Safety
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A waiver must be signed prior to your reservation time. The link to filling out a waiver is located on the booking page and below. If you have trouble accessing the link or have any questions or concerns regarding the waiver, please contact us at info@tecoloteoutdoors.com
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Stand up paddleboarding is a water-based activity that carries inherent risks. Participants are required to wear a life vest at all times. However, due to the nature of the activity, there is the potential you may fall into the water. To ensure the safety of our participants, we require the following basic competencies:
You are able to swim at least 50 yards in open water without assistance.
You are able to tread water for at least 5 minutes continuously.
You are comfortable in deep water where you cannot touch the bottom.
You can keep calm and self-rescue if you fall off a paddleboard unexpectedly.
You understand that paddleboarding takes place in open water, which may include current, wind, or waves.
You have no known medical conditions that would impair your ability to swim or respond in an aquatic emergency.
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For daytime and nighttime paddling excursions, a life vest must be worn at all times. We provide each participant with a USCG approved Type 3 Life Vest (PFD) and instruction on how to properly wear the vest.
We also provide participants with a dry bag containing other safety essentials, including a whistle.
For nighttime paddling excursions, participants are provided additional safety equipment, including a navigation/distress light that can clip onto the life vest and an extra flashlight.
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Being aware of your surroundings is crucial while paddling on the bay. We recommend that you stay within 50 feet of the shoreline and continuously scan ahead for oncoming boats and other watercraft. Paddlers should be extra observant of and avoid crossing fishing lines cast into the water. Fishing is common along the rocky points of the shoreline.
Generally, the west side of the bay is safest for paddling. Areas in which paddlers should be extra mindful of watercraft include passing under the W Mission Bay Drive Bridge, inside Mariner’s Basin and Bonita Cove where boats enter and exit, and passing the Mission Bay Yacht Club and Mission Bay Aquatic Center where sailing classes may be in session.
The east side of the bay should be avoided during the day due to heavy boating traffic.
Be mindful of wakes caused by passing boats. In the event of large wakes, we suggest lowering your center of gravity and holding your paddle parallel to the board. Our instructors will demonstrate how to do this during your lesson or tour.
Overview of environmental awareness:
Deep and shallow areas
Unclear water
Underwater hazards, such as vegetation and animals
Other people’s activities, such as boating, sailing, fishing
Currents
Obstructions
The locations of entry and exit points
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Start on calm and shallow water.
Use a leash to stay connected to your board for safety.
Before launching, make sure your board is in deep enough water for the fin to clear the sand.
Place both hands on the center of the board with your paddle securely placed horizontally in front of you or vertically next to you.
Push the board forward and hop onto the center with your knees.
Stand in the center of the board and place your feet shoulder-width apart.
If standing is too difficult, position yourself on your knees at the center of the board, being careful not to shift your weight too much to one side.
Look ahead, not down, to help with balance.
Use your core. Paddle with your torso, not just your arms.
To propel your board forward, place your paddle approximately 1-foot towards the nose of the board and pull backward until you reach your ankle. Lift your paddle and switch sides. Some paddlers prefer 3-8 strokes on one side before switching.
