Peer Paddles

Within paddleboarding it is now widespread for social groups of paddlers to form organised ‘groups’ undertaking paddles and trips.

There is not enough clarity amongst the community, that although organised, this is not risk free paddling.

During a ‘peer paddle’ you are invited by its instigator to be completely responsible for yourself on their trip. But any notion that you are amongst friends who you believe would and could rescue you, are ill placed. You won't always know the people that you paddle with, and what their experience is, that includes the instigator. This safety illusions may be because those who organise events are unaware of their responsibilities.

If you propose a plan, choose a venue, assess the weather and bring people together, then you assume the position of a formal leader who owes those paddlers a duty of care. This then raises the question of whether the instigator has the experience or ability to rescue others.

The strongest paddlers in a group do not cancel out the weakest paddlers, so the least experienced person sets the safety limit for that paddle. Often, that least experienced paddler is unable to quantify the risk for themselves, so the leader should do this, and it can mean tough choices. But if instigators are offering an open invite, this can get over looked.

Only join a social paddle if you are 100% confident you could undertake that paddle by yourself. Trips on the sea, harbours, estuaries, means understanding fully what the wind, swell, tides and current are going to do. Conditions can change quickly, and you need to be able to self rescue in unexpected conditions.

If you’re in any uncertain, book a safety or navigation session with us so you stay safe and confident on the water.

Credit: Rock Water Adventure