OFF THE COUCH

Whassup?

Sup Tips from a Local Pro

We have a big water year this season, meaning plenty of floating all season long. But don’t be a gomer and go in the drink unprepared. Following are a few tips from Danny Tebbenkamp, owner of Paddleboard Adventure Co., to stay safe this summer.

River Tips:

Wear your PFD! No exceptions, at all times while on the water.

Don’t go alone! If you have never paddleboarded anything above a Class II, take a lesson from a qualified instructor.

Scout the section of the river you’re going to run (especially if not familiar with it). Be aware that runoff brings trees, logs, and other debris down with it, so strainers and other hazards may exist that weren’t there last season.

Dress the part! This may be common sense, but the water was snow yesterday, so it is very cold. A drysuit provides the best comfort and warmth. For a less expensive option, wear a wetsuit, the thicker the better. Also wear a helmet and closed-toe river shoes. I always wear wool socks with neoprene socks over them for extra warmth. It can also help to have a whistle attached to your PFD.

Use a leash. This is very important. And only use a quick-release leash that attaches to your PFD (not your ankle). I wear a Type V PFD with a quickrelease harness so I double up on safety by attaching my quick-release leash to my safety harness so I have two points of release from my board if needed.

Be prepared for emergencies!

Pack your phone or GPS in a dry bag or waterproof phone case. Also, let people know your plan. A small first aid kit with essentials for survival (firestarter, blanket, food, etc..) is advised for more remote sections.

Paddle the right board! The bigger the whitewater, the more specific the paddleboard should be for it. A lot of people buy big all-around boards with little rocker, thinking they can do everything on it. But in Class III whitewater you need other design features; you need to be stable but also able to control/pivot your board to keep your line or miss hazards. Whitewater boards have rocker for rolling over and punching through waves, and for surfing. Rent one to have better success.

Most importantly, have fun! It’s a rare breed of person that takes on the exhilarating thrill of paddling and punching through the whitewater on a paddleboard. Enjoy being that person!

Lake Tips

Wear your PFD. Colorado

State Parks require PFDs to be on the board. I suggest you wear it. If you fall in and your board gets blown away, you’re stuck treading in really cold water without any flotation. It only takes about 5 minutes for hypothermia to set in.

Dress as if you’re gonna’ fall in!

A lot of people are confident in their paddleboarding skills on flat water, but just in case, wear appropriate clothing to keep you warm if you fall in. No cotton or anything that will make you less buoyant.

Leash. A regular surf leash is all you need. If you do fall off your board, you’ll be attached so you can pull it back to you.

Enjoy the views! Crazy, but true. The view from on the lake is always more captivating than from shore. Take a moment or two to put the paddle down and just breathe, relax, and enjoy your surroundings.