Weirs, SUPs and Safety

They were all competent people too, not the sort you would normally worry about, just shows we shouldn't assume. Is there even a suggestion anywhere of how to get out of the backwash?

Edited to add, competent in general with sports, not SUP.

Edited by 423zero - 30 Apr 23 at 8:32pm

Originally posted by Dakota There are loads of good  programs coming from with in the sport , the canoe union and sailing clubs ( Chelmarsh have a terrific paddleboard section )  that are helping  with the provision good quality training and just the simple ability of just being able to judge risk. But it’s still a new sport with some people coming at it from a none water sports background. My wife stopped going onto paddleboard fb pages because of the aggro she got for even suggesting wearing a BA and or a wetsuit would be a good idea in certain conditions from a tiny number of posters.  I still do think the situation is improving .

Indeed  

my suggestion  that drysuit  trousers alone (i.e. without a dry top and /or a  better than 50N BA)  is a  less than safe option was  viewed with some scron by SUP types... 

Came across this MAIB report for a tragic SUP incident. Although I was aware that weirs were things to avoid, it wasn't until I read this report I realised just how dangerous the things are. I suppose as a sailor I've never had the need to go anywhere near one so maybe that's part of my ignorance.

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/63906ea0d3bf7f328063e844/2022-13-Paddleboards-Report.pdf

The report itself is pretty mind boggling. Especially for someone like me who hasn't always welcomed the formality and regulation of RYA approved training.



Edited by JimC - 30 Apr 23 at 4:24pm