Paddle surf regulations: everything you need to know to navigate beaches, rivers, lakes and reservoirs

The importance of the unique serial number in paddle surfing regulations

Did you know that, according to paddle surfing regulations, it is not the same to practice Stand Up Paddle on the coast than in the waters of a navigable reservoir? Sounds strange, doesn't it? In fact, it is very likely that you had not even thought about it before... However, the specific requirements of surfing in one type of water or another are very important:

• Firstly, to comply with the security measures established by the Administration.
• Also to avoid financial penalties.
• And you even have to take them into account when choosing a paddle surfboard! Because only a board with a unique serial number will allow you to navigate rivers, lakes and reservoirs.

Beach paddle surfing regulations

Regarding the coast, the paddle surf regulations state that you can practice Stand Up Paddle on the beach without any special permission. That said, in order to ensure the safety of swimmers and paddle surfers, there are certain rules about how and where you can use them:

• To begin with, the paddle surf regulations state that you can only surf during the day and in the areas delimited by the maritime captaincy.
• Sport and recreational boating is prohibited in bathing areas duly marked with beacons.
• In the stretches of coast that are not marked, it is understood that the bathing area occupies the first 200 meters from the coast. Within these unmarked areas, the speed should not exceed 3 knots.
• In addition, according to paddle surfing regulations, boats or floating devices leaving or heading to the beaches must do so perpendicular to land, sailing with caution and always at less than 3 knots from 200 meters to the coast, or vice versa. And if there are marked access channels, these shall be used obligatorily.

Paddle surfing regulations for rivers, lakes and reservoirs

In the case of fresh water, to enjoy your paddle surf board in rivers, lakes and reservoirs, the paddle surf regulations state that two types of requirements are essential:

• Administrative requirements: in order to navigate in some river basins, you must first apply for a permit.
• Technical requirements: since it is essential that your paddle surf board has a unique serial number. Without this number, it will be impossible for you to complete the administrative documentation.

At HUIIKE, all our paddlesurf boards have a unique serial number that will allow you to apply for the necessary permits to legally navigate in rivers, lakes and reservoirs. You can get information about our models in the sections of Enjoyer Collection, Beach Collection y Tropical Collection!

Steps to obtain the paddle surf permits from the Hydrographic Confederation of your locality 

1. Consult the paddle surfing regulations of the basin where you intend to surf.

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

Our recommendation is to start the search on the Internet and, in case of doubt, call the corresponding Hydrographic Confederation. Here is a link to the directory of the 9 confederations of Spainas well as the specific link for each one of them:

• Cantabrian Hydrographic Confederation, O.A.
• Duero Hydrographic Confederation, O.A.
• Ebro Hydrographic Confederation, O.A.
• Hydrographic Confederation of the Guadalquivir, O.A.
• Guadiana Hydrographic Confederation, O.A.
• Júcar Hydrographic Confederation, O.A.
• Miño-Sil Hydrographic Confederation, O.A.
• Hydrographic Confederation of Segura, O.A.
• Tagus Hydrographic Confederation, O.A.

Remember: in the event that you navigate in a place where permits are required and you do not have them, you may be sanctioned. According to Law 9/2010 of July 30, 2010, the navigation and floating of boats in areas where such use is prohibited or, when it is permitted, but the presentation of a responsible declaration has not been made, is typified as a minor infraction, punishable by a fine of up to 6,010.12 €. 

Source: Ministry for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge.

2. Fill in the responsible declaration document

If the river basin in which you intend to navigate requires an administrative permit, you must complete the corresponding responsible declaration document, printing it and filling in the form as indicated.

With this document you declare, under your own responsibility, that you comply with the requirements established in the paddle surfing regulations of the basin where you are applying to paddle surf, that you have the documentation that proves it and that you commit to comply with these requirements during your paddle surfing trip.  

3. Pay the corresponding fee

The next step to commit to the responsible declaration is to pay an administrative fee (which in some cases is free, as for example in the Ebro and Cantabrian basin). 

Since each basin or Hydrographic Confederation has different paddle surf regulations and acts in a particular way, it is very important that you consider the time in advance with which you are required to submit the documentation (normally, it varies from fifteen days in some basins to several months in the case of others).

Once granted, the permit will be valid for 12 months.  

4. Study the location

Another relevant aspect before embarking on the adventure on your paddle surf board is to know where you are allowed to surf and where you are not allowed to surf. This means that filling out the responsible declaration and paying the corresponding fee does not allow you to surf anywhere. You will have to find out about the sections where sailing is allowed (since, even within the same river, there are parts that are navigable and others that are not). There are also seasonal limitations whereby boating is not allowed during certain times of the year. So, to make sure you comply with the regulations, the best thing to do is to contact the corresponding Hydrographic Confederation.  

Use of life jackets and safety equipment according to paddle surfing regulations

For recreational boating, the use of life jackets and other safety equipment is recommended, but not mandatory. However, in the event that you have an inflatable or rigid paddle surf of more than 3.5 meters and you use it in waters far from the coast (from 300 meters), it is mandatory to wear a life jacket.

Our tips for using your paddle surfboard safely

• Something fundamental is that you should not practice any sport discipline on a paddle surf board if you do not know how to swim.
• Before leaving home, always check the weather conditions: not only it is not advisable to practice Stand Up Paddle with bad weather or bad sea, you also have to take into account variables such as wind, because having it against you can significantly complicate your outing or even prevent you from carrying it out.
• To familiarize yourself with your paddle surf board and with the Stand Up Paddle discipline itself, it is recommended that the first few times you practice in calm waters.
• The use of a leash or invention is indispensable to stay close to your paddle surfboard in case of a fall.
• Avoid going out alone: although the paddle surf regulations do not mention it, it is always preferable to take advantage of the opportunity that Stand Up Paddle offers to share an adventure with friends or family. This way, in case of an accident, you will always have someone to help you.
• Cell phone: especially if you are going out alone, carry a cell phone in a waterproof bag or in a cell phone holder. cell phone holder will be very useful in case of any mishap. 

Do you want to know more about our paddlesurf boards or do you still have any questions about paddle surfing regulations?

If you have any questions or want to get additional information about the paddle surf boards regulations or about any HUIIKE paddle surf board, write us in the comments and we will solve any kind of doubt. In case you need a private consultation, please contact us via RR. SS. or through the web form.And we will get back to you as soon as possible!

Because summer belongs to the sea... And from HUIIKE we want you to enjoy it safely! 😎🏄🏻