Paddle surf regulations: everything you need to know to navigate beaches, rivers, lakes and reservoirs

The importance of the unique serial number in paddle surf regulations

Did you know that, according to paddle surf regulations, practicing Stand Up Paddle on the coast is not the same as in the waters of a navigable reservoir? Sounds strange, right? In fact, it is very likely that you would not have even considered it before... However, the specific requirements of sailing in one type of water or another are very important :

• First of all, to comply with the security measures established by the Administration.
• Also to avoid economic sanctions.
• And you even have to take them into account when choosing a paddle surf board! Since only a board with a unique serial number will allow you to navigate rivers, lakes and reservoirs.

The beach paddle surf regulations

Respecto a la costa, la normativa paddle surf establece que se puede practicar Stand Up Paddle en la playa sin ningún tipo de permiso especial. Dicho esto, con tal garantizar la seguridad de los bañistas y de los propios usuarios de las tablas de paddle surf, sí existen ciertas normas acerca de cómo y dónde puedes usarlas:

• To begin with, the paddle surf regulations indicate that you can only surf during the day and in the areas delimited by the maritime captaincy .
• Sports and recreational boating is prohibited in bathing areas duly marked with beacons.
• In stretches of coast that are not signposted, it will be understood that the bathing area occupies the first 200 meters from the coast. Within these unmarked areas you should not navigate at a speed greater than 3 knots.
• Furthermore, according to the paddle surf regulations, boats or floating devices that leave or go to the beaches must do so perpendicular to the land, sailing with caution and always at less than 3 knots from 200 meters to the coast, or vice versa. And if there are marked access channels, these will be used compulsorily.

The paddle surf regulations for rivers, lakes and reservoirs

In the case of fresh water, to enjoy your paddle surf board in rivers, lakes and reservoirs, the paddle surf regulations indicate two types of requirements :

• Administrative requirements : since, to navigate in some hydrographic basins, you must first apply for a permit.
• Technical requirements : since it is essential that your paddle surf board has a unique serial number. Without this number, it will be impossible for you to complete the administrative documentation.

At HUIIKE, all our paddlesurf boards have a unique serial number that will allow you to request the necessary permits to legally navigate rivers, lakes and reservoirs. Enjoyer Collection , Beach Collection and Tropical Collection sections !

Steps to obtain paddle surf permits from the Hydrographic Confederation of your town 

1. Consult the paddle surf regulations of the basin where you intend to surf.

As a general rule, all boats over 2.5 meters in length must apply for a permit. However, each Hydrographic Confederation has specific paddle surf regulations .

Our recommendation is to start the search online and, if in doubt, make a call to the corresponding Hydrographic Confederation. Below, we leave you a link to the directory of the 9 confederations of Spain , as well as the specific link for each of them:

• Cantabrian Hydrographic Confederation, OA
• Duero Hydrographic Confederation, OA
• Ebro Hydrographic Confederation, OA
• Guadalquivir Hydrographic Confederation, OA
• Guadiana Hydrographic Confederation, OA
• Júcar Hydrographic Confederation, OA
• Miño-Sil Hydrographic Confederation, OA
• Segura Hydrographic Confederation, OA
• Tajo Hydrographic Confederation, OA

Remember: in the event that you navigate in a place where permits are required and you do not have them, you may be penalized. According to Law 9/2010, of July 30, the navigation and floating of vessels in areas where such use is prohibited or, when it is permitted, but the presentation of a responsible declaration has not been made, is classified as a minor infraction. punishable by a fine of up to €6,010.12 .

Source: Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge.

2. Complete the responsible declaration document

If the hydrographic basin in which you intend to navigate requires an administrative permit, you must complete the corresponding responsible declaration , printing it and filling out the form as indicated.

Con este documento manifiestas, bajo responsabilidad propia, que cumples con los requisitos establecidos en la normativa paddle surf de la cuenca donde solicitas navegar, que dispones de la documentación que lo acredita y que te comprometes a cumplir con estos requisitos durante tu travesía haciendo paddle surf.

3. Pay the corresponding fee

The next step to commit to the responsible declaration is to pay an administrative fee (which in some cases is free, such as in the Ebro and Cantabrian basin).

Given that each basin or Hydrographic Confederation has different paddle surf regulations and acts in a particular way, it is very important that you consider the time in advance with which you are required to present the documentation (normally, it varies from fifteen days in some basins to several months in the case of others).

Once granted, the permit will be valid for 12 months.  

4. Study the location

Another relevant aspect before embarking on an adventure on your paddle surf board is knowing where surfing is allowed and where it is not. This means that completing the responsible declaration and paying the corresponding fee  does not allow you to navigate anywhere . You should find out about the sections where navigation is allowed (since, even within the same river, there are navigable parts and others that are not). There are also seasonal limitations where sailing cannot be done during certain times of the year. So, to ensure that you comply with the regulations, it is best to contact the corresponding Hydrographic Confederation.

Use of life jackets and safety equipment according to paddle surf regulations

For recreational boating, the use of life jackets and other safety equipment is recommended, but not required . However, if you have an inflatable or rigid paddle surf of more than 3.5 meters and you use it in waters very far from the coast (from 300 meters), it is mandatory to use a life jacket.

Our tips for using your paddle surf board safely

• Something fundamental is that you should not practice any sporting discipline on a paddle surf board if you do not know how to swim .
• Before leaving home, always find out about the weather conditions : not only is it not advisable to practice Stand Up Paddle in bad weather or rough seas, you also have to take into account variables such as the wind, since having it against you can significantly complicate your departure or even prevent you from carrying it out.
• To familiarize yourself with your paddle surf board and with the Stand Up Paddle discipline itself, it is recommended that you practice in calm waters the first few times .
• The use of a leash or device is essential to stay close to your paddle surf board in case of a fall .
• Avoid going out alone : ​​although the paddle surf regulations do not mention it, it is always preferable to take advantage of the opportunity that Stand Up Paddle offers to share an adventure with friends or family. This way, in case of an accident, you will always have someone who can help you.
• Mobile phone : especially if you are going out alone, carrying a mobile phone with you in a waterproof bag or in a mobile phone holder will be very useful in case of any mishap.

Do you want to know more about our paddlesurf boards or still have any questions about paddle surf regulations?

If you have any questions or want to obtain additional information about the regulations for paddle surf boards or about any HUIIKE paddle surf board, write to us in the comments and we will answer any questions you may have. If you need a private consultation, contact us through HR. H.H. or through the web form . And we will contact you right away!

Because summer belongs to the sea... And at HUIIKE we want you to enjoy it safely! 😎 🏄🏻