Downside to the increasing popularity of stand-up paddling

The increasing popularity of stand-up paddling is causing problems for nature conservation. According to local providers, low-cost providers are partly to blame for this.

The summer of 2020 is special in many ways. Due to the Corona pandemic, Mr. and Mrs. Schweizer will be spending most of their holidays in Switzerland and are also planning their holiday program in their home cantons. If you stand on the shores of Lake Aegeri and Lake  Zug, you will notice that space is therefore becoming scarce, not only around, but also on the lakes. In addition to the sailboats, the swimmers and the pedalos, you will also see more and more stand-up paddleboards (SUP) on the lake.

This trend has been around for some time. But the federal government asking people to spend their holidays in Switzerland has created the conditions for a veritable SUP boom. Our newspaper contacted local vendors to ask how the Corona season is developing.

Sales figures are exploding, especially online
One of the best-known suppliers is Andys SUP from Goldau, which presents its products in a prime location at the Brüggli lakeside area. Unsurprisingly, owner Andy Schocher confirms that sales have risen "explosively" this year. But his company is benefitting little from this boom. Schocher says:

"Right now, the market is being flooded by low-cost providers."

These providers offer SUP online at the lowest possible prices. The fact that these low prices are partly reflected in the safety and quality of the SUP is something that some of Andy Schocher's customers have experienced. "Customers who are struggling with their boards have often asked me why they can stand more easily on my boards." The difference in price or quality results in a completely different feeling on the SUP.

In conflict with nature
in general, Andy Schocher has noted that the low-cost providers have created a completely new group of SUP users: those who initially didn’t feel that the higher prices of providers like him was justified. "There is also a lack of the conscience in some users," says Schocher. They have little interest in the existing rules, including those with regard to nature conservation. The necessary knowledge is often simply not there. "People are simply paddling about, even in nature reserves," explains Andy Schocher.

Stand-up paddlers and swans also sometimes cross each other's paths

Simon Fischer, the operations manager of Pier1 in Zug, another provider of SUP, confirms that not all stand-up paddlers practice the sport with the desired consideration. He is increasingly noticing people who are reluctant to abide by the protection measures in terms of disinfection and distances. He adds: "People act as if the Corona crisis was over." The public have become impatient – perhaps also because the season had only started late due to corona.

In terms of courses, both SUP providers have a stable demand compared to previous years. The age span is wide –the customers of Andy's SUP include ambitious six-year-olds and young 82-year-olds. As Simon Fischer from Pier1 confirms, the rentals show that the 20- to 50-year-olds in particular are strongly represented. Courses focusing on safety and nature conservation are mostly be booked by people over the age of 30. "They are convinced that attending a course makes sense," says Andy Schocher.

The number of accidents is increasing
Younger SUP users often feel that they don’t need courses. The image that many people have of SUP is shaped by the illusion that the sport is harmless, and that you can acquire the necessary skills yourself. This is a false assumption, however. "Technically, you can compare the sport with cross-country skiing," explains Andy Schocher, and points out that can certainly be danger with SUP. The Suva has actually  recorded a sharp increase in accidents with SUP, and there were even two fatalities last year. Many users underestimate the dangers of a fall. And many people also underestimate the weather conditions, adds Simon Fischer.

Space on the lakes is also limited. Due to the unusual circumstances of this summer, this space is particularly in demand. According to the assessment of the Zug police, the various persons using the water generally don’t get in each other’s way. A prerequisite for this is that stand-up paddlers must also comply with the regulations (see below).

Rules for stand-up paddleboards
On request, the Zug Police confirms the "strong increase" of stand-up paddleboards on Zug waters. SUP users are also checked by police patrols. Among other things:
- the SUP must be clearly labelled with the contact details. Otherwise there will be a fine of CHF 40.

- Anyone caught paddling in the "forbidden zones", marked by yellow buoys (e.g. nature protection and bathing zones), or who are more than 300 metres from the shore without a rescue device (e.g. a life jacket) will be fined CHF 50.

- SUP users must generally be able to swim or must otherwise wear a swimming aid.

- White, all-round lighting must be used when it is dark, at dusk or in poor visibility.

- Stand-up paddleboards are classified as rowing boats, and must give way to course ships, professional vessels, sailing vessels, fishing boats (and beware of towed lines!) and bathers.

- Course ships, cargo ships, fishing boats with yellow or white balls and sailing boats have priority. Stand-up paddleboards actually have priority over motor boats. The police, however, recommend that "all boats should preferably keep their distance from each other rather than force their priority."

- If two stand-up paddlers approach each other, both must move to their right (starboard). This also applies to kayakers and canoeists as well as rowers.

- In the case of strong winds: continue paddling in the kneeling position, in order to reduce the wind resistance. Choose a return path along the shore. Once in water of standing depth, you can take a rest without drifting out again.

- Wear a leash (line connecting you to the paddleboard). There is then no risk that the board could be blown away from you by the wind. Do not use a normal leash in rivers (where there is a danger of catching on branches, bridge pillars, etc.). There are also special leashes with release mechanisms for use on rivers.

The Zug police also advise that you should always monitor the weather for dangers.