Is a Life Jacket Mandatory for Paddle Surfing?

The paddle surf regulations indicate all those aspects that you must take into account at a legal level when practicing this sport with your paddle surf board. This also includes the mandatory use of life jackets in paddle surfing, a safety element regulated by different rules or regulations that we explain below.

What do the regulations in Spain say about the mandatory use of life jackets in paddle surfing?

In Spain there is no general regulation governing the use of life jackets in paddle surfing in all areas and spaces, but different rules at national and regional level, such as the Maritime Safety Regulation, the rules of the Directorate General of Merchant Marine or navigation regulations of the various hydrographic Confederations, where mention is made on the use of these personal flotation devices (PFD).

Wearing a life jacket in paddle surfing is mandatory depending on the area where you practice, the type of activity and the level of risk. In maritime zones (coasts and beaches), the use of a flotation device is mandatory if you navigate outside the marked area.

If you go farther than 200 meters from the coast you must comply with the same safety rules as any non-motorized sport boat. Within this zone it is not mandatory, although it is highly recommended.

This applies to paddle surfboards less than 3.5 meters high. For those rigid or inflatable SUPs over 3.5 meters, if you go more than 300 meters into the water, it is mandatory to wear a life jacket.

Regardless of the size of your paddle surf board, the vest is mandatory for minors and people with disabilities, and highly recommended if you do not have minimal swimming skills.

In inland waters the vest is usually mandatory according to current regulations if there is significant current or if participating in sporting or organized activities.

It is important to keep in mind that the use of a vest in inland waters may be mandatory if so established by the regulations of the Hydrographic Confederations or regional regulations, so it is always advisable to consult before paddle surfing.

Differences between sea, rivers and lakes

The rules applicable to the use of life jackets in paddle surfing are not the same at sea or in inland waters. These spaces are governed by different regulations that establish when it is mandatory and when it is recommended.

On beaches and coasts it is mandatory if you navigate outside the marked area (up to 200 meters) with a paddle surf board less than 3.5 meters high. This type of paddle boards must not go further than 300 meters from the coast. On the other hand, an inflatable or rigid SUP of more than 3.5 meters in height can sail up to 3 kilometers from the coast, but it is mandatory to wear a vest, among other personal safety devices.

In inland areas, such as rivers, lakes, reservoirs and swamps, a vest is usually mandatory when paddle surfing. This is applicable in most inland water areas. But it depends on the autonomic regulations and the regulations of the Hydrographic Confederations.

It is mandatory, however, if it is an activity organized by a company, according to current regulations. It is also required for minors or people with disabilities, as well as for federated sports, whether they are competitions or training sessions.

Therefore, the difference in the obligation to wear life jackets in paddle surfing between sea waters and inland waters is in the rules. The rules are simpler on beaches and coasts, and somewhat more complex in inland waters. We recommend that you check local regulations before paddle surfing in rivers, lakes or reservoirs.

Is it the same for recreational and sport paddle surfing?

No. This is another difference you will find in the mandatory use of life jackets in paddle surfing. The rules are more flexible when it is a recreational practice, especially if it is not organized by a company. This means that if you go paddle boarding on the beach and do not leave the swimming area delimited by the buoys, you are not obliged to wear a life jacket.

On the other hand, all paddle surfing activities are conditioned to the mandatory use of a personal flotation device. This decision is made for safety reasons. In paddle races, you reach higher speeds and compete against other participants. The chances of falling into the water are greater, with the added risk that they are practiced in deeper areas where there may be strong currents.

Cases in which it is mandatory

We have seen that there are cases in which it is mandatory to wear a life jacket in paddle surfing and cases in which it is not. Below, we show you a list with the specific cases in which it is mandatory:

• On beaches, if you move away from the swimming area delimited by the buoys (200 meters)
• If your board is more than 3.5 meters high and you go more than 300 meters from the shore
• When paddle surfing in inland waters where the regulations require the use of lifejackets
• Children under age paddle surfers
• People with disabilities
• People with a low level of swimming
• On tours, excursions or activities organized by tourism companies
• When adverse weather conditions or rough waters are present
• In paddle surfing competitions or sports and training activities

Recommended types of vests

Not all life jackets are valid for paddle surfing. When choosing a life jacket, it is important to keep in mind that there are different options on the market. However, all of them must be approved under CE Certificate or "Safety of Life at Sea" (SOLAS) standards. In addition, they must have reflective stripes to increase their visibility.

Life jackets are differentiated by their buoyancy thrust capacity. This value is measured in Newtons (N), being 10 N equivalent to 1 kg buoyancy thrust, or in other words, a 50 N lifejacket has a buoyancy thrust of 5 kg.

Precisely, the 50 N is a type of life jacket. It is the most commonly used in water sports activities, such as paddle surfing or kayaking, although it is also the only one that is not included in the regulations of the Ministry of Development for use in recreational boating.

On the other hand, 100 N vests are designed for flotation in calm waters, while 150 N vests are the most recommended for adults, as they not only support the weight of a person, but are also effective in open sea waters in bad weather. The fourth option is the 275 N BCDs, which are used in the most extreme cases due to their high buoyancy buoyancy capacity.

Keep in mind that a life jacket is not the same as a buoyancy vest. The former has the ability to flip over in the water in order to keep the airway free. The latter, on the other hand, does not perform this function, so it is not effective in extreme cases where the person is unconscious.

What other security measures should you take

Beyond the use of the life jacket in paddle surfing, it is key not to skimp on precautions. At HUIIKE we strongly recommend that you always wear a life jacket and implement some additional safety measures:

• Use the leash: this element is attached to the ankle by means of a Velcro fastening and prevents the board from drifting away in the event of a fall into the water.
• Beware of weather conditions: check the weather report and the wind and sea conditions before setting off. Paddle first in the opposite direction to the wind to make it easier to turn downwind. Avoid sailing in times of low light.
• Wear a helmet: especially if you are paddle surfing in shallow areas, near reefs or in rivers with rocks.
• Inform your plans and routes: if you are not going to paddle surf in company, it is best to inform a family member or friend of your plans and let them know the itinerary and route you are going to take.
• Be aware of your limits: do not overestimate your capabilities or underestimate the forces of nature. Paddle surfing requires a certain amount of skill and physical fitness.
• Protect yourself from the sun: use sunscreen and, if possible, avoid the hottest hours of the day when paddle surfing.
• Hydrate: always carry water or an isotonic drink to replenish electrolytes.

Consequences of not wearing a vest

Paddle surfing is a water sport that is practiced standing on a board. This means that there is always a risk of falling into the water. It is something that happens to everyone, from beginners to more experienced users. That's why it's so important to wear a life jacket when paddle surfing, because you're likely to fall into the water on more than one occasion.

It is not the fact of falling into the water from the board that is really dangerous, but finding yourself in the middle of the sea in a rough water situation as a result of wind or adverse weather conditions that prevents you from getting back on the paddle surf board. The leash will prevent the board from drifting away and you could be adrift, while a life jacket or personal flotation device will help you stay on the surface.

The main consequence, especially in a situation as described above or in the case of children or people who cannot swim well, is the risk of drowning. Hence, the use of these vests is mandatory in most cases, especially if there is no immediate rescue option.

From HUIIKE we encourage you to continue enjoying paddle surfing safely, taking all the necessary precautions so that nothing ruins the experience.

Life is a journey to be experienced!