HOW TO: FILM YOURSELF SAFELY

Whether you’re nailing a killer shot for Instagram, sharing new skills on YouTube, or making memories, capturing a watersports adventure can be satisfying and fun. But what kit do you need for filming on the water?

‘Your life comes first, so wear a PFD and an appropriate leash,’ says paddleboarding instructor (and self-confessed selfie queen) Rebecca Edwards. ‘I know we see watersports celebrities on TikTok without them but it sends the wrong message, especially to young people. RNLI crews end up rescuing a lot of paddleboarders.’

Ask yourself if you’re wearing the right kit for the weather and water temperature. ‘That could be a wetsuit,’ says Rebecca. ‘But I’d recommend taking a dry bag with extra layers and complete change of clothes. You’ll also need a way of calling for help, like a mobile phone or handheld VHF radio in a waterproof pouch.’ If you’re not using your smartphone to take video or pictures, you’ll need a waterproof camera too.

And you’ll need to check the tide times, wind direction and strength. Many RNLI rescues happen in offshore winds – when the wind blows from the shore out to sea. It’s important to avoid tricky conditions, especially when you’re occupied with filming. ‘You should think ahead about the type of footage you want to capture,’ says Rebecca. ‘What time of day are you heading out? What will the lighting be like? It’s beautiful first thing in the morning at my local boating lake, and the water is flat calm. But early evening, when the wind normally drops, could be a great time too.’

Top Safety Tip

‘If you decide to take your phone out of its case to record, be prepared to lose it over the side,’ says Rebecca. ‘But do not jump in after it. You may not be able to get back on your board.’

PADDLEBOARDING INSTRUCTOR AND BRITISH CANOEING #SHEPADDLES AMBASSADOR, REBECCA EDWARDS SHARES HER TOP TIPS FOR GETTING THAT PERFECT VIDEO

Close Ups Wide Angle

The easiest way to capture yourself on the water is with a smartphone in a waterproof pouch. Wear it around your neck or leashed to your wrist. Keep the case clean so you’re not tempted to take your phone out for a clearer shot.

Use a smartphone selfie stick with a floating handle. Raise it up to take in more of your surroundings and capture great angles. Some people mount a small camera to a paddle, which has the same effect without the clutter.

In Action

Catch more of the action by fixing a video camera to the front of your board. You’ll need one that’s waterproof and has image stabilisation so your footage isn’t too wobbly. For point-of-view footage, mount your camera to a headband and try a fish-eye lens.

Fresh Perspective

Why not set up your camera on land? If you have one with a wireless remote, trigger the shutter as you paddle past. I sometimes mount mine to the dock in the middle of our local lake and film myself paddling around it.

To learn more about paddleboarding safety visit RNLI.org/SUP

Find waterproof phone and gadget cases at shop.RNLI.org/OffshoreSpring23 ■

Words: Jon Jones, Rebecca Edwards

Photos: Rebecca Edwards, RNLI/Nathan Williams, Shutterstock.com