Chris Kenyon, ASI CEO for the UK and Europe ventured out onto the water to demonstrate a few elements when using a Quick Release Waist Belt for Stand Up Paddling.
Conditions - Air temp 11﮿C, Water temp 4﮿C.
Air speed and direction - 22 knots continual, 34 knots gusting. SW wind.
Location – Cliff Lakes, UK. Enclosed flat water location.
Wipeout wearing QR belt and Buoyancy Aid (BA)
The added element of a Buoyancy Aid can also have the potential to stop the paddler getting onto the board. In Practice, although you are aware that the BA is there, it is still relatively easy to get back on the board even in challenging conditions.
The BA was a fairly bulky item of kit and Chris could feel it on the rail of the board when pulling himself on.
More often than not it can be lack of upper body strength or not enough experience in getting back on a board that can slow or inhibit the inexperienced paddler from getting back on the board with a BA.
