Sea Eagle Hybrid SUP (HB96) - Manual (Page 3)

Safety Safety
Safety Equipment
The type of water conditions you are on should determine
the type of safety equipment that you should have on
board. For all types of boating we strongly recommend that
every passenger wear a USCG approved PFD (personal
flotation device) like a life vest. In most places this is a re-
quirement by law, but from our point of view it is also an ex-
ercise of good judgment to have a PFD for all passengers
Important Safety Items
Drinking Water & Snacks: Kayaking is a physical activity
that can work up both a thirst and a sweat and especially
on a hot or warm day it is a good idea to have drinking
water readily available to you to prevent dehydration.
Bring a good amount of water for all passengers.
Extra Clothes/Layers: You never know when the weather
can change and it’s a good idea to come prepared with
extra clothing. If you have a dry (waterproof) bag than we
recommend storing them inside so they’re not damp in
case of emergency.
First Aid-Kit: The contents of the kit may vary depending
upon your preferences, but make sure to carry a kit that re-
flects the possible dangers for the conditions you are in.
Manual Pump/Repair Kit: Although our boats are both
durable and rugged, it may be possible that you need to
make a repair while on the water in which case you’ll need
the repair kit and a manual pump to re-inflate the boat. If
this is your first repair, you may also want to bring this in-
struction manual with you.
Sun/Rain Protection: A hat can protect both your face and
head from the rain or sun. You may also want to carry sun-
screen with you as both the sun and the sun’s reflection
from the water can do serious damage to your skin. If you
are out for prolonged periods of time you may need to
reapply sunscreen as needed.
Whistle: Having a whistle readily available to you in case
of emergency is a great way to attract the attention of oth-
ers if assistance is needed.
Always tell someone where you are going to be boating
and what time you plan to return. Keep a cell phone in a
waterproof container that will float if it falls in the water.
A great source of background information is Cecil Kuhne’s
Inflatable Kayaking (ISBN 0-8117-2810-2).
We strongly recommend this and other related reading ma-
terials to better educate yourself with kayaking.
The Basics: Stand Up Paddling The Basics: Stand Up Paddling
There are a few basic things you should consider before
venturing out in your Sea Eagle SUP. Visit us online at
Youtube.com/SeaEagleBoats for tips and the latest
videos.
If you are not an experienced stand up paddler, we suggest
that you start in calm shallow flat water and practice for an
hour or two before paddling out into deeper water. We also
recommend that you do so when the water temperature is
comfortable for swimming. Do not be discouraged if you fall
in a few times. Standup Paddling is much like water skiing,
it takes some practice and experience to be proficient. Give
it some time and don’t give up. This is a wonderful experi-
ence and pastime once you get used to it.
When getting on the board, have your SUP paddle already
in your hand and make sure you are in deep enough water
(1’ or more) so the skeg doesn’t scrape the bottom.
Center your foot on the board and stand up bringing your
other foot up onto to the board one or two feet in front of
your other foot. Once you are standing, move your feet
(one at a time) further to sides, one a little bit in front of the
other.
Use your SUP paddle for balance, switching it side to side
as needed. It is a good idea to get used to moving your feet
forward and backward, always using your SUP paddle to
counter balance your weight. As soon as you are comfort-
able, start paddling forward keeping most of your weight in
the center of the board.
As you paddle forward, switching your paddle from one
side to another, experiment paddling with longer and
shorter strokes. Please note, you can paddle two strokes or
more on one side if you have sufficient momentum. As the
board turns to the other side, switch your paddle to correct.
The Basics: Sit Down Paddling The Basics: Sit Down Paddling
Before starting make sure that you have installed the
deluxe inflatable seat on the SUP and its properly attached
(as directed in this manual). The sit down position is ideal
for using our optional foot rest as you’ll paddle better and
faster if you have a secure foot brace to push your feet
against. For sit down paddling use the AB-30 kayak paddle.
Open Waters, Waves & Ocean Surf Open Waters, Waves & Ocean Surf
Once you become proficient in paddling shallow water, you
can expand your practice into deeper waters. When you
feel comfortable with paddling on flat water in different
wave conditions, you can consider paddling in ocean surf.
Again, we think you should go out on calm day to start. Try
to pick a day with small waves that you can practice in. As
you become used to smaller ocean waves, then try larger
waves. Some knowledge of surfing and swimming in the
ocean is very important.
2