Stand Up Paddleboarding in St Francis Bay

EPISODE 4 - STAND UP PADDLE SAFETY TIPS By Melissa Volker

1. If you are new to ocean sports, practice standing up from your knees, paddling, moving your feet on the board and turning your board on flat water before you progress to the ocean and waves. Being able to move your feet is an important ocean skill.

2. Wear a leash, even on the river. The wind comes up in a flash in St Francis, and if you fall, one gust could take your board out of your reach and then you will be in for a long swim.

Tarryn False Bay, leash & personal flotation device.

3. Always wear a leash when you SUP in the ocean. Same reason as above, longer swim.

4. Check the weather forecast and do not attempt an ocean paddle in a strong offshore wind. Be aware of the time any forecast wind is expected to strengthen.

5. If you plan a downwind or a distance ocean paddle, even close to shore, download Safetrax, the NSRI app on your phone. Record the type of vessel you’re on, and the app will transmit your live GPS coordinates to the NSRI for their reference should anything go wrong.

6. Always wear a leash when SUP surfing.

7. Cover your head when you fall off your board, particularly in strong winds and in the surf zone. Come up with an arm over your head.

Melissa Volker is a successful book writer and a keen SUPer.

Find out more about her here:

https://missmelissawrites. com/