Stand Up Paddleboard Safety

Stand Up Paddleboards used for navigation fall into the same category as canoes, kayaks, rowboats, rowing shells, and other human-powered boats less than 6 meters in length, and you are required to carry mandatory safety equipment under the Small Vessel Regulations. Navigating is defined as paddling across a body of water, or getting from Point A to Point B.

According to regulations, the necessary equipment for paddleboarding safely is as follows:

• Option 1: Wear a PFD or life jacket with a whistle.
• Option 2: Carry a PFD or life jacket on board with a buoyant heaving line, and a whistle.

If you fail to comply with these rules you could receive a $200 to $500 fine.

For more information, visit: https://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/marinesafety/debs-obs-resources-menu-4139.htm.