Download our Windsurfing Booklet in PDF Format - Safety On The ...

More documents

Recommendations

Info

The launch spotBefore you launch from a new spot, it's wise to seek advice about the local conditions,tides and hazards from local sailors or the Coast Guard. If there are no other windsurfersaround, ask yourself why! Don't rush into launching; watch the other sailors to see wherethey are launching, landing and how they are coping with the conditions. If in doubt,don't go out.■ Choose a launch spot which is clear of boats, rocks, swimmers and other obstructions.Remember that you may not be fully in control of the board when sailing in gustywinds or choppy waves.■ Show courtesy to other people on the water or on the shore. Be aware that theymay not understand the difficulties of launching or landing your board.■ Breaking surf can be very dangerous unless you understand its behaviour. Dealing withshorebreaks is for competent sailors only! The waves will usually be smallest at lowtide, and the windward end of a beach will generally have the least surf.■ Be careful of steeply shelving launch areas where you will soon be out of your depth,which can make launching difficult.■ Beware offshore winds! More on this later.814
Tide checkWhen sailing at the coast it is important to understand the local tides. Find out from localwindsurfers or tidal charts the times of high and low water and whether it is spring orneap tides (the tidal range and currents will be larger at spring tides).■ Time your sailing to fit the tide. Thewaves will usually be smaller at low tide,but it could be a long walk to/from thewater’s edge. If the tide is dropping, findout if there are any rocks or sandbarsthat will become a problem as thewaters recede.■ Beware of tidal flows around headlands,which can produce difficult anddangerous waves. If the tide changesdirection and wind starts blowingagainst tide, conditions can rapidlydeteriorate. Remember that tidalcurrents are strongest 2-4 hours afterlow/high water.■ Never windsurf near a harbour entrance.The tide may flow so fast through thenarrows that you cannot sail against it.The board will be swept away like a corkif you fall or drop the rig.Wind directionsOffshore winds canmean danger!Most windsurfer rescuesare caused by boards andsailors being blown out tosea in an offshore wind.Don't join the statistics!■ Never windsurf in anoffshore wind unlessyou are extremelycompetent andfamiliar with the localconditions. (And eventhen, you should nevergo out alone.) The windat the beach is likely tobe gusty as it funnelsround trees.915
Page 1 and 2: SEA SAFETY GUIDELINES
Page 3: Before you startPreparation is the
Page 6 and 7: Master basic skillsBefore setting o
Page 8 and 9: Types of wetsuit■ The 'steamer' w
Page 10 and 11: Safety checkEquipment failure is on
Page 12 and 13: ■ A whistle and small waterproof
Page 16 and 17: ■ buildings and other obstruction
Page 18 and 19: On the beachIn cold conditionsWind
Page 21 and 22: Be careful■ Don't windsurf miles
Page 23 and 24: Watch outIt is your responsibility
Page 25: Power gives way to sailIn theory an
Page 28 and 29: Most older boards have a towing eye
Page 30 and 31: First aidHaving a first aid kit in
Page 32 and 33: Drink and drugs - don't do it!Alcoh
Page 34 and 35: Marine Safety Working GroupThe aim

Download our Windsurfing Booklet in PDF Format - Safety On The ...

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?