I was paddling along when this boat came toward me at speed with red and blue flashing lights. At first I thought they would go straight past as they looked to be in a hurry. I was not entirely surprised when they stopped as many people haven't seen SUP on Sydney Harbour (west). I waved, one waved back then I continued and so did they.

About 5 to 10 minutes later they came back and said although I am an adult and they can't stop me doing this they warned me that they tested the visibility of me as they came up behind with the sun in front and it was poor, so advised me for my own safety to "hug the shore". Now I'm wondering if one of the river cats (govt. ferry) complained or they just happened to be passing. Also do they say the same thing to the kayakers? Are kayaks more visible? When they first stopped I was actually on the shore side of a shipping lane maker (depth marker) so not in the middle or anything. I must admit though that SUP is a lot less visible than windsurfing so it would probably pay to stay out of the way if possible.

Anyone else had something similar happen to them? Any close calls?

I got harassed by the water police once...Last summer they had the world open swimming championships at St Kilda beach..It was held over about a week and each day I would paddle down and check out the action..I would often talk to the officials and security guards..They would often let me cross the coarse during training and I would always ask first..We all got along well..and it was perfect weather for swimming..and SUP'ing..They told me that on the race days I would have to keep to the right of the pier..and I was cool with that.

So..On the race day I'm paddling along..on the right side of the pier..talking to the guys that I had got to know..all sweet..There's thousands of peiple..btw..the pier was packed with spectatores..and many would turn their back on the swimmers to watch me paddling past..I could see many water police..including what looked like terrorist squad guys on jet skies..they had all the commando gear.

Anyway..I could see one of them watching me thought the pier..and sure enough he zooms under and over to me..turns hard in front of me making a wake..like he wanted to make me fall..but I don't..He asks..What are you doing, what's your name,where do you live,what's you date of birth..etc..honestly he had about 50 questions..and all the time on his helmet radio checking me out with center control.

I wondered if he would ever let me go..but he finally did let me go..but not before telling me..You know you should have a life jacket..I say it's only a surfboard (my old NSP) and he said it's a 'watercraft'..I could see it's not worth arguing the point..I gave in and said ok I better get one then and paddled off...Sheesh!

I have had at least 6 run inns with the real water police over the last couple of years..and often way out in the bay..and I've never been hassled..(Fingers crossed)..they are often nice guys and interested in what I'm doing and even think it's cool...but you will always get that odd bar stard that wants to throw his weight around.

I hope it doesn't become an issue..like life jackets for windsurfers that pops up every now and then..Luke at SHQ got hassled not long ago SUP'ing near the Serento ferry..but they let him go with a warning.

DJ

dj

wearing a life vest sup ing

do you recon youd get cronic rash under the arms and around the ribs?

i have a butt harness for kiting and in some pairs of board shorts i cop the most radical rash from the seams

i got to get a new harness soon my old ones are crap the butt one is the only one that doesnt come loose

havent seen any water police hear in minnie water

lucky to see anyone at all

dogman

nice JD

greenroom could have done with a life jacket today....

board popped up and rail got him in the ribz

Yeah just got back from ER. Broken ribs
Thinking about getting an impact vest now
Will post photos later

I was only joking about the broken part but not about the injury.
I will post some photos but if you dont like the sight of blood then dont look

I thought I did some serious damage when I came off a wave and it slammed into my chest. Got winded. Coughed blood so thought I better come in to check it out. Felt sore but wanted more. Posted the photos in the thread Playing at Playgrounds. I had so much fun. Small waves, only one out and no one else along the coast getting waves?