This week’s discussion point from me is about SUP safety. During the 2020 Covid-19 lockdowns, some manufacturers have reported up to a 300% 
increase in SUP sales compared to normal, struggling to meet demand. With so many SUPs flooding the market, do you think that safety is being compromised by those who have rarely or never picked up a paddle? 
Wearing a buoyancy aid is often a big debate in the SUP world and it could be assumed that some newbies would be unprepared for areas such as:
Varying weather conditions
Tides
Trip planning
Personal safety
Appropriate clothing
Injury avoidance
What thoughts do you have?
Is there a cause for concern? If so, what solutions could be applied and with whom do you think the responsibility lies?
Some interesting but worrying results here from one survey from Above Water SUP Safety Week SUP Safety Survey 2020
Linked: Paddling Safety