Paddle Boards, Much More Than Entertainment

By: Jill Martin

A concept born in the islands, paddle boarding began as a rather primitive form of transportation. In the 1920s, a man named Thomas Blake rescued paddle boarding from the grave when he drilled holes in an old wooden relic and resealed it, making the first “hollow” board. He immediately broke world records with his light board and his innovation made the sport accessible to almost everyone. The paddleboard had suddenly become a manageable way to enjoy the ocean.

Fast-forward almost a century, and the hollow board has morphed into one of the most popular means of water recreation, the stand up paddleboard. Few sunny days go by at the beach without a paddle boarder gliding across the top of the water. The boards are lighter than ever and angled paddles have been added providing a much-sought-after core workout and an unparalleled view of the horizon.

Blake’s rescue of the activity of paddle boarding itself not only revolutionized aquatic recreation, but also the world of lifeguarding. The stand up paddleboard has become a vital tool in monitoring and upholding water safety.

What may be a view of the horizon for recreationalists is a panoramic picture of the status of water safety for lifeguards. Standing amongst the waves, lifeguards on a paddleboard are poised to encourage water safety as well as see and take immediate action in the event of an emergency.
Because of its light weight, it’s easily transported from a motor vehicle or a lifeguard’s outpost to the water. The weight is also an important factor in the act of rescuing itself. A lifeguard is able to come to a victim’s aid much faster atop a stand up paddleboard compared to swimming. In this case, the use of a board may mean the difference between life and death.

In the event of rescuing a victim, the stand up paddleboard’s wide and long design offers a great deal of stability. The victim can have space to lie down and regain his or her breath while the lifeguard is able to safely and steadily propel them both to shore. Many rescue boards are designed with grips for feet and a fin on the underside to promote extra stability and purposeful navigation.

In addition to these features, many of them lifesaving, the stand up paddleboard has a unique combination of versatility and availability not shared by many other types of lifesaving equipment. Ideal for lakes, rivers, and oceans, this board can access most any body of water. Its price and storage needs alone make it a better match for some locations than a jet ski or motorized raft.

Thanks to Thomas Blake, who resurrected a drowning sport, and the countless men and women who refined his designs, there is an affordable and effective tool within reach of almost every lifeguarding organization. The stand up paddleboard continues to be unmatched in areas of access, view, immediacy, and stability, and continues to save lives every day.