DEWEY ISLAND — There’s a sport that’s been growing exponentially on Delmarva that combines aspects of surfing, kayaking and canoeing, takes about five minutes to learn and, best of all, doesn’t require waves.

via Stand-up paddleboarding takes off | The Daily Times | delmarvanow.com.

(You will see my comment on this article at DelMarvaNow beneath the article. The story does not contain any information about required safety equipment – only the safety leash is mentioned because SUP shops push the leash as the only gear you need. That is not true. A leash is sufficient ONLY WHEN THE BOARD IS USED FOR SURFING. Surfing is done on coastlines with waves. Paddle boarding in Southern Maryland is as a transit vessel and often in deep water.

The US Coast Guard requires paddle boarders to have a life jacket on board preferably wearing it) and an audible device. AT night a FLASHLIGHT is required. None of the persons in this DelMarVaNow article are wearing or carrying the required safety equipment. They are placing themselves at great risk. You would be surprised how many paddle boarders do not even wear a leash!

Knocked unconscious when you hit your head on your board or a submerged unseen object, how are you going to survive without a lifejacket? When another vessel or a swimmer in the water gets too close how are you going to effectively warn them off.

I know that many will say, “I can swim.” My response to that has always been, “Yes, but for how long?” We call it “Famous Last Words Syndrome.”  Paddling casualties in the NE USA have been steady at a high level and have shown no signs of decreasing.  The Coast Guard reported this for the NE states in the last six months. It’s because vessel operators take unsafe risks.

We IMPLORE the news services to talk about safety equipment and to picture stand-up paddlers wearing the proper gear. When pictured in this fashion the public is more likely to understand the need for the required safety gear. Reporters get out in the harbors and on the coast and take your own safety census. Write about the death and injury statistics and see who the paddle boarders are in Southern Maryland. The majority are not the power racers or experienced surfers. They are your neighbors. Your neighbor’s skill level probably requires him or her to be wearing that life jacket.

The Coast Guard is watching for safety gear on stand-up paddle boards. When you do not have that gear the Guardians will return you to port.  Do the right thing and carry the gear and wear that life jacket.)