80
California Boating
A Course for Safe Boating
Chapter 3
u
Vessel Operation
Right-of-Way
Like power and sailing vessels, paddlecraft must observe the “rules of the
road,” with regard to observing water traffic, obeying buoys and signs and
giving way to faster, larger vessels. It is important that paddlers keep a sharp
lookout, cross channels with care and always wear a life jacket. If you are
paddling a canoe, kayak or stand up paddleboard, be visible, courteous and
try not to get in the way of power and sailboats.
STAND UP PADDLEBOARDING
Stand up paddleboarding, or SUP as it is more commonly known, came to
California from Polynesian roots and Hawaii’s surf culture. The sport has
exploded in popularity beyond surfers who adopted stand up paddleboarding in
order to catch waves. The longer, wider paddleboards are now used by growing
numbers of boating enthusiasts on California lakes, rivers and miles of coastal
waters. Paddleboarding diversity includes racing, fishing, touring, and as a plat-
form for on-the-water cardio workouts and yoga exercises. With so much interest
and so many new paddlers merging on the water with other, larger boats, it is
important to know how to be safe while enjoying California’s waterways.
Because of this extensive growth of SUPs in many waterways, in 2008
the United States Coast Guard responded to safety concerns and classified
the paddleboards as vessels, in order to uniformly address personal and
navigational safety on the water. In California, this new classification means
that stand up paddleboarders are required to follow the Navigation Rules.
Paddleboard Safety
Before going on the water, check that the paddleboard is free of cracks and
leaks and that the fin and fin screw are secure. Also make sure the leash and
leash string are in good condition and tethered to the paddleboard. The deck
should have a non-skid pad or wax to keep the operator from slipping. If the
paddleboard has a vent plug, it must be secured in place prior to launch.
Personal Safety
Like other vessels, the stand up paddleboard must carry a Coast Guard-
approved life jacket in serviceable condition and of a type and size appropriate
for the conditions and the activity being engaged in. The life jacket must be
worn or readily available on the paddleboard. All paddleboarders and passen-
gers under 13 years of age are required to wear a life jacket.
The inherently low profile of the paddleboards, especially when the operator
is lying down or kneeling, can be a visibility problem for other boaters. The
operator must keep a sharp lookout for other vessels at all times. Operators
must always have a whistle or loud sound signal device, and a white light,
such as a head-mounted flashlight between sunset and sunrise. Other items
for personal safety include appropriate clothing: wicking, non-cotton fabric,
or a wet suit/dry suit, and foot protection.
Stand up paddleboard
TAKE NOTE
Stand up paddleboarders are
required to follow the Navigation
Rules and:
Carry or wear a Coast Guard-
approved life jacket (life jackets must
be worn by paddleboarders under
the age of 13).
Carry an efficient sound signaling
device such as a loud whistle.
Use a white navigation light
such as a strong flashlight
when paddleboarding between
sunset and sunrise and during
times of restricted visibility.
Photo courtesy of Treasure Island Sailing Center and Roy K. Miller