SUP Safety Week SUP Safety Survey 2020

This survey remains the property of  Above Water, if you would like to use the information gathered, please contact Above Water for permission.

Above Water SUP Safety Survey June 2020

We asked 100 paddle boarders, 21 questions as they came off a South Devon beach…

What board do you have?

Inflatable 81% | Hardboard 18% | Windsurf board 1%

    (info on board make & style also taken)

    How did you buy your board?

      Internet 60% | Walk in Shop 16% | Second hand- internet 6% /Friend- 16% | other 2%

      When you purchased your board, were you given safety advice?

      YES 16% NO 84%

      Do you know what you are doing on a Stand Up Paddle Board?

      YES 33% NO 67%

      What is your experience level?

      Beginner 72% | Intermediate 19% | Advanced 9%

      Why do you Stand Up Paddle Board?

        Relaxation 30% | Fitness 45% | Friendship 6% | Nature watching/fishing 4% | combination 10% | other 5%

        Do you do any other water based activities?

        YES 44% NO 56%

        Did you warm up/ Cool down for your SUP paddle today?

        YES 5% NO 95%

        Did you paddle more than 400m from the shore/safe exit point?

        YES 87% NO 13%

          (this question was cross referenced against experience level)

          Did you paddle on your own today?

          YES 45% NO  55%

          Have you ever got into a situation on a SUP that made you panic?

          YES 46% No 54%

          Did you acclimate (get in the water) to the water conditions before starting to SUP?

          YES 4% NO 96%

          Did you fall in?

          YES 61% NO 39%

            (this question was cross referenced against experience level)

            What did you wear to SUP?

              Wetsuit 64% | other water specific clothing 10% | fitness clothing 9% | swim clothing 12% | other 5%

              (*37% of wetsuits worn were poorly fitted)

              Do you carry a phone when out on your SUP?

              YES 24% NO 76%

              Do you wear a leash?

              YES 82% NO  18%

              Do you wear a Buoyancy aid?

              YES 22% NO  78%

                (this question was cross referenced against experience level)

                Who do you call in an emergency on water?

                  999 Coastguard- 61% | 999- 22% |911- 6% |Don’t know- 11%

                  Did you check the weather, tides, access & location information before your SUP today?

                    YES 46% | NO 30% | Why do I need to do that 24%

                    Have you ever had a lesson?

                      YES (professional) 4% | YES (with a mate) 31% | NO 65%

                      Do you think you would benefit from a SUP lesson?

                      YES 45% NO 55%

                      Extra observations

                      • Paddlers who paddled with their paddle the wrong way           WRONG 24% RIGHT 76%
                      • Paddlers who required help to get back into shore                             2%