Paddleboarding Safety Tips
Hawaii is a great place to learn to surf. Boss Frog’s rents surfboards and paddleboards, and our agents have great recommendations for beginner spots to surf. To have the best time possible on a Boss Frog’s surfboard rental on Maui, here are some guidelines to help you:
Maui Paddleboarding Safety Tips
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Once you’re in the water, follow these paddleboarding safety tips, and you are sure to have a great time.
Say No to Offshore Winds
Never paddleboard in offshore winds
Stay Out of Surf Zones
Do not paddleboard in a surf zone
Tell Someone
Tell somebody where you are going
Stay Close To Shore
Do not paddleboard too far off shore
Buddy System
Always paddleboard with a buddy
Wear A Leash
Always wear a leash and put it on while you are safely on the beach
Never Paddle In Shore Break
Never paddleboard in the shore break
Check Conditions Before You Go
Check the weather and wind speed and direction before you go on a paddleboard.
Know Your Limits
Know your limits. Be a competent swimmer. You must always have the ability to swim back to shore
Use Sun Protection
Use Sun Protection. Reef-safe sun screen when possible!
Paddle In Water at least Shoulder Height
Make sure the water you are paddle boarding in is at least shoulder deep and clear of obstacles, so you won’t hit any coral under the water.
Don't Linger In Shore Break
Don’t linger near the shoreline any longer than you have to. Dangerous waves break in the shoreline zone.
Paddleboarding can be and fun and exciting sport, but please be cautious, especially of the wind. We want you to stay safe out on the ocean. When offshore winds are blowing (from the land out to the open sea), you must paddle against the wind to return to shore. Even if you are a regular athlete, this can be extremely tough, and you can wear yourself out simply maintaining your position.
If you are out when it’s windy, and you’re having trouble getting back, get on your knees and keep paddling. This will cut the amount of wind controlling your body by half, and should help a little.
Remember – you’re the only one responsible for you when you’re out on a paddleboard. If it’s windy, it’s not worth it.
Pay attention while paddling so your board (and the fins that act as rudders beneath it) do not run into or across any coral. Not only would that damage the reef, but the jolt can cause you to lose your balance. Falling onto coral heads – and the sea urchins frequently housed within them – can painfully injure you.
To enjoy your time paddleboarding, aim for the light-colored sand channels that weave around and among the reefs. It is easy to distinguish the safe zone from the non, since coral looks dark brown from above.