buccaneer said...
My two bob's worth...

The present exit chute as selected by the organisers is the optimal area to exit the ocean.
Two factors reinforce this fact:
1. The flags are located there
2. Surfers want to be in that section

A temporary closure of that section is the obvious solution.

A water finish will not address the safety issue.
In fact, I'd suggest that risk of accidents would increase.
Participants still need to exit the water; and doing so over a wider section of surf without 'eyes on the water' would be a step backwards.

Although it remains problematic, I'd suggest the event organisers make more of an effort to communicate what is happening to beach goers.
Better signage and regular announcements using a clear PA system (multiple loud hailers) over the period of the finish would be a good start.

Some of the beach goers are oblivious to the fact an event is being run and if aware, would do "the right thing".

Notwithstanding the above, this thread attests to the fact that others are well aware of the event and choose to ignore it; loitering directly in the path of incoming participants.
Not much can be done about this group.
However, I'd wager they'd be the first to squeal should something karmic come their way?
Imo, the hypocrisy required to be aware of the event, ignore it, then complain about the participants being a nuisance is breathtaking.

Participants in these events comply with all safety requirements, attend pre-race briefings and pay an entrance fee.
They deserve the respect of others for the short time required to safely execute these events.

The closure of a small (50m) section of beach for 1-2 hours a few times over summer will go along way to respecting the rights of all stakeholders to the safe use of a central beach in a major metropolitan area.

Thanks for listening.
DJ

Legion said..



Ha ha, yeah he did. And right where you were about to snap off the lip too.

And I agree with you - who is this buccaneer guy? And Phatboy? And Greenroom? And shunter? And stimo? And so on. They should all post only under their full names and addresses.

buccaneer, I reckon you'd lose that wager. I reckon the first to squeal would be one of those six year old kids.

Participants comply with all safety requirements except being able to control their aircraft carriers as they come into port.

Yet again this forum doesn't fall to disappoint. Only backslapping allowed. Sup can't possibly do anything wrong. Attack! Attack!

It constantly amuses me that I couldn't ever post anything valid because I don't sup. The event must have been impeccably run at no danger to the public. Next time the beach should be closed so they can have full run of a private beach. The public can leave. Tourists on holiday, come back tomorrow.

I wonder what would happen if I made up a new sup alias and built a profile supporting it and then dared to make a comment contrary to the groupthink. Shock! Confusion!

Benno87 said..

Wrong Ben Stimmo ha

surferstu said..





Am I imagining things or is that someone's face in the edge of the picture.

surferstu said..





Am I imagining things or is that someone's face in the edge of the picture.

stimo said..



Not sure had my eyes closed first time I have ever caught a wave

Phatboy said...
City beach really turned it on that day Stimo ! Did you have to take the accent test to be allowed out?