STAFF SGT. OMAR Y. LOPEZ MENDOZA
B Company, 777th Aviation Support Battalion
Puerto Rico Army National Guard
Fort Buchanan, Guaynabo, Puerto Rico

It started like any other perfect Tennessee summer day. The sun was shining, and the water near Burgess Falls was calm and inviting. I had just bought my paddleboard a week earlier and was eager to explore the scenic river below the falls. I figured I didn’t need a life jacket or a weather check. After all, I was just there for a quick paddle — or so I thought.

I paddled confidently, drifting farther from the launch point and enjoying the breathtaking cliffs and the cool spray from the falls. After just 15 minutes, I felt like I had mastered the sport. But Tennessee’s weather, as I quickly learned, can change in an instant. The wind picked up, small waves formed from the river’s current and I suddenly struggled to keep my balance. My legs cramped, my arms burned and a realization hit me: I had no plan to get back safely. I hadn’t told anyone where I was going, I hadn’t brought water and I wasn’t wearing a life jacket. I had just paddled myself straight into a perfect storm of poor decisions.

I eventually made it back to shore, exhausted and shaken. I knew I had gotten lucky, but others might not, so I want to share my story.

The Hidden Hazards

Paddleboarding seems effortlessly simple, which is exactly what makes it dangerous. People often treat it like a casual leisure activity, completely underestimating the very real risks involved. At a place like Burgess Falls, swift river currents, sudden storms, unexpected boat traffic and heat exhaustion can catch anyone off guard.

One of the most common — and deadly — mistakes paddlers make is skipping the life jacket. While the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency strictly requires personal flotation devices for paddleboarders, many simply leave them behind on the shore. I did, too, and it nearly cost me.

Another frequent oversight is ignoring the weather forecast. Tennessee’s waterways, particularly near falls and river bends, can transform from glass-like calm to treacherous in a matter of minutes. Without warning, a sudden shift in wind and current can push a paddler far from safety — exactly as it did to me. Add in occasional boat traffic creating unexpected wakes that can easily knock you off balance and you have a recipe for disaster.

Fatigue and dehydration also sneak up quickly. Paddleboarding can look effortless, but it’s a full-body workout, especially when fighting wind or river current. Without water and rest, paddlers can find themselves stranded and exhausted.

What I Learned

My experience taught me a few hard lessons that I now follow every time I paddle:

• Always wear a life jacket. It’s the law, and more importantly, it can save your life.
• Check the weather. If winds exceed 10 mph or storms are expected, stay off the water.
• Tell someone your plan. Always let a friend or family member know where you’re going and your expected return time.
• Stay hydrated. Bring plenty of water and take frequent breaks to prevent physical exhaustion.
• Stay aware. Watch for boat traffic and strong river currents. Stick to safer, calmer areas when possible.

Why it Matters

Burgess Falls remains one of the most breathtaking paddleboarding spots in Tennessee, but beauty does not guarantee safety. Preventable paddleboarding mishaps happen every single year. My story is just one small example of how quickly things can go wrong when you overlook the basics.

When you’re out on the water, remember that it’s not about being fearless; it’s about being prepared. Wear your life jacket. Watch the weather. Respect the water. These small, intentional steps will ensure your fun day doesn't turn into a dangerous one. Next time you visit Burgess Falls — or any ocean, lake or river — paddle smart. It might just save your life.