MARINA PADDLE SAFETY 101

SUP & Kayak Marina Safety • Know Before You Go •

Pro SUP Shop is located at the end of D Basin.

Be sure you know which channel takes you back to Pro SUP Shop.
Mother’s Beach to the Marina Breakwall and back is 4.6 miles! If you make it there remember you still have to paddle 2.3 miles back to Pro SUP Shop. It takes the average paddler about 1.5 hours. Winds and weather may change, plan accordingly.

PREPARE: Check your equipment, wind, weather and a map before launching

PROTECT: Hydrate, stretch, and apply sunscreen before you go.

PLAN: Make sure you and a buddy know your route and look at a map of the marina so you don’t get lost

KNOW YOUR SURROUNDINGS: Maintain a 360 degree awareness. Steer clear of obstacles, debris and vessels.

PADDLE SAFE AND BE COURTEOUS: ALWAYS give boaters the right of way. Keep to the right and never paddle down the center of the channel.

AVOID MARINE LIFE: Maintain a safe distance from marine life such as sea lions. Shuffle your feet when entering the lagoon to avoid stepping on stingrays.

STAY BALANCED: Keep your eyes on the horizon and your core tight to help keep you stable while on your board. In high winds or when fatigued, you can paddle on your knees to lower your center of gravity to paddle through.

CONTROL YOUR BOARD: Learn to turn, stop and speed up in the lagoon before you head out into the Marina. We can give you a brief demonstration on the sand before you go!

KEEP YOUR FOUR-LEGGED FRIEND SAFE: Put your pet in a life vest with a handle so you can pull them out of the water if they jump or fall into the water.

Rules & Safety

1. YOU MUST KNOW HOW TO SWIM.

Always paddle with a Personal Floatation Device (PFD).

2. STAY OUT OF THE CENTER OF THE CHANNEL.

The center of the channel is for boats only. Boats have the right of way. For your own safety and protection, remain on the sides of the channels.

3. KEEP TRACK OF YOUR TIME.

You will be charged for any time over your rental period. Overages are charged in 30 minute increments. Please keep track of your time and allow for wind changes that may affect your return time.

4. YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL YOUR RENTAL EQUIPMENT.

This includes the board and/or kayak, paddle and PFD. If you have a collision or damage the board, please tell a Pro SUP Shop staff member so repairs can be made.

5. KNOW YOUR STRENGTH AND YOUR LIMITS.

Listen to your body; you have to paddle back the same distance that you paddled out & weather conditions or winds may change. If you’re a new paddler, you’ll want to stay in or around D Basin. It’s often much harder to paddle out in the main channel.

6. DO NOT STAND ON BOARD UNTIL YOU’RE IN KNEE-DEEP WATER.

The fin is the most fragile part of the board. Never stand on the board when out of water or in very shallow water. You will be held responsible for damages.