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On the beachIn cold conditionsWind chill is not usually a problem when you're windsurfing, but if you’re standing aroundon the beach it can make you very cold.■ Don't just jump out of the car and start rigging in cold, windy conditions. Wrap yourselfup as warmly as possible before getting set up, and try to keep out of the wind as muchas possible. It's even more important when you come off the water and are wet through.Get out of the wind, get into dry clothes, drink something hot from a flask and ifnecessary use the car heater to raise your temperature.In hot conditions■ A large proportion of the sun’s rays reflectback off the sea, so on a sunny day you arebeing cooked from both above and below!This, along with the wind chill factorwhereby you don’t actually realise you’reburning, puts windsurfers at very high risk ofsunburn. Use a good waterproof barriercream on all exposed body parts, of a highSPF: 20+ when sailing overseas in thesummer, and reapply regularly. Protectingyour head with a sun hat is a good idea, andbeware of sunburnt feet!13■ Watch out for dehydration if you'rewindsurfing on a hot day. Symptoms mayinclude a parched mouth, a muzzy, tired,headachy feeling and heavily coloured urine.The prevention (and cure) is to keep wellhydrated. Pop ashore for a regular drink offresh water, or carry a water bottle strappedto the mast. Even on relatively cool daysthe heating effect of a wetsuit combinedwith strenuous exercise can lead toconsiderable fluid loss from the body.Remember, if you’re feeling thirsty, you’realready dehydrated!18
Board and rig safety■ Try to keep clear of crowded beachesand swimming areas. Quite apartfrom the risk of hitting someone onthe water, there is also the highlikelihood of someone being injuredon the beach by your kitblowing around.■ Never leave an unstrapped board on thecar roof – it will quickly blow away.■ Always take your board to the beachfirst, and if it’s windy, leave it facinginto wind, pushed down in to the sand.Then take the rig to it and fix it on. Anunattached rig should NEVER be lefton the beach – it will blow away insurprisingly little wind, and willeither injure someone or getdamaged/lost.■ Watch out when you are carrying theboard and rig to and from the water.Can you keep control without clobberingsome innocent person along the way?14Launching and landingDon't get your board in the way of someone or drop your mast on their head. It couldland them in hospital and you in court! Some beaches have areas prohibited towindsurfers, and other areas specifically for windsurfers. Check this before you go!Practical tip from theMarine Safety Working Group“ ”Keep clear of swimmers and people simply messing about in thewater. Take extra care when you are close to children, who mayhave no idea of your presence.19
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 14 and 15: The launch spotBefore you launch fr
Page 16 and 17: ■ buildings and other obstruction
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

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