Safety and User Guidecustomercare@skegnboard.com

Hello!

Are you ready for some serious fun? The SKËGN Board is the hottest new water sport product on the market. Get prepared for a new kind of adventure, taking your play and exploration under the surface of the water. You do not need to be a finely tuned athlete to use the SKËGN Board - far from it! Anyone who is comfortable being in the water and has the ability to hold on and communicate can participate; to what level of participation is up to you. Some prefer to simply float on the surface and look down into the water, while others will enjoy the opportunity to rapidly change depths and do various tricks along the way.

The most fun is hooking up multiple boards and riding together with your family and friends. This product is designed to go slow, so you will find normal conversation and interaction can take place on the boat as the riders are exploring.

From an economic standpoint, you will find fuel consumption is minimal as compared to most watersports such as tubing, waterskiing or knee boarding. Those other sports are awesome fun too, so think of the SKËGN Board as another fun option when you hit the water. In this case, you get to explore below the surface!

You will need a good fitting mask to get the most fun out of the experience. The SKËGN Board allows you to glide effortlessly through the water while observing the wonders hidden under the surface. You will be amazed how fish typically stay put as you glide by rather than fleeing like they do when you are swimming or snorkeling. Underwater flight is at your fingertips!

Keep in mind that the best experiences take place on bodies of water with at least 10 feet of visibility. Most geographic locations will have bodies of water listed in order based on water clarity / visibility on a website. In the USA these are typically by state. A little online searching will help guide you to the best places to experience the SKËGN Board if you are unfamiliar with the waters in the area you will be boating.

First things first: your safety is the most important thing each and every time you decide to go SKËGN boarding. We obviously have no control over how or where you decide to play. As long as you understand the risks that can be involved with using an underwater device - whether under power or not - it is our hope and prayer that you will always put safety first for your sake and for those around you. We assume no liability for how or where you choose to use our products.

Here are the in-your-face warnings; we wanted this early in the guide so we can move on to helpful tips for using the board. We have had so much fun with this, and wish nothing less for you, your family, and friends!

WARNING!

* Use the SKËGN board at your own risk as participation in this sport involves inherent dangers. * Use of this product may cause serious injury or death. * Know the water before each use! Unseen hazards or predators can exist and shift under the surface. * Use only with a qualified boat driver and observer. * Always operate under control and within your ability. Faster speeds create greater risks. * Always use approved safety equipment. Flotation devices are always recommended. * Water clarity should always be taken into effect. It is not advisable to use the SKËGN board with low visibility conditions.* Research and abide by your current State and Local Boating Safety Laws.

Getting Ready!

The SKËGN Board consists of three easy to assemble main parts: the buoyant SKËGN Board, a connector rope and a connector clip. There are no tricky cables or swivels to deal with. There are a variety of ways to rig the rope, depending on desired maneuverability, as shown below. The first method shown provides a more reserved,less maneuverable board.

This second method allows for a more aggressive, maneuverable board. The rope can be attached from the top or bottom, depending on preference.

In either case, you will find diving and surfacing very easy by simply tilting the board in the direction you want to go.

These parts are designed to attach the SKËGN Board to a 50 foot floating ski tow rope. (Tow rope not included) The tow rope should be attached to the back of your boat.

Here is our advice for hooking tow ropes to the boat:

1 SKËGN Board – Center the 50 foot rope off the back of the boat by either using a tow ring in the center or by attaching a Y connector to the two corners of the boat and centering the tow rope off the Y. Attaching to one corner of the boat can adversely affect maneuverability of a small boat.

2 SKËGN Boards – Connect two separate 50 foot ropes to the two corners of the boat.

3 SKËGN Boards – Connect two separate 50 foot ropes to the two corners of the boat. Shorten the center rope by 7 feet and attach to the center of the boat. This will allow the center person to be ahead of the outside riders to help avoid collisions with each other.

Note: When using a small boat, take into account that the resistance of the SKËGN Board while underwater with a rider can dramatically decrease the boats maneuverability.

Comfort!

Keep in mind that the surface temperature of the water can vary greatly from what you encounter when you dive depending on the depth of any potential thermocline. This can be a very welcome experience on a hot summer day. However, you might find the best comfort using a wetsuit which not only insulates you from the cold, but also gives buoyancy and a layer of protection should you brush up against anything abrasive while boarding.

Communication!

You should agree on hand signals prior to using the SKËGN Board. Although the low speed and distance from the rider to the boat is short enough that you can communicate verbally, hand signals are important in case a rider is using a snorkel or the tunes are too loud in the boat!

These are the main things that need to be communicated, you may come up with more of your own. These are only suggestions that have worked well for us.

Ok to go: Speed up:

Slow down: Stop:

Ready to SKËGN!

To find an ideal boarding location in your area, we suggest you either look up online and print or purchase a lake topography map for your research. Keep in mind the interaction with underwater structure and seeing fish is a great part of the fun. A bottom depth of around 6 to 15 feet offers great interaction, but again depends on water clarity. We have used this board as deep as 30 feet many times, but this will all depend on your experience and comfort level.

Shut off the boat engine when you arrive at your starting point. Attach your diver down flag to the back of your boat using whatever method fits your application. This will give everyone around you the visible notice of underwater activity taking place within 50 feet of the boat. This is a best practice regardless of if it is a legal requirement where you are exploring. Attach your ropes to the back of your boat as previously described. Set the SKËGN Boards in the water behind the boat; they were designed to float on the surface. Have the riders put on protective clothing and flotation as required. We strongly suggest the use of a flotation device regardless of local laws. Double check that everyone agrees on hand signals before starting. Have the riders enter the water however they feel comfortable, either by jumping in or climbing down using the ladder off the back of the boat, if available.

Make sure the riders, boards and ropes are clear of the engine before starting it. Engage the engine and slowly ease forward until all the slack is out of the rope, and then put the boat at idle. Check with the riders to make sure they all give the ready signal.

Engage the engine and start moving forward. The riders will help you gauge the desired speed, but this sport is meant to take place at a walking pace of around 2-3 miles per hour. It is helpful to note the engine RPM if you have a gauge on the boat. The speedometer will not typically be a good indicator due to the slow speed. Avoid sudden engine thrusts or excessive speed which can add discomfort or danger to your riders.

Note: Under water, the sense of speed and forces on the body increase drastically compared to what those in the boat will sense.

Diving!

Take a deep breath and hold it. Angle the board down and your body will follow. You can control the speed of your dive by the angle of the board. A steep angle will initiate a quick and aggressive descent, while a gentle angle will bring a slow and easy descent.

Surfacing!

To surface, simply do the opposite of diving. Angle the board up and your body will follow. Again, the angle you put on the board will determine the speed of your

ascent.

Maneuvering!

As in diving and surfacing, you will be using a combination of your hands and arms to adjust the angle and direction of the board. You can simply drag behind the boat, steer to one side or the other, or do barrel rolls. You will find it very easy to continually adjust up, down and side to side.

The spotter and driver should continually communicate with the riders to determine speed, and when to stop for any given reason.

When a rider has had enough or it is time to switch people out, bring the boat to a full stop and turn off the engine. Reel in the ropes, retrieving the rider who is holding on to the SKËGN Board. Switch out riders, or stow your gear if you are done riding.

The riders will create a noticeable drag behind the boat. The driver should always remain in tune with this. If someone were to release the board underwater, you will likely feel the resistance change and your boat speed increase. If you ever notice this sensation, be prepared to stop immediately and offer assistance. A rider should never release the board under power unless in an emergency.

Note: There should always be a spotter in the boat in addition to the driver. This is required by law in many locations. This spotter is responsible for communicating between the driver and riders so the driver can pay full attention to the path ahead, steering clear of physical obstacles such as piers, reefs, and other boats.

Note: Even though the SKËGN Board floats, it could dive on its own if released under power. To prevent damage stop the boat immediately.

Note: The SKËGN Board can dive and surface quickly under power. If released under water it will take longer to swim to the surface than using the SKËGN Board to assist. We recommend the SKËGN Board is never released underwater while under power unless in a potential collision or entanglement emergency.

Fun and Games!

We look forward to hearing from you regarding ways you are having fun with your SKËGN Board! We will be posting pictures sent to us on our Facebook page.

After Use!

If using in saltwater, rinse all parts in fresh water and allow to dry before storing.

Storage!

The SKËGN Board is made with UV resistant materials, but we suggest you store everything dry and out of sunlight to increase longevity.

Guarantees!

We guarantee the SKËGN Board against any defects in materials or workmanship for 12 months from the date of purchase. If your SKËGN Board develops a fault within this period, you can send us the board so we can evaluate the problem and replace it assuming the damage was not caused by negligence. We will cover shipping back to you if that is the case.

If the SKËGN Board has not been used according to the instructions or intentions described in the manual or below, the guarantee will not be granted. We have worked hard to make the SKËGN Board very durable, but it does have a hollow body so take care not to crack it.

The guarantee is void if any of the following are determined:

1. Any cracking or breakage is caused by the SKËGN Board being dropped on a hard surface, improperly stored, or being stepped on out of the water. 2. Any cracking or breakage is caused by the SKËGN Board coming in contact with obstacles under or in the water. 3. Any cracking or breakage is caused by the SKËGN Board not being used according to the Safety and User guide.

If you experience any problems or faults with your SKËGN Board, please contact us. Your feedback will help us regarding any future development.

Contact Email: customercare@skegnboard.com

Additional Safety Information!

The SKËGN Board is safe to operate. However, using the board in an unintended fashion or not heeding the safety information may lead to injury or death of the operator and/or other persons. In addition, the SKËGN Board and property may be damaged or destroyed.

For this reason, we urge you to read all the information contained in the user guide carefully before operating your SKËGN Board for the first time. The information contained in the manual will help you to operate the SKËGN Board safely, protect yourself and others from hazards, and prevent damage to the device and other property.

Please keep this user guide in a safe and easily accessible place for reference whenever needed.

• Be aware that there is always a risk of injury when using the SKËGN Board. Do not use this product if you do not accept taking this risk.

• Never use with compressed air scuba diving equipment. • Wear a certified flotation device at all times. • Do not use in strong currents, heavy surf, or impaired visibility.

• Do not use in areas occupied by swimmers or divers. • Maintain a safe distance from crossing boat traffic. • Maintain a safe distance from other persons and objects. • Always have a spotter in addition to the boat driver observing the people

in the water. • Only use with a responsible watercraft operator who knows how to

operate a watercraft properly. • Take all reasonable precautions in the use and operation of your SKËGN

Board and boat. • Check the rope for frays, cuts, sharp edges, knots, or wear before each

use. Discard and replace rope if any such condition exists or if rope appears to be worn. Such conditions may lead to breaks.

• Check the stainless steel clip for any signs of wear or damage. Discard and replace the clip as needed.

• Although the SKËGN Board is constructed with UV resistant materials, your rope and SKËGN Board are subject to deterioration when exposed to direct sunlight. The life of the product will be extended when stored in a dark place.

• Do not add hardware or attachments to the SKËGN Board that are not otherwise supplied by the manufacturer.

• Never use the SKËGN Board while under the influence of alcohol, medication or drugs.

• It is possible for diving goggles to come off during operation of the SKËGN Board and for contact lenses to be lost.

• Always avoid routes travelled by watercraft such as other boats, jet skis, etc. Take into account the speed at which other watercraft are approaching.

• Always check the weather forecast before you set out and pay close attention to local weather conditions.

• Only skilled and experienced swimmers should be allowed to use the SKËGN Board for diving to a depth below 2.5 m.

• Be aware that it is very difficult to judge the distance of objects under water.

• Before resurfacing, ensure that there are no swimmers, watercraft or objects above you or approaching you.

• Always keep a safe distance to the bottom which may have sharp rocks or corals that could cause injury.

• You must always ensure that you are able to resurface and return to the shore or boat by yourself without the assistance of the SKËGN Board

• The riders, spotter and boat driver must always agree on hand signals in advance.

• Never start accelerating the boat until the riders signal he/she are ready. • Keep persons and ropes away from propeller when the engine is running,

even in neutral. Should the rope become entangled in propeller, immediately shut of the engine and remove ignition key before retrieving the rope.

• Turn the engine off when people are getting into or out of the boat, or are in the water near the boat.

• Be aware of that if the SKËGN Board is released under power that it could dive.

• Always contact the local authorities to ensure that there are no dangerous wildlife in the area that might harm you such as sharks, killer whales, jellyfish, snakes, coral, alligators, etc…

• Be aware of the dangers of Shallow Water Blackout (SWB).• SWB is an underwater “faint” due to a lack of oxygen to the brain

brought on by holding your breath for long periods of time. Even the most skilled swimmers can drown from SWB.

• The most dangerous risks for SWB are repetitive, competitive prolonged breath-holding sequences with little rest in between, especially if intentional or unintentional hyperventilation has occurred.

• Tips to prevent Shallow Water Blackout:- Never hyperventilate- Never ignore the urge to breathe- Never swim alone- Never play breath-holding games

For more information about the dangers of SWB, please visit the following website: http://www.shallowwaterblackoutprevention.org/how-it-happens

FAILURE TO ADHERE TO THE ABOVE WARNINGS AND SAFETY RULES INCREASES THE POSSIBLITY OF AN ACCIDENT WHICH MAY LEAD TO INJURY OR DEATH!

The company McGregor Bay Boards, LLC does not assume any responsibility what so ever for your decision on how or where you use the SKËGN Board.

Always play safe!

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