Five years after losing his best friend in a tragic paddleboarding accident, Sam Foyle has completed a paddle down the River Thames to raise awareness of one of the sport's most important safety messages: using the right leash for the right environment. The challenge wasn't about setting records. It was about starting conversations.
Many paddlers will already know Simon Flynn’s story. In August 2020, Simon drowned after his ankle leash became entangled on a mooring while paddleboarding in moving water. Unable to reach the release around his ankle against the force of the current, he could not free himself. The accident has since become one of the defining moments in paddleboarding safety education in the UK, leading to widespread changes in guidance, retailer advice and the availability of quick-release waist leashes.
This week, Sam shared a deeply personal film reflecting on that day. Rather than simply revisiting the tragedy, the video explains what happened from the perspective of someone who was there, the impact it has had on everyone involved, and why he has dedicated years of his life to helping prevent similar accidents from happening again.
Alongside releasing the film, Sam completed a 235 km paddle along the River Thames to raise funds for the Simon Flynn Educational Foundation while continuing to spread the message about leash safety. The challenge attracted support from across the paddlesports community, with many joining sections of the route and helping share the campaign’s message.
A legacy that has already changed the sport
Since Simon’s death, Sam has worked tirelessly with organisations, manufacturers and governing bodies to improve paddleboarding safety guidance.
The campaign has helped accelerate the adoption of quick-release waist leashes for use on rivers, tidal water and other moving water environments. Manufacturers have changed what they supply with boards, retailers have improved safety messaging, and national guidance has evolved to better explain when ankle leashes are appropriate—and when they are not.
While huge progress has been made, Sam’s latest film is a reminder that education remains just as important as equipment.
You can also donate to The Simon Flynn Educational Foundation. The charity was formed in memory of Simon Flynn, an inspirational teacher. Simon was passionate about giving all children the opportunity to become resilient, confident, and enthusiastic learners. Link below.
Learn before you launch
At SUPboarder we’ve always believed that good decisions on the water start long before you step onto your board.
Our SUP Safe hub brings together free articles and videos covering topics including leash choice, buoyancy aids, weather, tides, moving water, surf safety and planning your paddle. Whether you’re completely new to paddleboarding or have years of experience, it’s worth taking a few minutes to refresh your knowledge before heading out.
If Sam’s story encourages even one paddler to stop and think about whether they’re using the right equipment for the conditions, then it has achieved exactly what it set out to do.
You can watch Sam’s new film, support his fundraising for the Simon Flynn Educational Foundation, and explore SUPboarder’s own SUP Safe resources to learn more before your next paddle.