{"id":33401,"date":"2020-12-01T13:37:07","date_gmt":"2020-12-01T18:37:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/perfectpaddles.com\/?p=33401"},"modified":"2022-01-03T12:37:58","modified_gmt":"2022-01-03T17:37:58","slug":"water-hazards-to-look-for-before-heading-out-for-some-sup-fun","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/perfectpaddles.com\/water-hazards-to-look-for-before-heading-out-for-some-sup-fun\/","title":{"rendered":"Water Hazards to Look for Before Heading Out for Some SUP Fun"},"content":{"rendered":"

SUP is meant to be experienced in the wild. Part of the fun is being entrenched in the elements. Letting them test you. And making it out on the other side. But when it comes to Mother Nature, you must also know your limits. <\/span>
\n<\/span>
\n<\/span>No matter how strong a paddler you may be, if you spend enough time on the water there is always one thing you can count on in nature - change. This can mean storms, wind patterns, equipment failure, and more.<\/span><\/p>\n

To counter this, you must also be willing to change your day. And have a secondary plan in place to keep yourself and your fellow paddlers safe. <\/span>
\n<\/span>
\n<\/span>Without a backup, you have to either be highly skilled, flexible with your schedule (giving yourself permission to say not for me, I\u2019ll try another day), very lucky, or you need to hire a local guide to provide guidance.<\/span><\/p>\n

But that\u2019s only one environment we need to be aware of. We also should consider the weather, the coastlines, and the wildlife that lives in the waters we are paddling.<\/span><\/p>\n

As in any new situation, the best place to start is with education. By understanding what water hazards to look for before you head out, you\u2019ll be better prepared to meet all challenges that lay ahead.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Let\u2019s begin our discovery of what water hazards can challenge or ruin your SUP fun. <\/span><\/p>\n

Water Hazards<\/b><\/h2>\n

To start, we will be focused on the environment where paddlers spend most of their time- on the water. <\/span>
\n<\/b>
\n<\/span>Water is truly one of the most dynamic environments to study. And one that is highly susceptible to nature\u2019s way of change. And that makes it one of the most dangerous environments we can find ourselves in. <\/span>
\n<\/span>
\n<\/span>To stay safe and embrace the challenge be sure to check for these signs for water hazards before heading out:<\/span><\/p>\n

Moving Water<\/span><\/i><\/h3>\n

If you are planning to paddle in a river or on the ocean then be sure to check out the energy of the water before heading in. <\/span>
\n<\/span>
\n<\/span>On the river, ask a local or do a quick search to see what level of rapids the stretch you wish to paddle falls in. <\/span>
\n<\/span>
\n<\/span>Levels include:\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n

Class...<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. I - Easy. ...<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. II - Moderate. ...<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. III - Moderately difficult. ...<\/span><\/li>\n
  4. IV - Difficult. ...<\/span><\/li>\n
  5. V - Extremely difficult. ...<\/span><\/li>\n
  6. VI - Extraordinarily difficult<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Most SUP river paddling takes place in the Class I to Class III range. Anything above that and you would have to have prior experience to get in and a local guide to help you along the way. <\/span>
    \n<\/span>
    \n<\/span>Of course, the best practice to take precautions is to contact a local pro in your area and ask them before planning your trip. And the easiest way to do that is to head to the search option on <\/span>Perfect Paddles<\/span><\/a>. <\/span>
    \n<\/span>
    \n<\/span>In the ocean, the best thing to do is an eye test. Do you feel comfortable paddling past the whitewater? Are there other paddlers out there? If so, how many? What does their skill-level look like? Are there white caps showing? <\/span>
    \n<\/span>
    \n<\/span>The ocean is one of the most challenging environments to paddle especially if you are new. <\/span><\/p>\n

    It\u2019s constantly moving which makes standing on the board very difficult. Beginners are encouraged to reach out to a local pro before evening attempting an ocean paddle to get a proper lesson and have proper supervision. <\/span>
    \n<\/span>
    \n<\/span>If at any time during your pre-paddling observation you don\u2019t feel comfortable it might be better to hold off for another day or bring along an experienced paddler to help guide the way. <\/span>
    \n<\/span>
    \n<\/span>Whether in the ocean or a river, a quick self-assessment and an assessment of the environment for any potential water hazards is always necessary before heading out. <\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

    \"\"<\/p>\n

    Waves<\/span><\/i><\/h3>\n

    While paddling in the ocean is difficult for beginners, often the most difficult part of the process is paddling through the whitewater and waves to get past the breaks. <\/span><\/h4>\n

    This process can be long and full of frustration as you can be pummeled back to shore repeatedly.\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n

    The best practice to take is to look at the surf report for the day and assess whether you feel comfortable paddling past waves of that size. <\/span><\/p>\n

    There are a few great websites out there that track swell size and wind patterns, take advantage of these resources before deciding to go to the beach. <\/span><\/p>\n

    The crew at <\/span>Magic Seaweed<\/span><\/a> is a fantastic resource for this.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Once past the break, the main focus should be on keeping upright (obviously) and always have one eye on the horizon. Especially when waves are in the area. This discipline will keep you alert for any oncoming swell. <\/span><\/p>\n

    And will train you to keep the nose of your board pointed straight into the oncoming wave. If you get hit with one on the rails, the chances of you going overboard are greatly enhanced.\u00a0 <\/span>
    \n<\/span>
    \n<\/span>So, remember: keep your eye on the horizon, point your board right into the wave you want to paddle over. Soon, you\u2019ll be comfortable enough to turn into the wave and ride it back into shore with confidence. <\/span><\/p>\n

    \"\"<\/a> \"\"<\/p>\n

    Rip Currents<\/span><\/i><\/h3>\n

    A rip current is a water hazard defined as <\/span>a relatively strong, narrow current flowing outward from the beach through the surf zone and presenting a hazard to swimmers.<\/span>
    \n<\/span>
    \n<\/span>As the definition lays out, rip currents are a great hazard to swimmers. It is because they get pushed out away from shore and have to tread water for the duration of time they are left out there. <\/span><\/p>\n

    This can cause cramping and greatly increases the chances of drowning. <\/span>
    \n<\/span>
    \n<\/span>But they can also be a danger for paddlers as well. Much like a swimmer, the rip current will have the same effect. <\/span><\/p>\n

    This means you can also be pushed out towards the ocean away from shore with no ability to fight against the current, making you tired, with a possibility of dehydration. <\/span>
    \n<\/span>
    \n<\/span>Unlike a swimmer though, paddlers are attached to a flotation device that will help them retain their energy and keep them safe. <\/span><\/p>\n

    So, make sure your leash is in good working order before heading into the ocean. And if you do get caught in a rip current, the first thing you must do is relax. Let the current take you where it may, there is no point in fighting it. You will waste energy that way. <\/span>
    \n<\/span>
    \n<\/span>The best thing to do is paddle along the shore to find a new place of entry away from the rip current. Or if you have the time and energy, relax until the rip current dissipates and then make your way back in. <\/span>
    \n<\/span>
    \n<\/span>To know if there is a rip current at the time you want to SUP, be sure to check with a local lifeguard on the beach or consult with a local paddling pro by contacting them through <\/span>    Perfect Paddles<\/span><\/a>. <\/span><\/p>\n