7 Safety Tips For Paddleboarding In Autumn

Paddleboarding in Autumn can be a fantastic experience - the best spots will be much less crowded, allowing you to take in the serenity of your chosen SUP destination at your own speed. But it’s vital to ensure that you are being careful and minimise risks wherever possible. To that end, have a look at our top 7 paddleboarding safety tips to make sure that you’re staying safe on the water this Autumn.

Dress Yourself for the Temperature of the Water, not the Air

You should be prepared for chilly weather anyway if you’re out paddleboarding in Autumn, but it’s important to remember that the water temperature may be significantly colder than you expect. Appropriate layers will be worthwhile, and a brand new Alter Evo Changing Robe from Red will help you to ensure warmth and comfort when you are back on the shore with its moisture-wicking Sherpa fleece lining and high levels of waterproofing and breathability.

Check Light And Weather Conditions Before Heading Out

Autumn weather can be treacherous, with bursts of rain or wind coming down at the drop of a hat. Shorter days also mean less daylight to work with, so you need to be mindful of that - paddling in the dark is dangerous. One of our most important SUP safety tips is to keep a close eye on the conditions and plan your trip around the best available time/weather.

Wear a PFD at all Times

No matter the season, a personal floatation device (PFD) is a must-have piece of equipment at all times, keeping you afloat in case you fall off of your board. Especially as the water is likely to be colder than you are anticipating (which can lead to shock or cramping), it is important to ensure that you are minimising the risk of an emergency.

Paddle with a Partner

A day of paddleboarding in Autumn will be much safer and more fun if you do it with a friend. If anything does go wrong, you’ll have somebody around who can lend their assistance close at hand, adding an extra layer of safety. If you do go paddleboarding alone, make sure that you inform others where you are going and when you expect to return.

Bring a Phone

Another of our key SUP safety tips for paddleboarding in Autumn is to ensure that you have a mobile phone with you. This could be a lifesaver if you end up in trouble. Having a means of communication is critical during an emergency, so make sure that you don’t skip out on this. Keep yours in a waterproof dry pouch and you need not worry about the worst should it come into contact with the water!

Make Sure You Are Fuelled with Food and Drink

Especially with the colder weather that comes with paddleboarding in Autumn, ensuring that you are properly nourished and hydrated is key. Your body will be working very hard to ensure that you stay warm, so having snacks and drinks to hand to maintain body heat and keep your energy levels up is very important. 

Know When It’s Time to Turn Back

Your intuition is a powerful safety tool, and you shouldn’t ignore it. Knowing when you should head back and call it a day instead of persisting in unsafe conditions is more important for your safety than any piece of equipment. It’s always better to err on the side of caution and try again another day.

There you have it - our top 7 vital safety tips for paddleboarding in Autumn. We hope that you’ve found them helpful. If you find yourself in need of advice in regards to any of the variety of awesome products available at our store, then please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team for advice from the experts.