A Course for Safe Boating

California Boating

A Course for Safe Boating

Chapter 3

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