An accident while surfski paddling became an eye-opening experience and motivation for Pablo Nart to transform his near-disaster into a valuable resource for fellow paddlers.
South Africa (05 March 2025) – An unexpected accident while doing what he loves most, surfski paddling, led to Pablo Nart coming to real terms with the importance of water safety and managing risk.
So much so, that Pablo was moved to write and compile a comprehensive surfski safety booklet, which he offered to the NSRI, to provide awareness and help many people learn the best practices of navigating the vast and very unpredictable waters of the ocean.
His recent close call while paddling saw him being assisted by National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) crew members – a moment that forced him to pause and take a hard look at the incident and what he could have done differently to better manage his situation and assess the gear he had used.
His experience made him realise that safety gear is only as good as the paddler’s knowledge of using it effectively.
“What inspired me to create the booklet comes from my own experiences,” says Nart.
“I’ve always been drawn to action sports that require focus and a deep connection with nature. But I also believe in managing risk, not just for my own safety and sense of control, but for the peace of mind of those who care about me,” Pablo shared.
Pablo’s booklet emphasises a balanced approach to safety, combining practical skills with essential gear knowledge. He stresses the importance of active safety, like strong paddling and self-rescue techniques, while also advocating for an overlapping safety system.
He also urges paddlers to look out for one another and support the NSRI and Coastwatcher volunteer groups, which are often the first line of response in emergencies.
For the seasoned paddler, compiling the safety booklet was not easy but totally worth all the effort.
“My goal was to create a resource that informs and empowers paddlers, helping them take ownership of their safety by engaging actively with the content.”
Sources: National Sea Rescue Institute
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