by InTrieste
Trieste’s stand up paddle boarding has been booming in the recent years and with this in mind the Trieste Coast Guard came out with a series of rules last week for all SUP users to follow.
Trieste Coast Guard decided that a SUP, paddle board, etc when beyond the narrow limits of a “swimming, surfing or bathing area,” (what they call “navigating”) is a vessel and therefore the appropriate safety devices are necessary.
View a PDF regarding the handling of paddle boards: Stand Up Paddle FAQ.
Initially this can seem like overkill when you are, and should always be, attached to your board by a leash, itself a floating device. However a leash is not 100% effective and a life jacket must always be worn by the user.
The Trieste Coast Guard rules in more detail:
Life jackets:
- Each paddler must wear a life jacket while on water.
- The jacket must be in “serviceable condition,” without rips, tears or deterioration that will diminish its performance.
What you need to do:
- As the vessel operator, you are not allowed to paddle in Trieste’s harbor or “rada” in Italian (Trieste’s port, Sacchetta, Piazza Unità, etc.)
- You must stay away at least 5 meters from all the bathers around you.
- Paddling after sunset is not allowed.
So, be safe out there when you paddle board, and carry a life jacket, etc, and always be leashed to your board. Always check www.guardiacostiera.gov.it/trieste website to stay updated on the latest rules and regulations.
