Before you go out on the water: the ten SUPKids promises

A fun SUP starts with looking out for each other

When you first learn SUP, you want to stand up on the board right away. But the first thing SUPKids talks about isn't speed or cool tricks. It's that SUP is a lot more fun once you know how to stay safe in the water. That's why SUPPY has ten promises to remember before you set out.

Some promises are for you, and some are for other people. Going with a buddy, checking how your body feels and using safe equipment keep you safe. Respecting other water users, taking care of wildlife and leaving no trash behind protect the water we all share. Being good at SUP means learning both kinds together.

You don't have to learn all ten by heart at once. In the activities below, we'll group similar promises and connect them to real scenes. Most of all, remember the last promise. If you're not sure it's safe, you don't go in the water. Waiting to set out and watching the water is a good choice, too.

Try it together

1. Go together, and share the water kindly

   The first promise is not to swim or SUP alone. The second is to respect other people using the water. Think of the grown-up and the friends you'll be with today, and talk about how you'll keep track of where everyone is. Also think about what could happen if you block someone's path in the picture or get too close. Waiting your turn and looking around you is how you start keeping these two promises.

2. Check your body, the place and your gear, in order

   The third promise is to join in when your body feels healthy. The fourth is to get to know your local beaches and waterways. The fifth is to use safe equipment. If you're tired or something hurts, tell a grown-up first. Even at a beach you always visit, check whether it looks the same that day. Check your gear with a grown-up to make sure nothing is wrong. If you find a problem you can't fix yourself, don't hide it. Telling someone is an important part of getting ready.

3. Think about the animals and the next visitors

   The sixth promise is to take care of local wildlife. The seventh is to share what you've learned. The eighth is to leave only your footprints. Imagine meeting an animal by the water and watching it instead of chasing after it. Pack up the things and trash you brought, then teach a friend one promise you learned today. It's about keeping the water a comfortable place for animals and the next visitors after you leave.

4. Notice hazards, and stop when you're unsure

   The ninth promise is to learn to recognize hazards. The tenth is to stay out of the water if you're in doubt. Pick one hazard that's easy to see, like big waves, changing weather or broken glass, and practice how you'd tell a grown-up about it. You don't have to follow a friend just because they go in. Check with a grown-up and your coach whether it's safe, and say clearly if something feels hard or makes you nervous.