Summary:
Érica Vicente survived 20 hours at sea; a 29-year-old man is missing in the Arade River.
Search efforts by the Maritime Authority and Portimão Firefighters have been ongoing but unsuccessful.
Experts warn that offshore winds pose significant risks, especially for inexperienced paddleboarders.
Safety gear like life jackets and leashes are essential for all paddleboarders.
Seek professional training; don’t rely solely on online tutorials.
A Harrowing Incident in Algarve
Érica Vicente, a 17-year-old, survived over 20 hours at sea on a paddleboard last year. Unfortunately, a 29-year-old man is now missing in the Arade River under similar circumstances, highlighting the dangers associated with Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP) in Portugal.
The Search Efforts
Search efforts were immediately launched by the Maritime Authority and Portimão Firefighters, but so far, they have been unsuccessful. The incident occurred during the evening while the man was practicing SUP, after falling into the water.
Rising Concerns about Paddleboarding Safety
According to data from the National Maritime Authority, there were 32 incidents involving SUP practitioners on Portuguese beaches in 2022. Experts like Jorge Branco, President of the Stand UP Paddleboarding Association of Portugal, and Miguel Dias Ferreira, owner of Cascais Paddle Surf, explain that the wind is the biggest threat to paddleboarders, especially when it’s blowing offshore.
Risks of Inexperience
Many newcomers fail to recognize the dangers. As described by Ferreira, a beginner may find it easy to paddle away from the shore but struggle to return against strong winds, leading to exhaustion and potential drowning. Branco warns that practicing SUP with winds over 16 knots (29 km/h) is extremely dangerous for beginners.
Essential Safety Gear
Safety measures are crucial. The National Maritime Authority emphasizes the importance of wearing a life jacket and using a leash (a cord that attaches the rider to the board). Many paddleboarders neglect these safety precautions, which can be life-saving in emergencies.
Recommendations for Safe Paddleboarding
- Seek Professional Training: Don’t just rely on online videos; enroll in a certified school.
- Know the Weather: Avoid paddleboarding in adverse conditions.
- Inform Someone: Always let someone know your plans before heading out.
- Use Safety Equipment: Always wear a life jacket and use a leash.
The increasing popularity of paddleboarding in Portugal calls for greater awareness of safety practices to prevent tragic incidents.
Conclusion
The paddleboarding community must prioritize safety and education to enjoy this thrilling sport without jeopardizing lives.
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