My Two Cents Regarding SUP’s and PFD’s

I too am disappointed that Paddle Canada(PC) did not support the Leash as an appropriate substitute for the PFD but I am not so quick to throw PC under the bus as an organization that we should stop supporting. As a member of the committee that developed the SUP instructional program, naturally, I feel like we have a good program backed by a strong organization.  I am frustrated that our opinion was not accepted prior to issuing their statement but I am not necessarily surprised. PC is an organization that puts safety first and with their strong ties to Transport Canada I’m not surprised that they chose to go the politically correct ‘safety’ route.  They simply said that the safest option is to wear a PFD and use a leash.  While these two pieces of equipment may seem redundant you can’t deny it does represent the safest option.  Check out this link to a story of a Surf Ski Paddler who sadly died this year due to a failed leash. http://skinnyski.com/notices/display.asp?Id=23697 I understand that there are lots of factors at play and this is a different sport but it is not too difficult to imagine a story like this coming up involving a Stand Up Paddler.

Don’t get me wrong I am a strong believer in a leash being a very safe replacement for a PFD in most situations but I have some trouble letting paddlers try and justify that an inflatable waistbelt PFD is something that adds an unacceptable amount of “complexity and cost”.  For me, this argument fails when it comes from a paddler on a $1000-$2000 board with a $350 carbon paddle in their hand.

On a related note, there was mention on paddlesurf.ca of Paddle Canada requiring paddlers to wear PFDs in the surf:   “PC requires that PFD’s are worn for all paddling programs including SUP.” (Source). This blanket statement applies ALL programs, including surf.  If you’ve ever surfed, you know this is a ridiculous implication and seems to illustrates Paddle Canada’s inexperience with surfing oriented sports.  I would just like to point out that during last week’s Paddle Canada SUP Surf Course, PFDs were not worn and participants were not instructed to wear them while paddlesurfing. While some members of Paddle Canada may not have experience with surfing oriented sports I can assure you that those who are involved in teaching the surfing aspects do have the necessary experience.

Anyway that is my two cents. I welcome all comments!