26/08/2026
Paddleboarding continues to grow in popularity across the Vale coastline, and on a calm, sunny day in places like Whitmore Bay and Jackson’s Bay, it can be a brilliant way to enjoy the water.
But conditions can change quickly.
Once you move beyond the shelter of the headlands at Nell's Point and Friars, the sea can become very different, with stronger winds, currents and more challenging conditions than people may expect from the shore.
If you’re new to paddleboarding, why not consider heading out with an experienced local group such as Island SUP, where you can learn the basics, build confidence and better understand local conditions before venturing further along the coastline.
A few simple safety steps can make a big difference:
Wear a buoyancy aid
It helps keep you afloat if you fall in and makes it easier to recover back onto your board.
Carry a phone in a waterproof pouch
Keep it on you, not attached to the board, so you can call for help quickly if needed.
Wear the correct leash
Your leash keeps you connected to your board. On rivers or moving water, use a quick-release waist leash.
Avoid offshore winds
If the wind is blowing out to sea, it can quickly carry you and your board away from shore. At lifeguarded beaches, check the orange windsock before heading out.
If you fall off and can’t get back on, stay with your board. Your board will help keep you afloat and is much easier for our volunteer crew to spot, especially as many boards are large and brightly coloured.
If you see someone in trouble in the water:
📞 Call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.
