NSW Maritime is at present considering change of legislation via a "Lifejacket discussion paper".

This paper willl affect SUP Paddlers and all small recreational watercraft eg 'Sailboards and Kayaks' proposes that Cat 3 PFD are worn in ocean conditions at all times more than 100 metres from land. This may go on to further legislate that PFD's are worn in lakes and rivers if more than 100m from shore.

This will obviously be an issue for a lot of people, if it is for you have your say on the links as below. Whether in NSW or not.

If passed this means you will have to wear a PFD on a sailboard or SUP at all times except for the surf. Inflatable versions ie Bum Bag do not seem to work as they require activating. Cat 3 is the same as worn on a Jet Ski etc.

There is also move for the legislation to become National, if you are not in NSW this does not mean it does not affect you. (PFD's in the Doctor race??).

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

Read the discussion paper and provide your feedback at:

www.rms.nsw.gov.au/maritime/index.html

There is an online survey there to complete.

Bummer and I thought NZ was a PC Nation.

Good luck with getting that one stopped!

Here is the critical item of the on-line survey:

You must wear a lifejacket when operating small recreational craft such as a sailboard, kayak, canoe, kitesurfer or similar craft:

1. IN SHELTERED WATERS, WHEN MORE THAN 100 METRES FROM AN ACCESSIBLE SHORE; AND

2. IN OCEAN WATERS, AT ALL TIMES.

I disagreed with both as this is silly!

We need all of the SUP clubs around Australia to get involved with this so that we are properly represented. Please spread the word to all of the club committee so that we can speak as one voice on this.

Done... what a joke !

Whats next .... a line from your board to shore just incase you get into trouble and they can pull you back in!

Boylos

This should not apply to Stand Up Paddle Boarding, Outrigger Canoeing or any other paddle or wind craft racing. The PFD is a cumbersome piece of equipment and can be a hindrance to the paddlers movements which can lead to fatigue and balance. I believe a leash of somesort should be madatory when racing in these categories. Most of these races and training areas are close to shore where lifeguards and water safety craft are very near by. Please don't destroy the infectious growth of the sport by making PFD's compulsory as this will be a big turn off and bad back lash from the sport enthusiasts and public.
Everyone, make your voice heard!

Marine Saftey Victoria have been watching SUP evolve and are also considering whether to annex SUPs as vessels and not surf craft, especially when the race boards are approaching 20ft in length.

They will watch what happens in NSW very carefully.

They were seriously concerned about SUPs operating in the mouth of the Yarra due to defined shipping channels and the danger of passing vessels and the ensuing suction effect.

What we may see as safe operating conditions eg 40kn down winders they have a very different view!

I have discussed these points on several occassions with Surf Vic, SUP Vic members and others.

It will also come to a head in Victoria soon!

Phill

OG SUP said...

Marine Saftey Victoria have been watching SUP evolve and are also considering whether to annex SUPs as vessels and not surf craft, especially when the race boards are approaching 20ft in length.

They will watch what happens in NSW very carefully.

They were seriously concerned about SUPs operating in the mouth of the Yarra due to defined shipping channels and the danger of passing vessels and the ensuing suction effect.

What we may see as safe operating conditions eg 40kn down winders they have a very different view!

I have discussed these points on several occassions with Surf Vic, SUP Vic members and others.

It will also come to a head in Victoria soon!

Phill

It's one thing to make rules it's another to enforce them.

I don't think we have anything to worry about. No one is going to tip off authorities when the next downwinder is on by giving them start and end locations in the bay and the percieved danger they are in - are they?

If they don't know that, it's very unlikely they would risk their own lives and equipment to bust some bald, fat, 40+ yo doing a downwinder when the conditions are extreme.

Seriously WGAF. Let the big boys spend their lives making dumb arse rules and let the rest of us get on with living our lives.

oliver said...

OG SUP said...

Marine Saftey Victoria have been watching SUP evolve and are also considering whether to annex SUPs as vessels and not surf craft, especially when the race boards are approaching 20ft in length.

They will watch what happens in NSW very carefully.

They were seriously concerned about SUPs operating in the mouth of the Yarra due to defined shipping channels and the danger of passing vessels and the ensuing suction effect.

What we may see as safe operating conditions eg 40kn down winders they have a very different view!

I have discussed these points on several occassions with Surf Vic, SUP Vic members and others.

It will also come to a head in Victoria soon!

Phill

It's one thing to make rules it's another to enforce them.

I don't think we have anything to worry about. No one is going to tip off authorities when the next downwinder is on by giving them start and end locations in the bay - are they?

If they don't know that, it's very unlikely they would risk their own lives and equipment to bust some bald fat 40yo doing a downwinder when the conditions are extreme.

Seriously WGAF. Let the big boys spend their lives making rules and let the rest of us get on with living our lives.

hi, what it probably means is no jacket no start by the race organizers, they would be liable. as it is they are asking for pfd, bumbag type pfd is allowable, but that might change for a no jacket no race. man, it get really hot even with a dark rashie on up here. hate to think what a jacket would be like
cheers

Thats exactly my point Oliver and i doubt it would effect us here on the coast for recreational purposes at all as we have little or no water police presence except in the middle of summer!

It will directly effect the way every SUP event., SUP school. competition etc is run insurance costs etc.

That aspect does concern me!

Phill

oliver said...

You're right Lacy. I didn't stop to think about the impact of those who race and compete. I don't concern myself in competing with others, so I guess it's much more of a worry for you guys than it is to people like myself.

Just because it's called Stand up paddle board doesn't mean we don't lay down and paddle..... you can't do that with a life jacket, they are not targeting life savers on prone paddle boards or racing skies WHY ARE WE DIFFERENT? I have come across heaps of clubbies way out to sea when doing downwinders. There is no way in the world they will make Australian lifesavers wear life jackets.

We are attached to the board by a leg rope and we also carry a floatation device in our hands and we are on a stand up paddle SURF board.

Our boards are unsinkable unlike a kayak , ski , outrigger or small sailing vessel.


Rob

I think the lamest thing ever about STAND UP PADDLE is kneeling to paddle , can you imagine how gay it would look people kneeling paddleing with a life jacket on, lmao.

I would lay down and paddle as you would on a surfboard if i was then approached by whomever about why i was not wearing a life jacket i would say "its a surfboard how can they define a sub between a mal I mean its a 9 6" 0r 8 6".

I would just lay the paddle under my chest and paddle off

Done. I hope QLD doesn't follow suit.

The need to think carefully about what craft and don't make a decission from a desk jockey or a person without experience.

Also people have to assume some responsibilty for their own actions and not be told by a NANNY STATE.

I do a lot of deep ocean paddling but already have plenty of safety factors built in. I am big on safety and actively encourage other paddlers to do the same. The idea of some kind of bouyancy system way out there is not a bad idea but this is already well covered by gear that we already use (camelbacks are already pfds, legrope attached to SUP etc).

I also carry flares, a first aid kit, high visibility clothing (as well as SUP and paddle), a whistle, a light etc etc. These are all things that I like to keep with me just in case something happens to me or one of my fellow paddlers.

This PDF restriction is taking things a bit too far, however, especially this silly 100m idea.

We need to object to this BEFORE it happens. Spread the word to all other affected water sport enthusiasts that this will also affect so that they, too, can express their protests.