commercial vessels)

All small muscle-powered craft (rowing boats, canoes, pedal boats, SUPs) are allowed to pass each other:

• In the event of an encounter, both small craft must give way to the right.
• Small craft crossing each other: right-before-left rule