Normativa paddle surf: todo lo que necesitas saber para navegar en playas, ríos, lagos y embalses

Did you know that according to paddle surf regulations, practicing Stand Up Paddle on the coast is not the same as doing it on the waters of a navigable reservoir? It sounds strange, right? In fact, you probably hadn't even thought about it before... However, the specific requirements for navigating different types of waters are extremely important:

• Firstly, to comply with the safety measures established by the authorities.

• Also, to avoid financial penalties.

• And even when choosing your paddle board! Only a board with a unique serial number will allow you to navigate rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.

Paddle Surf Regulations for the Coast

Regarding the coast, paddle surf regulations establish that Stand Up Paddle can be practiced on the beach without any special permit. That said, to ensure the safety of swimmers and paddle board users themselves, there are certain rules about how and where you can use them:

• To begin with, the regulations state that navigation is only permitted during daylight hours and within the areas designated by the maritime authority.

• Sporting and recreational navigation is prohibited in properly marked swimming areas (with buoys).

• In coastal areas that are not signposted, it is understood that the swimming zone occupies the first 200 meters from the coast. Within these unmarked zones, navigation should not exceed a speed of 3 knots.

• Moreover, according to the paddle surf regulations, floating vessels or devices that leave or approach beaches must do so perpendicularly to the shore, navigating cautiously and always at less than 3 knots from 200 meters out to the beach (or vice versa). If there are designated access channels, they must be used.

Paddle Surf Regulations for Rivers, Lakes, and Reservoirs

In freshwater areas, to enjoy your paddle board on rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, paddle surf regulations require two essential elements:

• Administrative requirements: For some hydrographic basins, you must apply for a permit before navigating.

• Technical requirements: It is essential that your paddle board has a unique serial number. Without it, you won't be able to complete the administrative documentation.

At HUIIKE, all our paddle boards come with a unique serial number, allowing you to apply for the necessary permits to legally navigate rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. You can learn more about our models Enjoyer Collection, Beach Collection y Tropical Collection sections!

Steps to Obtain Paddle Surf Permits from Your Local Hydrographic Confederation

1. Consult the Paddle Surf Regulations for the Basin Where You Intend to Navigate

   As a general rule, all vessels over 2.5 meters in length must apply for a permit. However, each Hydrographic Confederation has its own specific paddle surf regulations.

   Our recommendation is to start by searching online and, if in doubt, call the corresponding Hydrographic Confederation. Below, you’ll find a link to the directory of the 9 Spanish Hydrographic Confederations, along with specific links to each one:

   • Cantabrian Hydrographic Confederation, O.A.

   • Duero Hydrographic Confederation, O.A.

   • Ebro Hydrographic Confederation, O.A.

   • Guadalquivir Hydrographic Confederation, O.A.

   • Guadiana Hydrographic Confederation, O.A.

   • Júcar Hydrographic Confederation, O.A.

   • Miño-Sil Hydrographic Confederation, O.A.

   • Segura Hydrographic Confederation, O.A.

   • Tagus Hydrographic Confederation, O.A.

   Important: If you navigate in an area where permits are required and you don’t have one, you could be fined. According to Law 9/2010, of July 30, navigation and floating of vessels in prohibited areas—or in permitted areas without submitting the required declaration—is classified as a minor offense and can be fined up to €6,010.12.

2. Complete the Responsible Declaration Form

   If the hydrographic basin where you intend to paddle requires an administrative permit, you must complete the corresponding responsible declaration form, print it out, and fill it in as indicated.

   Through this document, you state, under your own responsibility, that you comply with the paddle surf regulations of the basin where you wish to navigate, that you have the necessary documentation to prove it, and that you commit to adhering to these requirements during your paddle surf trip.

3. Pay the Corresponding Fee

   The next step to validate your responsible declaration is to pay an administrative fee (although in some cases it’s free, such as in the Ebro and Cantabrian basins).

   Since each basin or Hydrographic Confederation has its own paddle surf regulations and particular procedures, it is very important to consider the advance time required for submitting your documentation  (usually varying from a fortnight in some basins to several months in others).
   Once granted, the permit will be valid for 12 months. Since each basin or Hydrographic Confederation has different paddle surf regulations and specific procedures, it is very important to consider the required advance notice for submitting your documentation (normally it must be processed at least 15 days in advance). If not submitted on time, you may be prohibited from paddling on the selected river, lake, or reservoir.
   
   Receive the authorization to enjoy paddle surfing
   Once the declaration and the corresponding fee have been submitted, you must wait to receive the authorization, which is often sent by email.
   
   Once you have the permit, you are allowed to legally paddle in the requested basin, always in accordance with the rules stated in your authorization.
   
   Remember that you may need to display the authorization visibly or carry it with you while paddling, depending on the specific regulation of each basin.
   
   Summary: Key points about paddle surf regulations
   
   If you paddle along the coast (beaches), no special permits are needed, but you must respect the navigation and safety regulations for bathers.
   
   If you want to paddle on rivers, lakes, or reservoirs, you will often need:
   
   A unique serial number on your paddle board.
   
   A permit from the corresponding Hydrographic Confederation.
   
   Payment of the corresponding administrative fee (sometimes free).
   
   Not complying with the paddle surf regulations may result in fines of up to €6,010.12.
   
   At HUIIKE, all our inflatable paddle boards are equipped with a unique serial number and are designed to comply with the paddle surf regulations, whether you plan to enjoy them at the beach or explore rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
   
   For more information, take a look at our models in the Enjoyer Collection, Beach Collection, and Tropical Collection — and get ready to experience unforgettable adventures on the water!