Are you using a Stand Up Paddleboard?

Last updated : July 2018

These regulations will enter into full force in 2018, published by Transport Canada,.

If you are paddling across a body of water, or getting from Point A to Point B, you are navigating.

Stand Up Paddleboards (SUP) used for navigation fall into the same category as canoes, kayaks, rowboats, rowing shells, and other human powered boats less than 6m and you are required to carry mandatory safety equipment under the Small Vessel Regulations.

• Option 1: WEAR a lifejacket with a whistle (no buoyant heaving line required).
• Option 2: CARRY a lifejacket on board with whistle and a buoyant heaving line.
• Option 3: NONE then could receive a $200 – $500 fine for non-compliance.

*watertight flashlight is required for lowlight or nighttime conditions.

If you are NOT navigating (park and play at the waterfront, dock, or surf wave, surf beach), then TC does not consider the SUP use as regulated vessel for mandatory equipment requirements.

Paddle Canada also recommends the use of an appropriate ankle or waistbelt leash although not required equipment.

For more information please visit TC website here or excerpt below:

Small Vessel Regulations: SUBPART 5: Exceptions for Human-Powered Pleasure Craft Paddleboats, Watercycles, Stand-Up Paddleboards and Sealed-Hull, Sit-on-Top Kayaks 220 If every person on board a paddleboat, a watercycle, a stand-up paddleboard or a sealed-hull, sit-on-top kayak is wearing a personal flotation device or lifejacket of an appropriate size, the paddleboat, watercycle, paddleboard or kayak is required to carry on board only the following safety equipment: (a) a sound-signalling device; and (b) a watertight flashlight, if the paddleboat, watercycle, paddleboard or kayak is operated after sunset or before sunrise or in periods of restricted visibility.