Winter Water Safety Tips For Paddle Boarders Of All Levels

Just because it's cold and grey doesn’t mean you have to pack your paddle board away. Paddle boarding in winter is still great fun. You just need to ensure that you're taking a few extra winter water safety precautions to stay safe in the more hazardous conditions that winter presents. Regardless of your experience, safety should always be a top priority when you go paddle boarding, but more so than ever when you’re out on the water during the winter months. Enjoy a safe session on the water during the colder months by following our essential winter water safety advice:

Think About Your Location

A lot of winter water safety involves good preparation and planning. Look for locations where there are plenty of good access points for launching and landing, plenty of places to go ashore, and minimal boat traffic. You should also look for spots that are protected from wind and waves. If you are a beginner, you should avoid paddling in tidal waters, and stick to paddling in flat water while you build your skills. This is particularly important for winter water safety, where the water conditions are likely to be more dangerous than during the summer.

Check The Weather Forecast

Checking the weather forecast is an essential paddle boarding safety tip for any time of the year, however it’s particularly crucial for winter water safety. Weather conditions during the winter can be a lot harsher, creating more hazardous paddling environments. When checking the weather forecast, pay particular attention to the wind and air temperature. Wind creates choppy conditions that can destabilise you or throw you off course, whilst cold temperatures can be dangerous, particularly if you fall in the water. If you are heading to a lake or river, avoid going after heavy rainfall, as this increases pollution and debris, whilst causing water levels to rise to a dangerous level.