Before you head out on the water, make sure you know what the Coast Guard requirements are for your vessel. Standard requirements include having enough life vests for everyone on board, as well as being equipped with life preservers. Even watercrafts like stand-up paddle boards have safety requirements.

Stand-up paddle surfing longboards are classified by the U.S. Coast Guard as vessels. With this classification comes a new set of rules, such as riders being required to wear a personal flotation device, like a sea eagle life vest, when paddling in certain areas. The Canadian Coast Guard has similar rules, though SUP surfers are only required to have a life vest, they don’t necessarily have to wear them. Traditional surfing near the coast does not require the wearing of a life vest. Remember, ignorance of the law is not an excuse so check the rules before you head out.