World's biggest and best-known paddleboard brand issues NEW warning after Cornwall death
The boss of Red Paddle Company has told all outlets selling his boards to talk to customers about safety
Last updated 29th Sep 2021
The world's biggest and best-known paddleboard brand has issued a fresh warning to those selling its boards after the death of a holidaymaker in Cornwall.
John Hibbard, CEO and founder of Red Paddle Company, is using his influence on the 2,000 global retail outlets that sell his boards to improve safety messaging about the sport.
It follows the drowning of competent swimmer Simon Flynn in August 2020, after his paddleboard ankle leash - attached to the Red board he was using - got trapped underneath a boat mooring in the Camel Estuary and pulled him under.
It is believed Simon, 42, would still be alive today if he had worn a quick-release waist belt instead of an ankle leash, as he would have been able to get free in the strong tidal current.
Afterwards a coroner said it was an 'issue for manufacturers' that should be looked at - a challenge taken up by Simon's best friend Sam Foyle.
Red Paddle Company has always been vocal in issuing safety advice and that has increased after founder John Hibbard met with Sam following Simon's passing.
Red is now promoting its 'P.L.O.T Your Paddle' campaign to improve paddleboard safety.
John Hibbard said: "Obviously the news of Simon's death was shocking and sad. It just reinforces what we need to do.
"It's always sad when these things happen but if some good can come out of it - I didn't know Simon personally but if some good can come out of that and we can get the message out further and wider then why not.
"For us safety has been a big thing. Anyone who follows us would know that we provide a lot of safety information.
"For 2022 our retailers will have the option to supply the boards with the right type of leash. That's the important thing, talking to the customer, understanding where they're paddling and the type of water they're in and experience etc. Making sure they leave the shop with the correct leash.
"We encourage our retailers to hand out the pamphlets but also to talk the customer through it - it's part of that journey.
"Also we offer an extended warranty service so if for whatever reason they didn't get the message in the store or they did and they forgot about it - because they're excited about picking up their new piece of kit - they will register their board with us".
Red Paddle Co founder John Hibbard speaks with Simon Flynn's best friend Sam Foyle and our Senior Reporter Andrew Kay...
John added: "The majority of our customers do that because they get an extended warranty and on that onboarding campaign you get all kind of safety information shared to you and that includes all the leash information as well.
"We try and hit people at as many touch points as possible before they even get anywhere near the water and that email campaign goes out over a number of days so that if they rush straight out - or wait until the next weekend - they will still get that information".
After meeting with campaigner Sam Foyle, the sport's governing body, British Canoeing, have released an updated safety advice video - alongside their recently updated guidance - which aims to combat online misinformation.
You can read more about the 'P.L.O.T Your Paddle' safety campaign on Red Paddle Company's website.