Weirs, SUPs and Safety

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

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... 

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

Correct Nicola - never ride a weir, it’s not a wave. a buoyancy aid would not help in this situation. They are deadly.

I’ve used my SUPs on rivers and canals, it’s idyllic but it does require some understanding that is not covered by common sense, especially around river flow speed - it can be hard-ish to tell.

I’ve never once used a BA, there’s plenty of bouyancy in the craft, however I haven’t sought white water stuff, where they are more appropriate - as is a helmet. If you fall off and get knocked out by a rock ….

Always use a lease, that’s a big observation of mine for the newbies who show up with a £200 inflatable from Aldi, along with PSI … and it’s becoming increasingly apparent QR waist leashes are superior in most situations other than surf SUP in real waves.

I do think we should consider the huge benefit SUP is delivering to water sports community as a whole, but like all things in their infancy some guidance could be better. Personally I’m appalled that this incident was an organised trip … what were they thinking going anywhere near a weir?


Edit: re BAs and never wearing one, that was in reference to canal and rivers. I’ve SUPped with BA 4 times - twice on charter boats in Greece as was a stipulation of the captain/boat insurance, once from a beach rental where it was conditional of hire and finally once at Bowmoor - their pond, their rules … but they awfully cumbersome, chafe around the arm holes and frankly make you overheat far too quickly; they are not a general solution for this watersport, same as they weren’t for windsurfing.


Edited by turnturtle - 01 May 23 at 8:35am

Only found one suggestion for people trapped, they should try to push off the bottom ( risk of getting feet entangled), or swim along the weir. No evidence that its ever worked though. Kayakers will shoot weirs for fun ! But they have had drownings, length of kayak needs to be double the washback, need to be going fast too. Article isn't recommending doing this, just reporting it does happen.

All above from kayaking Union.

Edited by 423zero - 01 May 23 at 9:32am