Required SUP Safety Equipment

Since the 'what safety equipment am I required to have?' question comes up a lot I though I'd cover that here in my Paddle Blog. The other question is can the PFD be on the board or does it have to be warn to be legal. As a water craft SUPS are covered under Transport Canada Requirements, so it's a federal requirement. That means it's not a suggestion, its the law. Because it's federal it's the same no matter what province you are in.

Every time I hear 'but I'm a strong swimmer', my answer will always be the same. The ocean doesn't care.

Here is what has been published by Paddle Canada, referencing Transport Canada's regulations.

https://www.paddlecanada.com/are-you-using-a-stand-up-paddleboard

Summary

Option 1: WEAR a lifejacket with a whistle (no buoyant heaving line required).

Option 2: CARRY a lifejacket on board with whistle and a buoyant heaving line.

Option 3: NONE then could receive a $200 – $500 fine for non-compliance.

* watertight flashlight is required for lowlight or nighttime conditions

Personally, I always say go with Option 1. It's safest. Fatalities on SUP are usually preventable if PFDs are worn and leashes are used.

On the Leash topic, they are not mentioned in Transport Canada's requirements but should be worn, period! If you get separate from your board your chances of survival go down quickly. Especially if bad weather and low temps are contributing factors. The water doesn't care how good a swimmer you think you are.

Here is a link to the Transport Canada Repudiations, you'll find SUPs on page 18

https://tc.canada.ca/sites/default/files/migrated/tp_511e.pdf