Safety Guidelines
To ensure your safety and compliance with applicable Swiss regulations and industry best practice, please read the following Safety Guidelines before participating in a stand up paddleboard (hereinafter "SUP") rental with Superience.
Labelling of the SUP
All SUPs have a number and are labelled with the name, address and phone number of the owners (either Joshua Steiner, Neugasse 63, 8005 Zurich, or Justin Steiner, Feldstrasse 40, 8004 Zurich). This helps avoid unnecessary effort if a SUP is found without its user(s).
Life vest requirement
Beyond 300 meters from shore or on rivers, a certified personal flotation device (PFD) is required. The PFD must provide at least 50N of buoyancy, match your body weight, and comply with standard SN EN ISO 12402-5:2006. Each SUP rental includes a 50N buoyancy aid. All users are required to wear a PFD at all times while on the water. Please note that on Lake Lucerne and Lake Constance, PFDs with 75N and 100N, respectively, are mandatory and it is your responsibility to obtain and wear a suitable PFD with a 75N or 100N buoyancy aid.
Use the leash
Each SUP rental includes a leash (a tether between the SUP and your body). Using the leash is strongly recommended, especially in windy conditions, to prevent the SUP from drifting away if you fall in. If you have chosen the 1 for 2 option (one SUP and two life vests for two people), the person steering the SUP (the one standing or sitting at the back) should wear the leash.
Do not use a leash on rivers due to entanglement hazards.
Planning
Before heading out on the water, familiarise yourself with the SUP and its components. Adjust the paddle to your height, inflate the SUP to the recommended pressure (as indicated on the SUP or the pump), securely attach the fin and put on the life vest. Ensure that all personal belongings are safely fastened to the SUP using the provided net to prevent them from falling into the water. Always follow the instructions on the SUP and its components, as well as the instructions provided on the website (e.g. the maximum load capacity of the specific SUP).
Familiarise yourself with the conditions at your planned SUP location. This includes, namely, checking applicable rules and regulations for the specific body of water, as well as identifying potential hazards such as currents, waves, or shallow areas.
Inform someone about your planned route and carry a mobile phone with you in case of emergency (see art. 13).
Weather conditions
Check the weather and wind forecasts and conditions before entering the water and its developments while being in it. Along the shoreline (usually near harbour entrances), flashing orange lights signal strong wind (orange light flashing slower than once per second) and storm warnings (orange light flashing faster than once per second).
Strong winds can cause high waves and push away from shore. If there is a strong wind warning or a storm warning, return to shore immediately.
Moving water can pose additional dangers, such as currents, whirlpools, and underwater obstacles.
Protection against heat and cold
Wear a wetsuit or drysuit in water temperatures below 15°C. Sunny weather conditions require adequate sun protection and sufficient drinking water.
Physical condition
While using the SUP, monitor your physical condition at all times. If you experience namely, any health issues, physical discomfort, or acute injuries, return to shore as safely and quickly as possible and seek assistance if necessary.
Suddenly diving into cold water can cause a life-threatening cold shock. Always enter the water slowly and carefully to allow your body to get used to the temperature. This also applies when you are on the SUP. Make sure that your body is accustomed to the water temperature, in particular if you are a beginner, as you may fall into the water more frequently.
Alcohol and substance use
Do not operate a SUP under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication that may impair your abilities.
Launch, return and storage
Carry the SUP to the water and from the water with the fin facing forward. Take special care to ensure that you start safely on the water. Paddle on your knees when leaving and returning to the shore, and only stand up in deeper water, as falls from the SUP can be dangerous near shore due to shallow depth and possible obstacles. Maintain a safe distance from the shoreline, landing stages and other people at all times.
The SUP must not be stored in an inflated state outside of the water in direct sunlight, as this may result in damage or bursting of the SUP.
Paddling restrictions
Yellow buoys mark zones like nature reserves or swimming areas where paddling is not allowed.
Paddling is generally prohibited near passenger ferry landing points (often marked with a "rowing prohibited" sign).
A red circle with a white bar indicates "no entry", while a red-and-white circle allows entry only on the white side.
Stay at least 25 meters away from water plants such as reeds and water lilies. Avoid harbor entrances, landing docks and shipping lanes.
Respect other water users
Give way to other water users in the following order: Passenger ferries, cargo ships, professional fishermen (yellow or white ball on boat; watch for nets), sailboats
Equal rights: SUPs and rowing boats (follow the right-before-left rule)
No right of way: Motorboats, windsurfers and kitesurfers
Ship horn signals:
One long blast: "Warning" or "I am maintaining my course"
One short blast: Turning to starboard (right)
Two short blasts: Turning to port (left)
Avoid swimmers, divers, and snorkelers as a SUP is almost silent and may not be noticed by them.
SUPs must not be towed by motorised vehicles.
Paddling during daylight
Avoid paddling at night or in poor visibility. When paddling at dusk or in the dark, it is mandatory to have a clearly visible white all-around light.
Emergency protocol
In case of emergency (including damage to the SUP while on the water, or similar incidents):
Contact local emergency services (ambulance: 144 / police: 117) immediately;
Return to shore as safely and quickly as possible;
Report any incidents or injuries to Superience without delay.