Standup Paddle Safety Equipment Recommendations from Barefoot Paddle

Written by WPA certified instructor Heather Zak-Malcolm

Like any activity in any environment, make sure you "know before you go" and that you match your adventure with your ability level and the conditions that day. Read More about Standup Paddleboard (SUP) Safety Rules and Tips.

NOTE: ALL LEGALLY REQUIRED SAFETY EQUIPMENT FOR DAYTIME USAGE OF YOUR PADDLECRAFT WILL COME WITH YOUR RENTAL FREE OF CHARGE.

An important component of SUP Safety is to make sure that you have the right equipment to

have fun safely. Be sure to have the required safety equipment for paddling on calm water during daylight hours - a regulation universal sized PFD (which because you will not also have a two rope MUST BE WORN AT ALL TIMES) and a whistle. However, you are responsible for ensuring you have it with you, are using it as required, and are meeting any additional requirements for the conditions and waterways you choose to use the paddlecraft. For example, a waterproof flashlight will also be required for dusk to dawn paddling. If you do not carry a tow rope, you must wear your PFD at all times. Check out Transport Canada's equipment requirements or its Boating Safety website.

Note that you are also responsible for checking to be sure you have the required safety equipment with you and it is in good working order before you go on the water.

Although there are some very specific exceptions, by law you need some minimum safety equipment. Briefly, you MUST either wear a properly fitted, regulation lifejacket or Personal Floatation Device (PFD) or carry a tow rope. You can read more here.

Your Additional Lifeline - A Leash

Though it's not yet the law, you should always wear the coiled ankle leash with your standup paddleboard, UNLESS you are choosing to provide your own leash that meets standards of safety for the waterway on which you have chosen to paddle. Read more about Standup Paddleboard Leash Safety.

SUP Minimum Safety Equipment - Transport Canada

To READ MORE about SUP Minimum Safety Equipment under the law, download the Transport Canada Safe Boating Guide.

Regulations regarding Lifejackets and Personal Floatation Devices (PFD).

Transport Canada's Safe Boating Guide provides information on how to choose and use a Lifejacket or Personal Floatation Device (PFD).

You should know the following the Transport Canada guide for choosing, fitting and wearing lifejackets or PFDs, including their use for children.

Here is the information for your convenience.