Paddleboarding is undoubtedly one of the most fun water sports out there. Typically, most people who participate in this activity do so with friends or family.
However, finding a partner to travel with you isn’t always possible. So, you might be curious to know: can you go paddle boarding alone? Keep reading to find out!
It is safe and legal to paddleboard alone. That being said, beginners should avoid paddleboarding alone. Moreover, even if someone is skilled, they must take basic safety measures to keep themselves safe. For instance, it entails letting someone know the location and taking the necessary equipment.
Understanding how to prepare for solo paddle boarding to ensure your safety is crucial.
So, this article will discuss how you can go paddleboarding alone safely, along with some other information you might find helpful.
What Are The Benefits Of Solo Paddle Boarding?
Paddleboarding solo can give you time for self-discovery. It will help you learn to enjoy your own company. Besides, you won’t have to delay or end your paddleboarding session quickly for someone else.
If you go by yourself, you can schedule whenever you choose and enjoy the sport for as long as you want.
Nobody can deny that everybody occasionally craves some personal time. You may escape everyone and everything by paddling alone, giving you time to unwind and appreciate your company.
Furthermore, paddleboarding in solitude allows you to enjoy the tranquil nature and the delightful sound of water dashing against your paddle.
Moreover, being able to go paddle boarding at any time is another advantage of solo paddle boarding.
Conflicting work schedules can be challenging to organize, and we change plans far too frequently because someone can’t seem to make it.
Initially, it can be pretty daunting. But you won’t have to put it on hold for anyone or work around their timetable.
Occasionally, you may have some unexpected spare time without anything to do. In such cases, you don’t need to ask others if they want to go SUPing. You can grab your board and go alone!
Lastly, you can spend as long as you like in the ocean! Unless you’re ready to head home, you can lengthen your session.
5 Things To Keep In Mind While Paddleboarding Alone
It’s safe to paddle alone, as mentioned earlier. But it is best to take various extra precautions besides the usual ones.
Remember that if you require assistance right away, you won’t be able to get it while solo paddle boarding.
So, now, let’s go over a few things to keep in mind while paddleboarding alone:
1. Choose Your Location Wisely
Whenever it comes to paddleboarding alone safely, location is crucial. In particular, if you’re a newbie, I advise going somewhere familiar to you and nearby your home.
It will make you feel safer. Moreover, you’ll undoubtedly feel more at ease.
When you’ve been canoeing for some time, starting your solo expedition in your usual spot would be ideal.
Additionally, it is best to go for calmer areas like bays and lakes. It is because they are much more predictable compared to vast oceans and swift rivers.
However, start your research once you’ve decided where you’re going. Study whatever you can regarding the location by visiting Google Maps.
After gathering all that information, thoroughly plan your route while considering the paddling skills.
Plan where you’ll enter and exit the water, as well as a backup plan, just in case. Besides, plan alternate exits if something prevents you from reaching your primary route.
2. Let Someone Know Your Location
Always notify somebody about the place you’re going, whether you’re leaving for a short trip or one that lasts for several days. Well, this person can be a dependable friend or relative.
It is a must to stay safe, as you want someone to be capable of finding you in case something happens. Tell the person your location, paddleboarding route, and estimated time.
However, you must pick a trustworthy person, as you’ll want them to file a missing person’s report if something horrible happens.
They must take the necessary steps if you fail to contact them by the predetermined deadline.
3. Realize Your Limitations
Knowing what you’re capable of is crucial. You must feel confident in your paddling abilities when alone on the water.
However, remember that beginners shouldn’t SUP by themselves. Even something seemingly harmless, like practicing paddling alone close to the shore, could go wrong.
For instance, what happens when the wind changes direction quickly? It may push you away from the coastline while you’re attempting to stay on the board.
If no one is around and you don’t have the appropriate skills, terrible things may happen!
Knowing your level of endurance is a must. Ask yourself if you have the energy and strength to paddle back after a few hours of paddleboarding. Identifying how well you know different directions and routes is also necessary.
Again, understanding how to deal with hardship is the final point in this section. If you tend to get stressed out if something goes wrong, it is best not to go paddleboarding alone.
4. Bring Necessary Items
Being adequately equipped is much more crucial when traveling alone. You can’t just rely on people to provide things you forget.
Therefore, you must be ready. Before leaving the house, ensure your backpack contains everything you need.
On the water, it is worthwhile to bring along a few necessary items to ensure your security and protection.
You may typically overlook these, but they could make a significant impact during solo paddleboarding.
Consider taking the following things while paddling alone:
- Snacks & Fluids: Everyone enjoys a snack. Pack food items such as an energy bar, trail mix, or chocolate bar that can provide an energy boost when required. Furthermore, it’s essential to remain hydrated. So, bringing a bottle of cold juice or water in the summer or a flask filled with hot liquid in the winter will enhance your experience.
- Phone: A phone is required for using a camera, GPS, and other emergency communication tools. However, be mindful of how quickly GPS can deplete your battery. So, make sure you have a backup charging battery or power bank available if you need it for extended paddles.
- First Aid Kits: It’s a good idea to have a few bandages, possibly alcohol, and Tylenol wipes in your bag. Remember to keep the necessary items to stay prepared for minor injuries; scrapes and cuts are some of the most typical.
Besides these, I recommend you keep repair kits, a whistle, a lighter, and a life jacket with you if you plan to go alone. Furthermore, you’ll have to have a waterproof bag for items like cash and a phone.
5. Checking Weather Forecasts Is A Must!
Examining the weather forecast every time you go paddleboarding is a must. However, it is even more crucial when you are going solo.
Understanding fundamental weather conditions like wind speed and direction is necessary before heading out. Moreover, learning to read a dynamic weather map or surf report is crucial.
Additionally, it is vital to check the water temperature, particularly at the season’s beginning and end.
It’s when the air may be warm, but the water may be chilly, resulting in potentially hazardous conditions.
Conclusion
Paddleboarding solo is fun and adventurous but you must take extra precautions to ensure your safety, if you are looking for quality paddleboards check out our page on the best Paddleboards on Amazon.
By now, you should have the answer to the question: can you go paddle boarding alone? I have also mentioned the essential safety tips for doing so.
Hopefully, you’ve found this article helpful. Thanks for reading through. Good luck, and stay safe!