Standup Zone Forum
Stand Up Paddle => SUP General => Topic started by: 2Rivers on July 19, 2017, 11:05:54 AM
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Here we go again! Same story... rental board, no life jacket on, and no ability to swim.
http://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/Man-Dies-After-Falling-Off-Paddle-board-in-Huntington-Harbor-435316333.html
RIP
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I don't understand how people that can't swim can rent a SUP. It blows my mind. The first question I ask people after they book a lesson with me is if they can swim. I know people can lie but if I couldn't swim, the last thing I would want to do is try a new water activity.
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couldn't agree more> it is an example of Darwinism at its finest. It is sad to say but what was he thinking?
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You do have to wonder what goes through a person's mind, or lack of one, to rent a SUP, not wear a PFD and not know how to swim. However, there are too many half assed, fly-by-night SUP rental companies out there. Leashes and PFD's are must, and a lesson or at the very least a safety briefing.
I was in Aruba this winter windsurfing and kiting at a well known rental place, and even they were renting SUP's out without any regard for renters ability or safety. No leashes. Most of the renters weren't even holding the paddle properly. Not to mention it was blowing 20-30kts offshore. It was painful to watch.
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I don't understand how people that can't swim can rent a SUP. It blows my mind. The first question I ask people after they book a lesson with me is if they can swim. I know people can lie but if I couldn't swim, the last thing I would want to do is try a new water activity.
I'm 66 yrs old and been paddling since2008. I've had 7 boards and have 3 now I've kept. I can't swim the length of the shortest board ;D. I never go paddling without my leash securely wrapped on my leg. I use a little common sense on when and where to paddle and never had a problem. I've always paddled alone and had no one to teach me how to paddleboard but I've never come close to having a problem on the water... LEASH UP ;)
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A picture is a thousand words! The rental outfitter's FB page says it all...
https://m.facebook.com/HuntingtonHarborBoatRentals
Obviously they're clueless to CA's/federal laws for pfds. Hopefully they go out of business as a result of this. No excuse!
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I don't understand how people that can't swim can rent a SUP. It blows my mind. The first question I ask people after they book a lesson with me is if they can swim. I know people can lie but if I couldn't swim, the last thing I would want to do is try a new water activity.
I'm 66 yrs old and been paddling since2008. I've had 7 boards and have 3 now I've kept. I can't swim the length of the shortest board ;D. I never go paddling without my leash securely wrapped on my leg. I use a little common sense on when and where to paddle and never had a problem. I've always paddled alone and had no one to teach me how to paddleboard but I've never come close to having a problem on the water... LEASH UP ;)
I think that's great and I wish more people would be as responsible and logical as you. Unfortunately you are the exception in this scenario. I'm curious though, can you not swim at all or are you able to tread water and stay afloat? Have you fallen in and if so, how do you get back to the board if you're not within arms length? Pull the leash? I'm not doubting you, I'm just honestly interested with how you approach this.
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I don't understand how people that can't swim can rent a SUP. It blows my mind. The first question I ask people after they book a lesson with me is if they can swim. I know people can lie but if I couldn't swim, the last thing I would want to do is try a new water activity.
I'm 66 yrs old and been paddling since2008. I've had 7 boards and have 3 now I've kept. I can't swim the length of the shortest board ;D. I never go paddling without my leash securely wrapped on my leg. I use a little common sense on when and where to paddle and never had a problem. I've always paddled alone and had no one to teach me how to paddleboard but I've never come close to having a problem on the water... LEASH UP ;)
I'm also 66 but can swim the distances we paddle offshore (less than 2 miles) and of course leashes are a must because none of us never want to swim. But shit happens and for whatever reason, a leash can break. It has happened to me and a pal of mine on a downwinder and at least one other friend. (fair sized surf was involved) So this pic along with my lashed on float for my sunglasses, shows another accessory I wear, my swim goggles. For salt water and a long swim, it can be a real eye burner without goggles. Even for you fresh water guys, there's particles in the water that aren't going to work well on your eyes. Added to the fact that 'seeing' while underwater allows you to relax and swim much better. I hardly know they're around my neck. For me, goggles are way more important than a PFD. Of course if you can't swim you'd better have one.
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If you watch the news cast, at the end the reporter says " We contacted the coast guard and they said in open water stand up paddlers are required to wear life jackets, but in closed waters areas such as Huntington Harbor they are not." ????
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I don't understand how people that can't swim can rent a SUP. It blows my mind. The first question I ask people after they book a lesson with me is if they can swim. I know people can lie but if I couldn't swim, the last thing I would want to do is try a new water activity.
I'm 66 yrs old and been paddling since2008. I've had 7 boards and have 3 now I've kept. I can't swim the length of the shortest board ;D. I never go paddling without my leash securely wrapped on my leg. I use a little common sense on when and where to paddle and never had a problem. I've always paddled alone and had no one to teach me how to paddleboard but I've never come close to having a problem on the water... LEASH UP ;)
I'm also 66 but can swim the distances we paddle offshore (less than 2 miles) and of course leashes are a must because none of us never want to swim. But shit happens and for whatever reason, a leash can break. It has happened to me and a pal of mine on a downwinder and at least one other friend. (fair sized surf was involved) So this pic along with my lashed on float for my sunglasses, shows another accessory I wear, my swim goggles. For salt water and a long swim, it can be a real eye burner without goggles. Even for you fresh water guys, there's particles in the water that aren't going to work well on your eyes. Added to the fact that 'seeing' while underwater allows you to relax and swim much better. I hardly know they're around my neck. For me, goggles are way more important than a PFD. Of course if you can't swim you'd better have one.
Add a snorkel and nose clip to that and I could swim all day....
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Add a snorkel and nose clip to that and I could swim all day....
Maybe,,,maybe not. We always assume that we just fall off the board and are forced to swim in. But what happens if you fall off or roll off the board because you are having a problem physically. Cramp, pull or tear a muscle, get knocked in the head, etc. and swimming may not be your first option. It could be just keeping your nose above water is the best you can do.
They being the case I finally decided that having some buoyancy when I hit the water is not a bad idea depending on conditions and distance from shore. So I went with one of these: http://stores.wetsuit.com/buoyancy-impact-vests/ (There was quite a few posts on these things at one time) It's just enough float to allow you to deal with whatever other issues you may be having but not enough to restrict your motion. In warm water it's not a good choice as I would cook. The waist PFD is great but it's a last resort for me. But that assumes you are in a state of mind where you can find and pull the cord, then pull it over your head and strap it down.
And yes leashes are important but I sure as shit don't think it's a fail safe method to keep you from drowning.
It's Swim, Leash,Vest and/or PFD if you really want to avoid these drownings as much as possible.
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If you watch the news cast, at the end the reporter says " We contacted the coast guard and they said in open water stand up paddlers are required to wear life jackets, but in closed waters areas such as Huntington Harbor they are not."
Scary that even the USCG doesn't even know their own rules nor CA's NMV laws. That's probably what they told this rental outfitter, hence why there are no pfds.
Edit: Maybe this harbor is within private property and is not subjected to state and federal laws? Can that be true? You'd think that their insurance company wouldn't support that, but who knows these days.
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Add a snorkel and nose clip to that and I could swim all day....
Maybe,,,maybe not. We always assume that we just fall off the board and are forced to swim in. But what happens if you fall off or roll off the board because you are having a problem physically. Cramp, pull or tear a muscle, get knocked in the head, etc. and swimming may not be your first option. It could be just keeping your nose above water is the best you can do.
They being the case I finally decided that having some buoyancy when I hit the water is not a bad idea depending on conditions and distance from shore. So I went with one of these: http://stores.wetsuit.com/buoyancy-impact-vests/ (There was quite a few posts on these things at one time) It's just enough float to allow you to deal with whatever other issues you may be having but not enough to restrict your motion. In warm water it's not a good choice as I would cook. The waist PFD is great but it's a last resort for me. But that assumes you are in a state of mind where you can find and pull the cord, then pull it over your head and strap it down.
And yes leashes are important but I sure as shit don't think it's a fail safe method to keep you from drowning.
It's Swim, Leash,Vest and/or PFD if you really want to avoid these drownings as much as possible.
So in your hypothetical cascade of failure that includes 'Cramp, pull or tear a muscle, get knocked in the head' this must also include a simultaneous breaking of the leash because if any of these things happened and you were still connected to the board, you would obviously stay with the board... like I did when I had an A-fib in '07 paddling
out of Maliko. That avalanche of events topped off by also breaking your leash would make me feel like I was born under a bad star. But in a surfing situation I suppose it's very possible. We're lucky here with water temp. Cold water would be problematic.
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Hanasurf, I strongly suggest you learn to swim. I'm sure you could find an adult or private instruction . Besides SUPing, it would open up a whole new world to you .
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I don't understand how people that can't swim can rent a SUP. It blows my mind. The first question I ask people after they book a lesson with me is if they can swim. I know people can lie but if I couldn't swim, the last thing I would want to do is try a new water activity.
Flat out stupidity. While his death is sad and tragic, there is NO excuse at all. Nada. I DO think the shop should have at least asked if he can swim, if he's ever paddleboarded before, and make sure he knew to wear a leah and at least have the pfd onboard. Beyond that, this very much is the victims fault. I know that's harsh but it's true.
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If you watch the news cast, at the end the reporter says " We contacted the coast guard and they said in open water stand up paddlers are required to wear life jackets, but in closed waters areas such as Huntington Harbor they are not."
Scary that even the USCG doesn't even know their own rules nor CA's NMV laws. That's probably what they told this rental outfitter, hence why there are no pfds.
Edit: Maybe this harbor is within private property and is not subjected to state and federal laws? Can that be true? You'd think that their insurance company wouldn't support that, but who knows these days.
Off topic but CG members not knowing their own rules is nothing uncommon. Several buddies of mine who are CG vets are very upfront about the fact they wrote tickets without being fully familiar with the very rules they were enforcing. Really nothing shocking.
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I've seen this in so many activities that have some danger component--even when it's fairly small as it apparently is with SUP. I see hordes of people out paddling in the mighty Columbia with the paddle backwards, a leash dragging behind them and a PFD tied to the nose. How are they not dying like flies? Far worse is motorcycles. I routinely see new motorcycle riders on Harleys, a bike that is compromised in every significant way, riding with no safety gear and no helmet--or some little bullshit plastic hat that keeps the cops from writing them a ticket but will do nothing for their head. I've been riding since I was 16 (54 years ago) and I look like I'm headed out to play hockey if I ride to the store. What are these lunatics thinking?
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I can't swim...I never go paddling without my leash securely wrapped on my leg. I use a little common sense...
Uhhh. You need to use a little more. You can't or don't want to learn to swim, fine, but buy and wear a PFD. For those of us that have used leashes all are lives know they are not full proof and can't count the number of times, they've broken, come loose or some other failure occurs. I wear a PFD when I have to or when I'm out of my element. I forget it's on and no one even notices that I am wearing one.
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^^^ you got that big a beer belly?
<duck>
sorry, couldn't resist
An impact vest is fine for swimming. It's just a bit warm for races when you can't jump in to cool off occasionally.
A waist PDF, when inflated and worn is impossible to swim with. Whoever is suggesting that I think hasn't though it though or tried. Bad suggestion.
My preference, when it comes to swimming in is still a restube, inflated and dragged behind for visibility.
Visibility is what you want if you are swimming in. Lots of it. Give, of course you can swim.
A classic PFD is designed to lie down in the water and keep your mouth up, not for swimming.
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A waist PDF, when inflated and worn is impossible to swim with. Whoever is suggesting that I think hasn't though it though or tried. Bad suggestion.
Yugi, you do understand the difference between swim aids and safety equipment right?
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The nice thing about an inflatable is that if you do get in a jam (loose your board etc.) you can manually unfurl the vest and wear it. You can adjust the buoyancy as needed using the manual tube. It's a great idea to take a couple of minutes to practice getting into your inflatable before you need it just to get familiar with how it works (and check out the cool whistle inside).
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^^^ you got that big a beer belly?
A waist PDF, when inflated and worn is impossible to swim with. Whoever is suggesting that I think hasn't though it though or tried. Bad suggestion.
(http://i1148.photobucket.com/albums/o567/mootrail/_1_zpswye9bhye.jpg)
I were mine backwards, but it's barely even a booty enhancer.
Not sure why people are so nutty about the impossiblility of swimming with an inflated waist PFD. Number one, we're paddling and not swimming. If I'm swimming, I'm not pulling the cord. And there's absolutely no problem swimming with it uninflated. It's a last resort option, so you wouldn't be doing the Phelps to the shoreline and have an inflated PFD.
Not to mention, my response was for the HanaSurf who isn't swimming anywhere.
Unfortunately (or fortunately) wearing a PFD is required in many places, stateside. I'm more then happy to wear a PFD in places like the Puget Sound where they don't mess around in enforcing PFD requirements. Besides the cold water, the wind and big currents, you need a way for Shamu to spot you. And I always wear a PFD in fresh water where I sink like a rock. At home, it's LA LA Land; a leash in the surfline and a PFD only if required.
This is my Onyx M-16 inflated. Just a small pillow float which would be more visible then and just as easy to pull as a swim tube:
(http://i1148.photobucket.com/albums/o567/mootrail/OnyxOpen_zps1txpv5kz.jpg)
The Restube does not have USCG Certification. They have a Kickstatrer to pay for the certification process (which does not inspire confidence in the company or products). The new Restube with a chance for certification is the same design as the M-16:
(http://i1148.photobucket.com/albums/o567/mootrail/c85ebe109fb2021ba4a96d94c923de64_original_zpshqrzqz98.jpg)
And you can forget about the swim tube, it has no chance to pass.
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If you watch the news cast, at the end the reporter says " We contacted the coast guard and they said in open water stand up paddlers are required to wear life jackets, but in closed waters areas such as Huntington Harbor they are not."
Scary that even the USCG doesn't even know their own rules nor CA's NMV laws...
Hate to bag on you Dude, but seriously; you're taking the word of some chick news reporter on what the coast guard said? Seriously, you'd better do a fact check, just like that chick should have. Maybe of course, the news never gets the facts wrong; right?
And ladies, no offense, I'm just a SoCal surf dude.
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I don't understand how people that can't swim can rent a SUP.
Well, I can.
What I cannot understand is:
1. How rental operations do not require wearing a PFD for non-swimmers.
2. Everyone needs to be instructed to wear a leash on a rental board.
After that, it's all on the user.
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I don't understand how people that can't swim can rent a SUP. It blows my mind. The first question I ask people after they book a lesson with me is if they can swim. I know people can lie but if I couldn't swim, the last thing I would want to do is try a new water activity.
I'm 66 yrs old and been paddling since2008. I've had 7 boards and have 3 now I've kept. I can't swim the length of the shortest board ;D. I never go paddling without my leash securely wrapped on my leg. I use a little common sense on when and where to paddle and never had a problem. I've always paddled alone and had no one to teach me how to paddleboard but I've never come close to having a problem on the water... LEASH UP ;)
Hanasurf sounds like a name that would be chosen by somebody that A) lives in Maui, and B) knows how to surf, I don't know, but it sounds suspicious. Is this post really honest?
If not, what's the point? A weak attempt at humor?
If true, it sounds like you're bragging, bragging about what exactly, poor judgement? If so you've just been lucky so far, and it would be something that if it was me, I wouldn't be bragging about, but instead doing something about so that I can enjoy my own life in safety.
Sorry if this sounds harsh, but I'm a former ocean lifeguard, and I can't figure out the sanity behind this post.
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There is always somebody who will survive the odds of poor judgment. Also, people lie and men brag in strange ways.
I'd rather be defensive and be able to spend more time out.
Starting from scratch as I did older, it takes a long time to develop all those micro reflexes demanded by changing water conditions/waves, and I am only part way there.
Guys(gals) who have been doing this forever take those micro responses and reflexes for granted, but my experience with endeavors is that I get treated to the royal eff ups up front.
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Hate to bag on you Dude, but seriously; you're taking the word of some chick news reporter on what the coast guard said? Seriously, you'd better do a fact check, just like that chick should have. Maybe of course, the news never gets the facts wrong; right?
And ladies, no offense, I'm just a SoCal surf dude.
Fair argument! I was thinking that what was stated seems odd. Like Surf4Food stated, some CG patrollers don't know all of the rules they're enforcing, but PFD rules in CA are fairly strict and enforcement is common, so I can't buy that argument for this particular scenario. One can only hope the statement was misconstrued. Regardless of the CG's response, looking at the rental outfitters FB page speaks volumes. No images or videos of anyone carrying or wearing a PFD and zero leashes. I have no doubt that they had no clue about CA's NMV laws/requirements. I'd bet their insurance company was also clueless. This will be a major life lesson for this outfitter and the family that lost a loved one. RIP
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If you watch the news cast, at the end the reporter says " We contacted the coast guard and they said in open water stand up paddlers are required to wear life jackets, but in closed waters areas such as Huntington Harbor they are not."
Scary that even the USCG doesn't even know their own rules nor CA's NMV laws...
Hate to bag on you Dude, but seriously; you're taking the word of some chick news reporter on what the coast guard said? Seriously, you'd better do a fact check, just like that chick should have. Maybe of course, the news never gets the facts wrong; right?
And ladies, no offense, I'm just a SoCal surf dude.
Bag away... I get it all the time:) In fact, I deserve it probably more than I get it. So thanks 8) I think if you really look at the wording " We contacted the coast guard and they said in open water stand up paddlers are required to wear life jackets, but in closed waters areas such as Huntington Harbor they are not." She definitely got her info a little screwed up. It's obviously confusing because the rules don't make sense. The CG probably recited the rules, and let her to summarize. Stand up paddlers don't have to wear life jackets. They just have to have one tied to or sitting on the paddleboard. Or they can wear an manually inflatable pfd, but not inside the surf zone. And maybe not in certain private jurisdictions? The CG does not rule all bodies of water.
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I don't understand how people that can't swim can rent a SUP. It blows my mind. The first question I ask people after they book a lesson with me is if they can swim. I know people can lie but if I couldn't swim, the last thing I would want to do is try a new water activity.
I'm 66 yrs old and been paddling since2008. I've had 7 boards and have 3 now I've kept. I can't swim the length of the shortest board ;D. I never go paddling without my leash securely wrapped on my leg. I use a little common sense on when and where to paddle and never had a problem. I've always paddled alone and had no one to teach me how to paddleboard but I've never come close to having a problem on the water... LEASH UP ;)
Hanasurf sounds like a name that would be chosen by somebody that A) lives in Maui, and B) knows how to surf, I don't know, but it sounds suspicious. Is this post really honest?
If not, what's the point? A weak attempt at humor?
If true, it sounds like you're bragging, bragging about what exactly, poor judgement? If so you've just been lucky so far, and it would be something that if it was me, I wouldn't be bragging about, but instead doing something about so that I can enjoy my own life in safety.
Sorry if this sounds harsh, but I'm a former ocean lifeguard, and I can't figure out the sanity behind this post.
Sorry for late reply but been on road all day to Florida to visit my daughter and grandkids. When I tried to register here it kept rejecting me,then I saw a post that said name had be associated with SUP. I had a Pau Hana Big Easy so I used HANA and added SURF...registered. I live at Outer Banks in NC.wish I could afford Maui ;D I grew up inland on a lake and waterskied(I wear Ski Vest] my whole life but never surfed. I've tried many times to learn to swim but I never have been able too. Doggy paddle for a minute or o but that's it. As a life guard you are probably correct about this not being the best hobby for me. When I was young the life guards at the city pool would not let me jump off the diving board or go in deep end of pool so I quit going to pool. Istill waterskied from 10yrs old to 42 yrs old. I only tour on SUPs in ICW and rivers and creeks that dump into the ICW here. I do DownBreezers on ICW with my SIC F14 Wide and tour on a Riviera Voyager. Both super stable and i go on nice days. I fell a lot teaching myself to SUP but on these boards I haven't fallen in years but if I do I pull back to me with leash and get back on. I can Doggy Paddle a minute or so but then I will sink ,can't float. I wear a NRS Ninja life jacket when the water gets cold but only then. I guess it's not smart but I love it,I'm 66 and gonna die sometime.....my wife and 2 daughters fuss at me all the time :( I really wasn't bragging,I was saying I ALWAYS wear my leash and it's worked for me for over 8 years....it will work for anyone that will wear one.
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Everything goes great on the water, until it doesn't. Leashes break or come undone sometimes. They can snag on something under the water and pull you off your board. You can lose a board on flat water even on a calm day if it shoots away from you or there is current. I cannot imagine doing any water sport without being a solid swimmer or, at least going with someone that has lifesaving skills, which are not the same thing as simply being able to swim.
Not intending to sound judgemental but I can't read posts about paddling without swimming skills and not react. Hanasurf, go to your nearest Y or health club and make the commitment to learn how to swim. It's a great challenge for yourself. You learned to paddle, why not to swim? My wife did it when she was in her 50's. It really is not too late to learn new skills as we get older. It's good for the brain and the body and it might save your life.
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Odd no PFD or leash especially for a non-swimmer. Gotta be a liability issue. Even in Mex and DR the beach outfits mandate you have to wear one of their full PFDs sailing or SUP or kayaking.
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Hana, there are swim teachers that even specialize in working with older clients. Most community Ys have a few swim teachers. Local health clubs too have swim coaches. I would really suggest you learn at least a basic freestyle. You don't have to become an expert (I'm not, although my wife is), but at least be able to take care of yourself in the water.
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Like Gregg says--leashes are great until they break, pull off your leg, or get entangled. I test all my leashes to destruction every year before I leave Maui for Hood river--and even though I've built a leash system I consider to be much safer than anything commercially available for myself, I don't trust them. With good reason--they've failed on me several times. I could recount the occasions, but that's just old stories. Here's the bottom line--you can't trust leashes, and IMO you can't trust PFDs. You need to be able to rescue yourself. You won't be cavalier about dying when you're an easy swim of 100 yards from shore slowly drowning.
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Though tempted by several friends, in the distant past, to join them hang gliding, I never took that step. Long time ago, and I know the equipment is better now, but still........ I didn't want to trust my life 100% against equipment failure.
This makes me think of that.
I just had to swim after my stuff today while w'surfing, no problem.
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I second almost everything almost everyone has said. You have to learn how to swim if you do any water sport. DJ has the greatest posts ever about how easy it is to die--nothing dramatic has to happen, you just need a series of minor bits of bad luck. Every paddler regularly has those things happen to them--your routine gets screwed up so you leave your leash in the car, you fall and a wave hits your board when your hand is 6" from grabbing it, you get something in your eye...
You might have 3 bad things happen in a row, and maybe you even did today, but you didn't even notice because you still have enough safety factors going for you it didn't matter. But 1 in 10,000 times, someone has the fourth and fifth bad thing happen on top of the first three, and then you're dead. So you want to have a stack of more safety factors built up than you'll ever need at once.
Like PonoBill said, if you wear a leash and pfd, you have to assume both will fail. And they'll fail along with some other problems, like after you get stung by a jellyfish, and it gets dark and you lose your whistle and phone. You shouldn't rely on swimming ability alone either, but at least it's something you have that won't fail because someone's attention lapsed in the assembly line at the leash factory. I hate relying on gear or even other people. I'd never skydive. I knew a blind guy who did, which was crazy to me. He finally quit because it was making a nervous wreck out of his seeing eye dog.
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I'd never skydive. I knew a blind guy who did, which was crazy to me. He finally quit because it was making a nervous wreck out of his seeing eye dog.
Great to have you back PDX Mike. A serious and well thought out post with a great twist. Missed your sense of humor.
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I'd never skydive. I knew a blind guy who did, which was crazy to me. He finally quit because it was making a nervous wreck out of his seeing eye dog.
Great to have you back PDX Mike. A serious and well thought out post with a great twist. Missed your sense of humor.
Thanks. I had an incident opening a package in April but I'm back now.
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I'm not sure what you guys see out there as far as renters go, but down in South Florida, I am surprised we don't hear about injuries/ deaths. I have been down in South Beach at a VERY busy park/ boat ramp with tons of boats and jet ski's launching right into the bay and then immediately start at full throttle. The area is a washing machine. I have watched a guy who bought one of those "instant SUP renter" packages from SUP ATX where you get the trailer, boards and paddles.... pull in, leave the truck running while he dumps boards and paddles on the ground for people who found him on craigslist, and then take off before authorities catch him operating his business without a license. The people just go right out into all this mess, paddles backwards, no PFDs, no idea where they are, etc. Up in Fort Lauderdale, my wife and I have towed lost, exhausted paddlers back to where they were dropped off by their "rental shop". Once, the person had lost a paddle. We usually have to paddle for a bit because they can't quite remember where the spot was that they were dropped off. Then they call "the shop", and a truck will pull up really quick, grab the boards and take off. The intracoastal in Fort Lauderdale is like a mini Venice, lots of canals, small bays, and main waterways to explorer and easy to get lost in. The tide change can bring some serious current at times. We find renters in the middle of the main channels with the big yachts blowing thru them... all kinds of crazy stuff. We've also seen a rental shop that puts people on SUPs in the New River, which is a nice run thru downtown Fort Lauderdale, complete with high seawalls on both sides, big yachts, and weekend boaters blasting thru. We now ask everyone that we approach to help if they can swim before we do anything about helping them. If they can't, then we put our PFDs on them first, then attach our leashes to their boards, and then tow them out of the way. We use the area for our workout paddles, but about 1 in every 10 paddles, we'll find someone that needs some type of help. The illegal renters just dump off boards... no lessons, no safety gear, no guide. The actual rental shops, will supply the proper gear and give a quick lesson from the dock, but if the group wants a guide... well, that's an extra fee. The paddles almost always end up going with the wind/ current... and then can't make it back, or come back late... which, yup, as you guessed it... there's a extra fee for being late.