maris said...
suggest advise location by text message/onboard etc
as might have some unwelcome spectators
Harry got pinged for no pfd by a transport sa officer who was stalking him from the beach at day st. yesterday
Harry says he will have a good look at whos on the beach and what cars are in the car park before he comes in in future- doubts theyd get their feet wet.
I have lent him a type 3 pfd which is acceptable inside 400m
Harry was wondering if anyone knows if its a requirement to identify yourself to a transport sa officer? if so whats the penalty for failing to do so?
Given theres no rego system for windsurfing its going to be hard to ID sailors.
Notwithstanding that the rules appear to require a pfd for "sailboarding"
A 7 foot waveboard sailed in the surf is far closer to a surfboard than anything else in my opinion.
The logic behind a surfer's PFD exemption in the surf is that the surf will push the surfer to shore. This argument is equally true for a waveboard operated in the surf, and is strengthened by the fact a pfd increases the risk of entanglement and entrapment with/under your rig by limiting your scope to dive clear.
Unfortunately it will take legislation or someone challenging in court to change. or someone wearing a pfd getting trapped under their sail in the surf and drowning.
IN the meantime when that transport sa officer who was posting on this site reads the above, keep in mind that there is a strong argument PFDs may reduce safety in the surf. This is supported by the lack of a requirement that is enforced anywhere else in the world that i am aware of to wear a PFD in the surf windsurfing.
South Australia has produced some world class sailors, what a shame when Ben comes home he'll have to wear a pfd, as will any mates that he brings with him, just when SA was starting to get a profile and attract interest from interstate and overseas.
Cant help thinking we are being tarred with the same brush as the tea baggers; again there is a clear difference- our boards have substantial positive flotation, many times that of PFD buoyancy requirements and we are strapped to them.
kite boards are much smaller and often have next to no surplus buoyancy.
Let the fun begin... Thought I would post this separately to get some statistics.. We need to work out how to get this law changed as suggested by Maris. Anyone know the next steps? If not please enjoy posting your anger to this thread so I can feel self justified when I get booked by this stickler ...
