SUP Safety

SUP Ankle Leashes

Please do not ever use an Ankle Leash while Paddleboarding on a river. Ankle leashes are a serious entrapment hazard on rivers, as the force of the moving water makes it difficult or impossible to release the leash in the event of an entrapment.

#SUPUnleashed

We created a short video highlighting the dangers of ankle leashes on rivers: https://youtu.be/LpMgppC9upM

PFDs

PFDs are the most important piece of safety gear you can own. But it doesn't do you any good if you're not wearing it. Please wear your PFD at all times on the river, no matter how calm and safe the river may appear.

SUP Anchors

SUP Anchors are for use on LAKES ONLY. They should never ever be used on a river as they are a serious entrapment hazard. There was a tragic fatality on the Bow River in Calgary in summer 2022 when a paddler's ankle leash got entangled with her anchor and she drowned.

Further Resources

Podcast about Leash use - The Safety Break