It is just as important to wear a life jacket as it is for you to wear a seatbelt or for athletes to wear the right protective equipment.

  

From the World Paddle Association website:

The United States Coast Guard (USCG) has officially classified stand up paddleboards (SUP) as a vessel... Adult stand-up paddlers are required to have* a USCG-approved life jacket also known as Personal Floatation Device (PFD, Type III) for each person, a sound signaling device (whistle), visual distress signal and navigation light (flashlight).   Read more 

  

*Note: The requirement is to have a PFD with you. Not all waterways will require you to wear a PFD, BUT you should have one with you to comply with the law. Many SUPers will bungee their PFD to the front of their board. See SUP Deck Lashmates System 

  

such a controversial topic for SUPers.

MTI Fluid Belt Pack

  

On one hand, stand up paddleboards are used along the coasts by surfers, who do not want to be encumbered by a vest. They feel that being tethered to a board can be deemed  an alternate or replacement for having a PFD. Hey, if a seat cushion on a boat or airplane can qualify, why not a stand up paddleboard? How much easier would it be to administer CPR or first aid to a victim or person in need on a SUP board rather than in the water?

  

On the other hand, because stand up paddleboarding is an emerging sport that's catching on in the outdoor and fitness segments, many of these new SUPers are also new to water sports and may not be aware of navigation rules and possible dangers. For their own protection, many privately owned and park district waters are requiring the use of PFDs.     

  

  

Personal flotation device manufacturers are addressing the PFD issue by creating more products designed for stand up paddlers. Inflatable vests and belts that are less cumbersome, but pricey, are being developed.

See MTI Fluid Belt Pack  (shown above left)

  

Traditional-styled vests that take into account the unique paddling stroke of paddleboarding are appearing. The PFDs that we have selected for the store are designed for stand up paddleboarding, kayaking as well as canoeing.

See MTI Journey SUP PFD  (shown above right)

See MTI Cascade SUP PFD  (Shown right)

  

It's and old saying but in this case it works. You never know what is around the bend... and we know from experience that some of the boaters out there are not always paying attention 100%.  Wear a life vest, we want you to be safe.     

  

Oh, and don't forget your (required) whistle. See Rescue whistle

 

The BIC One Design Challenge puts challengers against each other using identical equipment on a 1 mile buoyed course.

  

Everyone who attended our 1st BIC SUP One Design Challenge had a great time. Most of the participants were new to SUPing and took this opportunity to hone their new skills, make new friends and enjoy a super day on the water.

  

Read More Details                      Come join our next Challenge!