Stand Up Paddle Board & Kayak with SUP Englewood

Contact@SUPEnglewood.com
(941) 265-2925
Don Pedro Island State Park
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FLORIDA BOATING SAFETY ACT OF 2022 COMPLIANT

As a watersport rental company, SUP Englewood must remain compliant with Florida State laws and regulations. SUP Englewood is required to obtain waivers, provide all participants with pre-ride instruction and FWC’s attestation form. Expect the highest standards when booking with us. Your compliance with the law is essential for a safe experience. Participants on paddle boards or kayaks must adhere to these requirements.
SUP Englewood Waiver (ADULTS)
Pre-Ride Checklist (Minors)

HOW TO FILL OUT WHEN PADDLING WITH MINORS

A minor cannot sign SUP Englewood waiver forms. Please follow these steps:

  1. All minors must be listed on a parent/guardian’s waiver form.
  2. FWC requires that all minors operating their own paddle crafts sign their Pre-Ride Checklist.
  3. Minors must open the link and use their full name on the form.
  4. This certifies that they are receiving all safety information prior to launching paddling equipment.
Pre-Ride Checklist

Florida State Law (SB606) requires that everyone over 18 signs a waiver AND everyone paddling their own vessel must sign a Pre-Rental Checklist (this includes minors).

COMPLIANCE WITH FLORIDA LAW

It’s important to know about the Florida Boating Safety Act and state boating laws. Especially the rules of the water and navigational aids. For example, the ICW law recently changed and impacts paddlers.

TRAFFIC RULES - HOW TO AVOID A COLLISION

Florida IntraCoastal Waterway (ICW); Paddle craft may only operate if there is not another navigable area due to vessel congestion or water obstructions and must proceed with diligence to a location outside of the marked channel. When crossing the marked channel of the ICW, paddlecraft must cross in the most direct, continuous and expeditious manner possible and not interfere with other vessel traffic.

Wear bright colored clothing and never assume that a boater can see you. Remember that boats do not have brakes. Always cross a channel behind a vessel and never interfere with boating traffic.

A VIDEO FOR ALL PADDLERS

PADDLE BOARDING TIPS

DON'T DRINK & PADDLE

Alcohol and many other drugs are especially dangerous when combined with any form of boating. Do not operate any boat, even one without a motor, while impaired by alcohol or drugs. Drinking and paddling is considered boating while intoxicated. The Florida Boating Safety Act of 2022 brings stronger enforcement and fines for violations.

SUP Englewood is required to report violations to law enforcement.

STAY VISIBLE AND ALERT

Most boating accidents involve collisions due to operator inattention or carelessness. Be aware of dangers approaching from any direction.

To avoid collision with another boat, stay visible so others can see you and alert so you are ready to move out of the way of danger.

KNOW YOUR LIMITS

Boating in any manually propelled boat (such as canoes, kayaks, rafts and  rowboats) can be physically challenging. Be careful not to overestimate your physical capabilities or those of the boat you will be using.

Staff will help you plan the best paddling route but only you know your abilities and personal fatigue. Pay attention to your body and only paddle a comfortable distance away from the kayak launch.

WIND & TIDES

Stay aware of hazards such as wind, water currents and tidal flow that can make it very difficult to reach your intended destination. Pay extra attention to weather, since storms bring lightning and high waves. Avoid boating in poor weather conditions.

 

Be aware of changing conditions such as wind speed, direction, lightning, and storms.

FOLLOW THE RULES

The rental company has rules aimed at protecting you and your passengers. Understand and follow the rental company’s rules and the boating laws that apply to the type of boat you are renting.

Make sure your rental company has explained any specific local boating hazards and regulations so you can avoid problems on the water.

STAY HYDRATED AND SUN PROTECTED

Hydration and sun protection are important issues. Take drinking water, wear sunblock, polarized sunglasses and a hat.

It’s vital to plan enough drinking water and take sunscreen with you. Plan to reapply every 90 minutes to 2 hours.

WHAT IF YOU FLIP A KAYAK?

Paddlecraft and other non-motorized boats have a tendency to be less stable than larger boats. It is important not to overload the boat, to keep at least three points of contact and to stay low in the boat to improve balance.

Small boats are not good platforms for diving or swimming. Pull the boat to shore before going into the water and be careful to check the water depth.

HOW TO STEER A KAYAK

You should know how to safely operate a kayak before venturing solo. If it’s your first time follow these steps on how to go forward, backwards, and stop. We’ll review everything by the water and make sure you have this down before venturing away from the kayak launch.

Paddlers must be able to operate their vessel independently. These tips will help you during kayaking outings.

ESSENTIAL SAFETY GEAR

In addition to these recommendations, SUP Englewood advises to always bring communication with you. It’s helpful to communicate with us as the rental company or call 9-1-1 if needed in an emergency.

In an emergency, the 9-1-1 operator will ask you for the park name and the closest address. Remember this information is located in your confirmation emails if you need it while on the water.

MANATEE AWARENESS

Moments with wildlife can be amazing and humbling. Ensure that you’re safe while paddling and limit your impacts to the the environment by giving marine mammals space. Learn more about manatee viewing guidelines. As there is state and federal laws protecting marine mammals.

Manatees weigh up to 1000 pounds and can swim up to 20 MPH when spooked. These events can cause younger manatees to become separated from their mothers.

PLAN YOUR TRIP

Map out your course and decide how long you plan to spend paddling, and how many miles you want to complete. Check the weather, winds, and tides. Check to see if the predictions match your goals. You may need to adjust your plan based on predictions. Always check conditions on-site to ensure the predictions are correct.

Float plans are important for your safety. Always tell someone: 1. Where you’re going 2. Who you’re going with 3. When to expect you back and 4. What to do if you don’t return

HOW TO SELF-RESCUE ON A PADDLE BOARD

Falling is part of the sport and practice will help you to remain calm. Practicing the steps to self-rescue will also allow you to react more quickly in an emergency situation.

Always fall away from your board to avoid injury on the way down. The middle of your paddle board is the most stable location of the board and our recommended location for self-rescue.

WEAR A LIFE JACKET

Always wear your life jacket and know what to do if you unexpectedly end up in the water. Stay calm and stay with the boat if possible. If you fall out in a swift current, keep your feet on or near the surface and swim to shore. There you can dump the water out of the boat, re-enter and be on your way.

Most boating deaths are the result of someone drowning after falling overboard from a small boat. You and your passengers must know the location and proper use of life jackets and other safety equipment for the boat you are renting. It is always best to wear a life jacket when on the water, and children under the age specified by law are required to wear one.

 
 

USE THIS WEBPAGE TO REVIEW HELPFUL SAFETY TIPS

Florida State Law (SB606) requires that everyone over 18 signs a waiver AND everyone paddling their own vessel must sign a Pre-Rental Checklist (this includes minors).

SIGN WAIVER FORM (ADULTS)

HOW TO FILL OUT WHEN PADDLING WITH MINORS

All minors must be listed on a parent/guardian’s waiver form. Minor’s cannot sign legal documents. Therefore, minors cannot sign SUP Englewood waiver forms. FWC requires that minor’s operating their own paddle crafts sign the Pre-Ride Checklist.
Pre-Ride Checklist

REFERENCES

This safety information is complied by valuable resources and is required by state law SB606. The Florida Boating Safety Act of 2022 is regulated by FWC. Manatee awareness is a regulation of federal and state laws. Learn more at Save the Manatee Club’s website. Videos provided by NASBLA Safer Paddling Series.

Florida State Law (SB606) requires that everyone over 18 signs a waiver AND everyone paddling their own vessel must sign a Pre-Rental Checklist (this includes minors).

Adults Must Sign
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