Oxford SUP Club: Code of Conduct

Oxford SUP Club is a laid back, friendly stand up paddle boarding Club for people who have either mastered the basics of SUP, or have taken part in one of our SUP Lessons and wants to paddle more regularly, and meet like-minded people.

The objects of the Club are to carry on activities which benefit the community and in particular (without limitation) to the promotion of sport in the community by:

·         Providing accessible and affordable stand up paddle boarding (SUP) to local communities

·         Promoting the increase of SUP within local communities

·         Creating pathways for children and young people to participate and compete in SUP events and competitions

·         Promoting SUP as a benefit to mental and physical health and wellbeing

·         Promoting engagement through SUP with the natural environment

·         Using SUP to protect and conserve local waterways

·         Creating local jobs for local people and the provision of leadership and apprenticeship opportunities for young people

Club sessions are designed to be fun and safe, and with that in mind we have agreed a code of conduct for Club social paddle session and events. As a member of the club, or as an invited guest to Club sessions or events you are expected to abide by the following code of conduct:

There will be a paddle briefing prior to each paddle. This will cover safety aspects, conditions, route plan and any special considerations on the day.

Please ensure that you arrive in time to attend the briefing. Timings will be provided to members in advance.

There is no formal instruction on club paddles and we are all responsible for our own safety*

Leashes are mandatory for all club sessions. Buoyancy aids are mandatory for all Club sessions with the exeption of Race Training or Race Events.

Stay with the other paddlers, you will always find someone who is happy to paddle at your pace (fast or slow).

Let the SUP Club Guide/Instructor know If you have an injury or medical condition which might affect your ability to paddle safely on the day.

If you have to leave early, or have to nip off (for whatever reason) please let the SUP Club Guide/Instructor know – it’s always good to know that we’ve finished with the right number of paddlers!

If you have questions or concerns about the conditions, or the distance, or If it is your first time paddling with us please let the SUP Club Guide/Instructor and others know.

Respect each other. If someone gets in to difficulty stop and help if it is safe to do so, or let the SUP Club Guide/Instructor others know.

Respect other water users. We tend to paddle in large groups, so try not to get in the way of others. Whilst on rivers we generally pass other water users on the right, and remember that on paddleboards we can run a lot shallower than many boats so let them have the deeper channels.

Take note of the paddle notifications and the suitability of each paddle. For example, if you are not sure whether you qualify as an experienced paddler for a particular event then please ask we are happy to advise.

Occasionally paddle sessions will have to be cancelled due to adverse weather conditions, or other reasons. We will endeavour to give adequate notice, but the weather and water conditions may result in cancellations on the day

We advise all paddlers joining us on club paddles to have third party liability insurance. This is included with membership of the British Stand Up Paddleboard Association (BSUPA) and we can provide more advice on this. As an affiliated club discounted BSUPA membership is available.

Have fun – this is why we are here! See you on the water!!!

*Oxford SUP Club does not accept liability for any paddler. Individuals joining a club session or event must understand and accept the risks associated with the sport.