Main risks

• Falling into the water with a risk of drowning, exhaustion or panic, especially far from shore.
• Wind, currents and waves that can carry you away, make returning difficult, or destabilise the board.
• Impacts with your own board or paddle, and collisions with swimmers, rocks, buoys or vessels.
• Entanglement with the leash on rocks, branches or vegetation, with a risk of entrapment in rivers or flowing water.
• Exposure to extreme cold or heat: hypothermia, heatstroke, dehydration and sunburn.
• Board damage (punctures, sudden deflation in inflatable models, cracks in hard boards) that reduces buoyancy.
• Cuts and impacts from the fins, both in the water and when transporting the board.
• Losing the board after a fall without proper attachment, leaving it adrift.

Safe use

• Choose areas and conditions suited to your level. Avoid offshore wind (out to sea), heavy surf and forecast weather changes.
• Always wear an appropriate buoyancy aid and a leash suited to the environment; in moving water consider quick-release systems to avoid entrapment.
• Check the board, leash, fins and paddle before setting off. For inflatable models, inflate to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure without exceeding it.
• Learn and practise how to get back onto the board after a fall and how to paddle on your knees in challenging conditions.
• Keep a safe distance from swimmers and other vessels. Respect marked zones and entry and exit channels.
• Stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun: water-resistant sunscreen, a cap/hat and, where appropriate, glasses with a retainer. Consider a wetsuit in cold water.
• Secure accessories (cameras, dry bags) to the attachment points and distribute the load without exceeding the recommended capacity.
• Avoid going out alone. Inform someone of your route and estimated return time, and if possible carry a phone in a waterproof case and a whistle.

Storage and maintenance

• Rinse with fresh water after each use, removing salt, sand and mud. Dry the surface and padded areas thoroughly before storing.
• Do not leave the board inflated in the sun or inside the car. Heat increases pressure and can damage materials and glued joints.
• Inflate and handle it on clean, smooth surfaces. Avoid dragging it; use the handles to carry it.
• Regularly check seams, valves, fins, screws/bolts, leash and attachment points. Replace worn or damaged parts.
• For inflatable boards, store partially deflated and rolled without forced creases; for hard boards, use padded supports and avoid localised pressure.
• Remove the fins for transport/storage when possible and protect the rails and nose.
• Transport with suitable straps, without pinching valves or hoses, and avoid slack that allows movement during transit.
• Store in a dry, ventilated, shaded place, away from sources of extreme heat or cold, to prevent deformation, mould and unpleasant odours.

Usage restrictions

• This is not a toy. You must be able to swim and, for minors, have constant, close adult supervision.
• Do not use the board under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or when severely fatigued.
• Avoid going out during thunderstorms, in dense fog, at night or in reduced visibility.
• Do not paddle in flowing rivers, near weirs or rapids, or in surf zones without specific training and equipment appropriate to the environment.
• Do not exceed the manufacturer’s load capacity, nor carry passengers or pets if the model is not designed for it.
• Do not go farther from the shore than your abilities and energy reserves allow. Plan for a margin to return against wind or current.
• Do not use the leash if there is a clear risk of becoming trapped on obstacles; instead, use quick-release systems appropriate to the environment.
• Avoid prohibited areas, navigation channels and areas with boat traffic if you lack experience and appropriate signalling equipment.