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.

Maris, did Harry get the name of the officer?

I cant believe this, just when i was getting excited about hopefully some good sailing. Cant say im too thrilled about wearing a buoyancy vest in the surf!!

I wonder why they are now targeting us at Middleton?

Maybe its time we collectively see if there is something we can do about this stupid law?

I know i'm classed as a tea bagger but,

Maris is spot on, you have him in one. He is a arrogant short bloke who tries to outwit you to get your name and details. My mate reported him about his conduct, They Did nothing.

By law you dont have to identify your self to a Transport SA officer. But remember they can call the police to help them.

I have heard the same guy got a mate sailing at the river mouth, 1 x Kent Reserve.

Hope that helps.

Have a good comp.

Peace

Good Suggestion Ben, I have a few suggestions too but its better if i dont post them on here

So we running this comp or what!!???? I say good luck booking 20 of us.

Pat Sparks would be in his bedroom right now at mum and dad's house reading all of this, with a coastal map in hand plotting his next big bust on PFD criminal law breakers.

We need some confirmation!! Yes or No?????

What do others think - I think we should hold off fore a more robust map and forecast.

maris said...

suggest advise location by text message/onboard etc

You are right Maris. The best thing is to lie on the forum and then decide where to sail at a pre-sail meeting. Motorcycle forums have the same dilemma with the cops when they organise a ride day.

See windsurfing SA on Facebook for details as well


www.facebook.com/pages/Windsurfing-SA/165697366839806?sk=info

No problem Maris. We are forewarned now for Sunday. Time for an ongoing project to try and change this stupid law I think.

Just a thought...... Should the opens be run earlier????? Before/if/when it does swing onshore???

maris said...

no Bondy dont know name but;

i note that there was a seabreeze user patsparks (pat sparks)
who appeared to be representing himself as a transport sa officer from the south coast in his thread re PFDs in this forum. This patsparks, however never clearly identified in what capacity he was posting. If he IS a transport SA officer i wonder if his postings/involvement in this forum are consistent with transport SAs social media policies? He may also be fisheries as they also have jurisdiction here but dont usually act on it as i understand.

Harry said the guy never presented any ID, was short stocky with red hair. Harry reckons he had some major issues with his conduct and is seeking further opinion on the matter actually.

we need a retired windsurfing QC like in the castle to sort em out- any takers?? Actually i think Harry might be the man.
the answer is never come in.

Hey Maris and crew.
I'm pay'en my money, and want to go in it.
We started wave sailing in SA in 1978.
I've never worn a pfd in the waves.
Could you help me work out how much I will owe patsparks tomorrow
for the last 34 years of indiscretions?

How about when questioned by this debatable aurthority, we could all say
our name is Mark Smith. (gday smithy)

HAIL said...

Just a thought...... Should the opens be run earlier????? Before/if/when it does swing onshore???

this is a good point...almost impossible to know when the front will hit.
Given the swell forecast 2.5' am, 4' pm (+++ depending on who's forecast you like - SwellMap has it going offscale!) I think the order is right. I'm thinking saving time on the briefings - possibly using red flag down to finish Masters and simultaneously green flag up to start Opens - or something like that. That way we can have the opens finished before noon (and drive judges nuts!). We can discuss tomorrow, in light of the conditions we see at the beach.

Surfsouthoz has the swell at 4 foot and 15kts WNW this morning