Latest news with #paddleboarding
Telegraph
2 days ago
- Health
- Telegraph
Everything you need to know about paddle boarding in the UK
The health benefits of being near water, so-called 'blue spaces', are profound. From the noise, smell and even the light reflecting on the surface, water – whether fresh or sea – has been proven to help relax and revive us. In the past decade, the popularity of paddle boarding as a way to enjoy our coasts and inland waterways has risen exponentially. It is a gentle and accessible activity for all ages that requires minimal investment. As well as benefitting our mental state, paddle boarding is a brilliant physical workout improving balance and coordination, strengthening the core and building cardio endurance while being easy on the joints and pleasurable to boot. But being on the water is not without danger. In 2023, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) rescued 22 paddle boarders across the UK, up from three rescues in 2019. There have also been fatalities – most recently a tragic incident involving four people in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire in 2021. Since then, a national governing body has been formed – Paddle UK (formerly British Canoeing), which works with the RNLI and water authorities around the UK to increase awareness of stand-up paddle board (SUP) safety. Paddle UK is also working with training provider British Stand Up Paddle Association (BSUPA) to establish standards and consistency in SUP qualifications and safety across the country, expected to be published in August. 'Rivers, lakes and the sea can so quickly turn from appealing places of calm to a hostile environment,' says professional paddle boarder and former lifeguard Brendon Prince, who set up water safety charity Above Water in 2017. He works tirelessly to educate anyone planning to take to the water on the dangers – whether of rip currents, cold shock or fast-flowing water – and what simple steps can be taken to avoid an accident. This is how to stay safe on the water while paddle boarding. Paddleboarding safety tips Get a lesson from a qualified instructor After buying a board, consider spending an additional £50 to learn the fundamentals of balance, control, technique, self-rescue and safety planning. SUP instructor and BSUPA chairman Andrew Tee said: 'A little bit of tuition goes a long way. Think of paddle boarding like skiing: you wouldn't just take a cable car to the top of a mountain and give it a go.' Be sure to check that instructors or tour leaders are qualified to teach in the conditions you are planning to paddle – ask for their qualifications and cross-reference with Paddle UK or BSUPA.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Teen paddleboarders rescued in fading light
Two teenagers on a paddleboard have been rescued after getting into trouble off the Cornish coast, rescuers say. Looe RNLI was alerted about the stranded teenagers off Downderry at 20:57 BST on Saturday after onlookers reported seeing them waving their paddles "in distress". Once at the scene, Looe RNLI said it found two teenagers a "fair way out to sea and unable to return to shore in the fading light". An RNLI spokesperson said the pair were taken back to the lifeboat station to warm up and await the arrival of their parents. More news stories for Cornwall Listen to the latest news for Cornwall Follow BBC Cornwall on X, Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to spotlight@ Fowey to receive fastest class of lifeboat 'You build up an enormous bond with your boat' RNLI
BBC News
3 days ago
- General
- BBC News
Teen paddleboarders rescued in fading light off Downderry
Two teenagers on a paddleboard have been rescued after getting into trouble off the Cornish coast, rescuers say. Looe RNLI was alerted about the stranded teenagers off Downderry at 20:57 BST on Saturday after onlookers reported seeing them waving their paddles "in distress". Once at the scene, Looe RNLI said it found two teenagers a "fair way out to sea and unable to return to shore in the fading light".An RNLI spokesperson said the pair were taken back to the lifeboat station to warm up and await the arrival of their parents.
The Sun
4 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Lidl is selling a paddleboard that'll provide joy on the water this summer – and it's £80 cheaper than a Decathlon buy
A FUN summer buy is available from the popular budget retailer for almost half the price of other sellers. Lidl is providing items for enjoying the summer days that are on the way for a good price. 2 The Crivit All-Round Inflatable SUP is priced at just £99.99, and will be available at Lidl stores this week from Thursday May 29. This stand-up paddle board is £80 cheaper than the Decathlon version that is currently going for £179.99. Decathlon's Stand up paddle inflatable pack was initially even more expensive, with an initial price of £239.99. Both items are inflatable boards that can be used on small bays, lakes, rivers, canals or other protected offshore waters. The Lidl SUP pack includes a paddle that can stretch up to 217 cm, a double-action pump to inflate and deflate the board, a rucksack, leash, repair kit and slid-in fin, The rucksack, as well as carry strap in the middle of the board, makes it easy to transport whether inflated or deflated. Decathlon's pack includes similar additions, as well as a repair cloth and valve spanner that can be used when the paddle board is deflated. It is slightly larger, measuring 3 metres 20cm, whilst Lidl's is 3 metres 5cm. The Decathlon SUP can therefore hold multiple people with a maximum capacity 130kg. However, the Lidl version only holds one person at a maxiumum load of 100kg. Items to always buy at Lidl The SUP from Lidl comes with a number of other bargain water sports items just in time for the summer. Along with the Crivit Inflatable board also comes a Premium Snorkel Mask which can be bought for just £12.99, a Parasol or an Inflatable Pool Lounger both for under £5 Other regular swimming items for a good price include goggles for just £1.99.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Lifeguards rescue paddleboarder blown out to sea
Lifeguards are urging people to take care in the water after rescue crews responded to reports of a paddleboarder who fell from his board. Bridlington RNLI said a man became separated from his board and had been blown further out to sea because of strong winds. The paddleboarder was found three quarters of a mile (1.2km) off the shore of Fraisthorpe just after 15:00 BST on Sunday, the charity added. The crew said the man was suffering from extreme cold and was taken to hospital after spending nearly an hour trying to swim back to the beach. Volunteer Sarah Berrey said: "Thankfully, the casualty had gone out with a friend who had the means to raise the alert for assistance and with great multi agency work, along with the continual training we do, this turned out to have a positive outcome." The man was released from hospital after a few hours, Ms Berrey added. The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) has urged paddleboarders and kayakers to: Always wear a buoyancy aid or lifejacket Check the weather and tide conditions Carry a mobile phone in a waterproof pouch or a VHF radio to call for help Tell someone where you are going and when you will be back. The charity also advised staying with your board and calling 999 to ask for the coastguard if you are in trouble. Listen to highlights from Hull and East Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here. RNLI urges people to float in latest safety guide Don't go into water to save your dogs, owners told Inflatables warning after spate of sea rescues RNLI
