SAFETY GUIDELINES

We’ve set out a guide how to use our equipment safely below. This is a only a guide. If hirers require a full Health and Safety Guide, they must consult a professional.

Safety Guidelines*

*This is a guideline only.  Marlow Boating Limited will not be held responsible for the safety of Hirers and Hirers should consult our HIRER Terms and Conditions for further clarification and always seek professional advice from an approved body before going on the water.

1. Wear Personal Floatation Devices
   We always recommend the use of a Personal Floatation Device PFD or Life Jacket when using our Paddleboards.  For people who are able to swim we recommend at least a 50 Newton buoyancy Aid or life belt
   For weak swimmers, and young children we recommend proper Life Jackets of at least 100 Newtons. Get more Info HEREon this.
   We do not recommend our Boards for non-swimmers.
   
   We recommend that dogs also wear a floatation device!
2. Wear The Leash
   If you fall off your board the first thing you will want to do is retrieve your paddle (but it’s always best to try to hold on to it!). In order not to get separated from your board, ALWAYS WEAR THE LEASH ROUND YOUR LOWER LEG.
   There is much debate on quick release waist leashes currently.
   We do not recommend using our boards on fast flowing water or tidal rivers and – and if so you should be qualified or supervised by a qualified person.  
3. When to Stand Up
   We suggest you start off by kneeling on the SUPs until you are confident to stand up. Do not stand up on the boards in shallow water or next to hard objects, such as pontoons or boats.
4. Wear Shoes
   We recommend that users wear some form of shoe when on our boards to protect the bottom of their feet should they need to step off in to shallow water.
5. Always Supervise young People
   As parents ourselves, we feel that all people under 18 years should be supervised when on the water in all conditions.
6. Follow any Local Rules and Advice
   Water can be unpredictable and it is always advisable to check with the local sources of information on water safety in the area before you take to the water.
   For example, rivers are rated by the flow and depending on the river, some craft are not allowed on the water during particular flow rates.
   OR – there may be a particularly dangerous part of a coastal area you wish to paddle on so check with the local coast guard, the RNLI or Harbour Master.
   Always take a cautious approach.
7. Advise People On Land
   Always tell someone land based about a trip you intend to take with times and vicinity and report to them when you are back safely.
8. Take a Mobile Phone//VHF Radio or Tracking Device
   If you can, take a charged mobile phone or VHF radio in a sealed dry bag in case of an emergency. Download ‘What 3 Words’ App
9. Take adequate clothing for your trip
   Do not wear jeans of other water-logging clothes or wellington boots, waters, heavy waterproofs. If you are paddling a distance, take spare clothes in a dry bag.
   If it’s cold, wear a wetsuit or dry suit.
10. Plan your journey
    Always be realistic with the distance you plan to travel. Never paddle in the dark or in busy shipping lanes.
11. River Paddling
    If paddling on a river, stay on the correct side of the river (normally the right) do not go through locks and use the “Portage” areas and carry your boards round. Avoid the tops and bottoms of all weirs.
    Never try to go down a weir.
    Do not paddle in fast flowing water or shallows/rapids.
12. Plan for Tides
    If you are on the sea, be aware of the tide times and strengths and always seek expert advice if unsure.
13. Protect yourself from the Sun
    The sun reflects off the water intensifying it’s power, Cover up, wear sunscreen, a hat and decent sun glasses (even when it does not seem to be very sunny).
14. Keep Hydrated and Your Energy Up
    Take some water and some snacks if you are paddling a distance.
15. Paddle in Pairs
    If you are going on an adventure trip, we strongly recommend that you buddy with another board or another vessel.
16. Do not Use Faulty Equipment
    Whilst we always check our kit before it goes out, things can fail. If you have any doubts, do not use and contact us and we will advise and do our best to sort any problems out fairly and quickly.
17. Do not Paddle in a strong off shore wind
18. WEILL’S Disease
    When paddling on inland waters, there is a small chance that there might be Weill’s disease in the water. People should wash hands with fresh water/antibacterial gel before eating, shower after and should someone get flu like symptoms and need to go to a doctor shortly after, let your doctor know where you were paddling.
19. Ensure that the board is inflated correctly – at least 17PSI
    If your SUP is not inflated properly it can create too much drag in the water and prevent the paddler making reasonable headway.
20. Licensing – it is your responsibility to license the craft on whatever waterway you are paddling on
21. Have FUN & Respect Nature!

For more information, we recommend you seek advice from British Canoeing

BUY A SUP:
Best Value - 3 Years Warranty

INSURANCE INFORMATION

SUP Hire UK is a responsible Hirer of SUP equipment and we value our customers’ safety as our #1 priority.

We hold Public Liability Insurance up to £10 Million. This means that if customers damage someone else’s equipment whilst using our equipment correctly, our insurance can pay up to £10 Million in costs whilst the boards are under hire.

WE DO NOT INSURE HIRERS FOR PERSONAL INJURY COVER WHEN ON OUR SUPS.
(For example if you have an injury or worse whilst using our equipment),
Customers should check with their existing insurers that they have adequate Personal Cover when using a SUP. If you do not have cover, we can recommend:   SUPINSURE.COM

Our equipment is also insured for Loss, damage and theft.  Should the equipment be lost, damaged, beyond reasonable repair or stolen whilst under the HIRE AGREEMENT PERIOD, customers will be charged a maximum of £200, and any claims would be made under our insurance policy with our lawyers.

For more details on the details of the Terms of the Rental please read our Remote SUP Hirer Terms.