When it comes to Standup Paddleboarding with children, the idea is that they have a blast but primarily safely.
The benefit of the hobby is getting the kids outdoors and away from devices. Too many kids isolate themselves in their rooms with electronics without knowing how magnificent nature is.
Paddleboarding is one of the most wonderful ways to expose kids to the beauty surrounding us; check the Paddle Board Athlete website for details on the sport. It’s also the best way to get some quality family time, even with the little ones.
As a matter of fact, it’s wise nowadays to introduce an active lifestyle as early as possible with many adventures like SUP to encourage a well-rounded development into adulthood.
SUP, in particular, has the capacity to help kids establish trust and confidence not only in you but in themselves as they grow older. As a parent, the priority is that kids remain safe while enjoying SUP, whether alongside them or on their own.
Many accidents that happen while SUP’ing can be prevented with adequate preparation and considering where the hazards lie. Let’s take a look at a few tips meant to keep kids safe in the water.
What Are Safety Tips To Follow When SUP’ing With Your Kids
When you can get the kids outside of the house ready to enjoy family time in nature, it’s always a good day. Children always have a good time when water is involved. With SUP or standing-up paddleboarding, kids can gain many great benefits from the experience.
Not only is there the opportunity to develop their balance skills but gain strength, plus it will be necessary to establish a sense of trust and confidence both in the parents and themselves. Go to https://runwildmychild.com/stand-up-paddleboard-with-kids/ for guidance on how to SUP with kids.
As a parent, you will always see the dangers and want to protect and ensure safety. Many times when accidents happen, they had the potential to be prevented if there had been consideration of the hazards beforehand or if there was better preparation.
As far as water sports are concerned, according to statistics, SUP is among the safest activities. Still, you will want to engage in safety rules to keep your child out of harm’s way. Check out a few tips meant for kids’ overall safety in the water.
● A personal floating device should be worn whenever a child goes into the water
A safety priority for children who engage in paddleboarding or SUP is never getting into the water, even if it’s just for a second, without using a PDF or life jacket. That’s even if the kid is walking in exceptionally shallow water.
This protection might mean the difference between a few minutes to pull them to safety and an unfortunate incident if a child were to slip and hit their head or another similar scenario.
It should be a natural instinct to put it on with you as the parent leading by example. The jacket should fit the child securely, so it’s wise to have it checked out by a representative familiar with PDF if you’re unsure how it should fit.
● The leash is necessary
Whether the child is surfing the waves or not, the leash attaching the child’s ankle to the board is indeed critical. While out in the water, there is every possibility the waves from the wind or the current can cause the board to float away.
That’s a major problem for those out in the open water. When the leash is attached, this can be prevented, plus the child will be able to grab onto the board even if they aren’t able to climb on right away.
Usually, you can get boards that come with leashes. Make sure if you have children you want to take SUP’ing that you only choose these boards. Click for SUP child safety.
● Always pay attention to the weather before you go out
It is likely something anyone would automatically do. Still, you should always check the weather forecast the evening before your adventure and then again that morning to ensure the weather conditions will be favorable.
There are occasions for accidents when people forget to check the weather before they head out, and the conditions change abruptly while out on the water.
Things can go downhill relatively quickly when storm clouds come through, and the wind starts to thrash, especially if these are thunderstorms. Those are moments when no one should be out on the water.
A suggestion, particularly in the heart of the summer, is to avoid going out on sweltering summer afternoons, especially if there’s even a slight chance of a storm.
● Everyone thinks someone else is watching
When you have a group of adults with a gaggle of kids, everyone thinks someone is watching the kids, but in reality, no one is usually paying attention. It is vital to have a designated parent assigned to watch the kids every second they’re near or on the water, whether SUP’ing or just playing on the edge.
The parents should each take a turn with the children having the guideline that the one in charge can’t be distracted from their duty or turn away from the kids for even a second. Anything could happen in the blink and has in so many cases. This is a priority safety rule.
Final Thought
As a parent, you want to ensure your child becomes familiar with the paddleboard. Kids have the greatest degree of confidence and trust in their parents. When you take the time to teach them the proper technique, how to fall, how to get back on, balancing, and let them know they’ll be okay in each of these situations because you’ll be right there until they’re comfortable on their own.
They’ll eventually develop their own level of confidence and security. And because you prioritize safety, they’ll follow your lead in playing it safe in and around the water.
