One of the fastest-growing water activities around the world is stand-up paddleboarding. It is an interesting sport that you can do with friends, kids, and dogs.
Whether you are paddling on an inflatable paddleboard or a solid paddleboard, it is an exciting watersport to try. It is simple, lively, and a good full-body workout.
It is an excellent way to have fun on the water, get fit, and enjoy some health benefits. By doing it regularly, you can be able to enhance your overall fitness.
Stand-up paddleboarding can be done on calm waters or surf on waves. However, you are advised to always follow the rules provided. By doing the right thing, you will have an exceptional time on the water and have a worry-free experience.
Even though it is possible to enjoy an injury-free paddling experience, you need to be prepared for anything. You need to plan in case something goes wrong when paddling. Keep in mind that you might be a distance from the medical help.
Whether you are a paddleboarding beginner or a skilled one, it is wise to know first aid tips and tricks to boost your stand-up paddleboarding experience.
Here are some first aid tips and tricks for stand-up paddleboarding for both beginners and experienced paddlers.
First-aid tips to enhance your stand-up paddleboarding experience
1. Always be prepared
Whether you are planning to paddle for a day or a few days, you need to be well prepared. Both new and experienced paddlers need to be well-prepared as well.
*Check the weather – you need to check the weather condition of the area you want to go to. This will help you pack according to the conditions. There are clothes for warm weather and cold weather.
Familiarize yourself with first aid techniques – before you go on the water, make sure you know a few first aid skills. The skills should be helpful for all areas.
Have the right personal flotation device – you need to have and wear a personal flotation device all the time you are on the water. Pick one that will allow you to enjoy paddling and still be safe.
2. Have basic first aid knowledge
Most people are tempted to just purchase a paddleboard and start paddling straight away. But it is important to have basic first aid knowledge.
No matter how many days or times you plan to do paddle boarding, it is essential to have basic first aid knowledge. Also, you can have a first aid kit with you. A first aid kit will be very helpful in case of an emergency.
There are a few basic first aid skills you can learn. Happily, you can get most of the information online. Some of the skills include how to stop bleeding, cleaning a wound to prevent infection, how to dress a wound, and much more.
Fortunately, most of these skills are all around. This means you can use them whether you are paddling or when on any other activity.
3. If you can go with a friend
Although paddling is a safe watersport that can be done by anyone, it is a good idea to go with a friend. It is fun to do it with a friend and he or she can help you in case of an emergency.
But if you are planning to go alone, tell someone where you are going for stand-up paddleboarding and when you will be back. Also, make sure you have your cell phone or a communication device.
Bring your phone as a communication device and take some photos as well. Therefore, make sure you have a waterproof pouch so that it does not get wet.
4. Have the essentials in your first aid kit
There are high chances that you might not utilize your first aid kit while paddling. However, it is important to have them just in case.
The essentials that you should have in the kit include antiseptic wipes, sutures, wound dressing, sterile saline solutions, and a few others. The kit should also contain latex gloves, bandages, scissors, safety pins, and Band-Aids in various sizes.
5. Always wear a leash
A leash is an important item for all paddlers. Whether you are a new or a skilled paddler, you should always wear a leash. It is very frustrating if you fall and you will have to start looking at your paddleboard. A leash will ensure you are connected to your board even if you fall.
6. Wear the right clothes for the weather
It is also essential to wear suitable clothes for the time of the year. For instance, during the winter months, you need to have a suit for the months, But during the summer months, a swimsuit will be okay.
But if you are planning to go paddling for a few days, make sure you have clothing for warm and cold conditions. This is because the weather can change at any time.
Bottom-line
With stand-up paddleboarding, you are going to enjoy most of the experiences without any incident. However, accidents can happen. And the best way to avoid serious issues is to be prepared.
By going paddling with a friend, learning the basic first aid tips, and being prepared with the right items, you can be sure to be ready in case an unanticipated event happens.
