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/Safety/Community Safety/Recreation Safety/Recreational Safety Guidelines/ Safe Recreational Stand-Up Paddleboarding Stand-up Paddleboarding (SUP) is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and explore the beautiful coastline around KAUST. To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all, it is essential to set and follow some basic guidelines. This framework aims to provide a comprehensive guide to SUP at KAUST. Anyone interested in SUP at KAUST must be review and follow the requirements of these guidelines.
All paddleboarders must demonstrate a working knowledge of water safety, the activity area, and essential equipment and handling. HSE highly recommends that all paddlers take a training course before going out on the water. For more information on water sports training, lessons, and equipment, please refer to the Community Life South Beach page
Before you get into the water, you must be able to demonstrate proficiency in all of the following situations:
If you can demonstrate all the situations above, CONGRATULATIONS (!) – share your float plan and see you on the water!
If you are not an experienced paddleboarder, refer to the “Supervised SUP” section to partner with Coastline in KAUST for a SUP experience. Please use these guidelines to enjoy a safe recreational experience.
Safety should always be a top priority when SUP. Paddlers should wear a personal floatation device (PFD)/life jacket and carry a whistle or other signaling device. Paddlers should also be aware of the weather conditions and avoid paddling in strong winds or rough seas. It is also recommended to paddle with a partner or a group and to let someone know your paddling plans and the estimated time of return. Click here for more safety tips for SUP.
Paddleboarders must:
Paddle-boarding is a fun activity for all ages, but paddleboarders under the age of 18 years are required to be supervised by an adult.
Proper maintenance of your paddleboard and equipment is essential for a safe and enjoyable experience. All SUP, equipment, and safety gear are subject to maintenance schedule as per manufacturing guidelines and should be visually inspected prior to and after each use.
Here’s a link to some equipment maintenance tips. At a minimum:
All adult paddle-boarders (not visitors or minors) at KAUST must registered by sending an email requesting to be added to the paddle board members list at hse@kaust.edu.sa.
The registration system does not license or approve paddle-boarders, and paddle-boarders who request registration through email should not expect a reply before they can paddle-board. Instead, the registration is a communication mechanism that will keep paddle-boarders updated about any changes to the guidelines or other related information.
As residents in this delicate ecosystem, we are all responsible to minimize our impact and protect the KAUST coastline. Understand how to minimize your impact on our marine environment to not penalize KAUST’s unique marine ecosystem during your outing.
Tips to ensure you enjoy your trip while protecting our natural environment please take care to:
Give appropriate distance when observing visible bird nests.
Life jackets also called Personal Flotation Device (PFD) must be always worn while on the paddle board and must not be removed until back on dry land. Life jackets must be approved and of an appropriate size for the wearer and properly adjusted and appropriate for the activity. Life Jackets are subject to a visual check prior to every use. Damaged PFD’s should not be used.
Like a bike helmet, a PFD cannot do what it is meant to unless it is used properly. A too-large PFD can slip off the wearer, and a too-small PFD may not offer enough buoyancy to keep the wearer afloat. Always check and follow the manufacturer’s labeling that details the size and weight the jacket is intended to fit. A PFD comes in various types:
These bulky, durable vests are designed for use in remote or rough water. Will turn the paddler face-up in the water and assist them in staying afloat. 22 lbs. (10 kg) of buoyancy
This particular vest is more compact compared to offshore versions, yet it offers greater durability than vests intended for calm water usage. 15.5 lbs. (7 kg) of buoyancy.
This lightweight vest provides enhanced user convenience and allows for a wider range of movement. Suitable for protected inland water near the shore. 15.5 lbs. (7 kg) of buoyancy.
These PFDs are NOT wearable. Type IV is designed to be thrown to an overboard victim or to supplement a person’s buoyancy overboard. 16.5 lbs. (7.5 kg) / 18 lbs (8 kg) of buoyancy (depending on device type).
They are specifically designed for a particular activity, such as windsurfing, kayaking, or SUP, limiting their use to only one type of water sport. 15.5 lbs. ( 7 kg) / 22 lbs. (10 kg) of buoyancy depending on vest type and level of inflation.
The following points should be considered for a paddle:
Carry a whistle for the purpose of attracting attention, raising an alarm or identifying your position. Secure it to the front of the PFD using a short lanyard.
Carry a mobile phone (in a waterproof bag or container) as a means of communication.
Ensure the mobile battery is fully charged.
Recommended equipment includes layers of sun protection (a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen) and a paddle leash. It is also recommended to have a waterproof phone case and a first aid kit.
Using a paddle leash will help prevent you from being separated from your paddle if you capsize. If you do end up in the water and need assistance, stay with your board as it will be easier for rescuers to see you.
It is recommended to carry a small personal first aid kit in a waterproof container or bag. Having the ability to attend immediately to small unforeseen injuries can keep you out on the water instead of ending your experience too soon.
Proper planning is necessary to ensure a safe and enjoyable SUP experience. Before heading out on the water, it is essential to plan your paddling session.
Responsible and safe water practices dictate checking water and weather forecasts before going out on the water. In basic phrases:
Be aware of wind speeds
Here are the key resources for tidal information and local water and weather forecasts
UV protection for eyes and skin is essential at KAUST especially when on the water. On the water you not only receive the direct sun but the additional impact of the sun’s reflection off the water which increases the impact of solar radiation on your eyes and your skin from an angle you are not used to (from the ground).
Direct exposure to the sun and overexertion during the summer months can lead to heat-related illnesses such as dehydration and heat exhaustion. When heat exhaustion is untreated it leads to the more serious risk of heat stroke.Know the signs and progression of heat-related illnesses and what precautions to take in the progression (they are not the same!).
Paddleboards are designed to do many things but do not fare well when overloaded. Overloading your paddleboard decreases stability making it easier to fall off. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for the recommended weight capacity. An overloaded and unevenly loaded paddleboard is unstable and dangerous.
Having unsecured items is also dangerous for the delicate marine environment you are visiting. Ensure your best environmental practices are on when you hit the water and you have an adequate pocket or resealable bag for any miscellaneous or single-use items you bring with you.
It is important to be clearly visible while on the water. A paddleboard is generally smaller than other vessels and sits lower in the water, making it difficult to see. Wear lightly colored or bright, noticeable clothing.
*Note that SUP is not approved from dusk to dawn, or other circumstances of low visibility for the paddleboarder and others in the water
Having and sharing your float plan (your plan for being on the water) is part of being a responsible recreational water user at KAUST. Every time you head out onto the water, we recommend you draft and share your float plan with someone on campus at KAUST. A float plan includes
The map included here show HSE-assessed and approved areas to enter/exit the water. When assessing alternative areas to safely enter/exit the water please consider the following factors:
Paddleboarders must be aware of the approved SUP area and its boundaries. All paddleboarders must stay within the designated areas on the map (link to map). It is the paddler’s responsibility to ensure they avoid drifting or paddling into restricted zones, such as areas designated for swimming or other larger motorized boating lanes. Paddleboarders should be aware of any/all water traffic and be prepared to give way to larger vessels (which require more effort and distance to avoid an encounter). When you see the landmarks, as indicated on the map, recognize that you are at the KAUST barrier for recreational SUP and should not proceed further.
KAUST harbor has color-coded marker buoys, the red and green navigation markers indicate port and starboard so the boats know that they must stay between these marks (as shown by yellow arrows) when navigating in the harbor.
Paddleboarders should:
If you are interested in supervised SUP and to enhance your skill, please contact Coastline at South beach.
General enquiries
marinebookings@kaust.edu.sa
Webpage
You can play your part in fishing zones by ensuring you fish only at the designated areas marked here. These locations have been selected based on a range of attributes, including but not limited to ease of access to water, not identified as fish nurseries or designated protected areas, safe conditions, clean water quality, and depth of water.
Fishing Zone Detail – https://hse.kaust.edu.sa/services/fishing-zone
There are designated marine activity areas at KAUST that have been reviewed for safety and approved for specified outdoor activities.
In the event of an emergency, it is vital that all paddleboarders are able to attract attention and pinpoint their location with communication that is simple, clear, and effective. The recommended methods of communication during on-water activities are as follows:
Be aware of current emergency and reporting procedures.
In case of emergency, dial 012 808 0911 from a mobile phone
Salute is the online system used by KAUST to report all hazards, accidents, near misses, and incidents to Health, Safety & Environment (HSE). The reporting must be done as soon as possible but not later than 24 hours.
