SUP Safety Guidelines

Safety Guidelines*

*This is a guideline only. Assassin Goods Limited will not be held responsible for the safety of Hirers and Hirers should consult our HIRER Terms and Conditions for further clarification.

  1. Wear Personal Floatation Devices
    We always recommend the use of a Personal Floatation Device PFD or Life Jacket when using our Paddleboards.  For people who are able to swim we recommend at least a 50 Newton buoyancy Aid or life belt
    For weak swimmers, and young children we recommend proper Life Jackets of at least 100 Newtons. 
    We recommend that dogs also wear a floatation device!
  2. Wear A Leash
    If you fall off your board the first thing you will want to do is retrieve your paddle (but it’s always best to try to hold on to it!).
    In order not to get separated from your board, ALWAYS WEAR A STANDARD LEASH ROUND YOUR LOWER LEG.
    (For expert people going on fast flowing waters, we recommend you source a different kind of leash with the option to release it quickly if needs be)
  3. When to Stand Up
    We suggest you start off by kneeling on the SUPs until you are confident to stand up. Do not stand up on the boards in shallow water or next to hard objects, such as pontoons or boats.
  4. Wear Shoes
    We recommend that users wear some form of shoe when on our boards to protect the bottom of their feet should they need to step off in to shallow water.
  5. Always Supervise young People
    As parents ourselves, we feel that all people under 18 years should be supervised when on the water in all conditions.
  6. Follow any Local Rules and Advice
    Water can be unpredictable and it is always advisable to check with the local sources of information on water safety in the area before you take to the water.
    For example, rivers are rated by the flow and depending on the river, some craft are not allowed on the water during particular flow rates.
    OR – there may be a particularly dangerous part of a coastal area you wish to paddle on so check with the local coast guard, the RNLI or Harbour Master.
    Always take a cautious approach.
  7. Advise People On Land
    Always tell someone land based about a trip you intend to take with times and vicinity and report to them when you are back safely.
  8. Take a Mobile Phone
    If you can, take a charged mobile phone or VHF radio in a sealed dry bag in case of an emergency.
  9. Take adequate clothing for your trip
    Do not wear jeans of other water-logging clothes or wellington boots, waters, heavy waterproofs. If you are paddling a distance, take spare clothes in a dry bag.
    If it’s cold, wear a wetsuit.
  10. Plan your journey
    Always be realistic with the distance you plan to travel. Never paddle in the dark or in busy shipping lanes.
  11. River Paddling
    If paddling on a river, stay on the correct side of the river (normally the right) do not go through locks and use the “Portage” areas and carry your boards round. Avoid the tops and bottoms of all weirs.
  12. Plan for Tides
    If you are on the sea, be aware of the tide times and strengths and always seek expert advice if unsure.
  13. Protect yourself from the Sun
    The sun reflects off the water intensifying it’s power, Cover up, wear sunscreen, a hat and decent sun glasses (even when it does not seem to be very sunny).
  14. Keep Hydrated and Your Energy Up
    Take some water and some snacks if you are paddling a distance.
  15. Paddle in Pairs
    If you are going on an adventure trip, we strongly recommend that you buddy with another board or another vessel.
  16. Do not Use Faulty Equipment
    Whilst we always check our kit before it goes out, things can fail. If you have any doubts, do not use and contact us and we will advise and do our best to sort any problems out fairly and quickly.
  17. WEILL’S Disease
    When paddling on inland waters, there is a small chance that there might be Weill’s disease in the water. People should wash hands with fresh water/antibacterial gel before eating, shower after and should someone get flu like symptoms and need to go to a doctor shortly after, let your doctor know where you were paddling. 
  18. Have FUN & Respect Nature!