World's biggest paddleboard brand backs safety campaign in Simon Flynn's name
The boss of the world's best known paddleboard maker has told all retail outlets selling his boards to have a safety conversation with customers at the point of sale.
Last updated 29th Sep 2021
John Hibbard, who founded Totnes-based Red Paddle Company in 2008, is using his influence on the 2,000 global retail outlets which 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 Cornwall's Camel Estuary and pulled him under.
It is believed Simon, 42, of Charlton Kings near Cheltenham, would still be alive today if he'd worn a quick-release waist belt instead of an ankle leash - as he'd have been able to get free in the strong tidal current.
A coroner afterwards 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 - which has increased after founder John Hibbard met with best friend Sam following Simon's passing.
Red is now promoting its 'P.L.O.T Your Paddle' campaign to improve paddleboard safety
Mr 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 Senior Reporter Andrew Kay
"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. More details can be found here
For more about the campaign in Simon Flynn's name click here
For more about British Canoeing's updated guidance and pledges by some retailers to display it click here
For more about a pledge from Fatstick boards to supply two types of leash as standard following Simon's death click here
For more about The Long Paddle challenger Brendon Prince's backing of Sam Foyle's campaign - and also Brendon's recent British mainland paddleboarding World Record click here
For the official guidance from British Canoeing on leash safety click here
For Red Paddle Company's 'P.L.O.T Your Paddle' safety campaign click here