Attach 4 (PDF) - Greater Wellington Regional Council

,
G We a:e,attempting to narrow the gap between yachting and windsurfing by
following Yachting NZ guidelines at all windsurfing events in New Zealand.
To add the required amount of buoyancy (to come up to NZ specs) would
result ,in a life jacket too bulky and restrictive to sail with. In slalom
events, competitors often wear weight jackets (waterfilled) which already
requires large amounts of buoyancy and bulk. Provision has been made by the
ISAF in their rules (Rule 60) that competitors may have to wear adequate
buoyancy at the discretion of the OOD.
Our top international and local sailors agree with this ruling.
However, for beginners, extra buoyancy may be necessary especially for
those who have poor swimming skills. I
WINDSURFING NEW ZEALAND RECOMMENDATION:
That some sort of buoyancy garment should be worn at all times by
windsurfers, ie. a wetsuit, and
that helmets be worn in winds of over 20 knots for slalom sailors, and
helmets be worn at all times by wave sailors.
That all windsurfing schools provide buoyancy aids for anyone who would
wish to use them. (National Standards established by the WNZ rule that
lifejackets are a requirement for certified windsurfing schools).
ALL WINDSURFERS SHOULD HAVE REASONABLE SWIMMING ABILITY BEFORE THEY LEARN
TO WINDSURF.
Regards,
Wendy Kendall.
President, Windsurfing NZ
wendyk@nznet.gen.nz
Ph/Fx 09 372 2759
Windsurfing NZ Office:
wsurfnz@xtra.co.nz