patsparks said...

Hi everyone.
I have come across too many windsurfers lately who don't think they need to wear a PFD while sailing. Sorry but you do and in all SA waters, fresh or salt.
Below is a copy and paste of the relevant section of the Harbors and Navigation Regulations, Jan 2011.
(Underline and bold added)

169—Personal flotation devices to be worn on certain recreational vessels
(1) Each occupant of—
(a) a vessel (other than a surfboard, surf ski or racing shell) that can only carry
the operator and no other person; or
(b) a surfboard, surf ski or similar vessel that is being operated in inland waters;
or
(c) a sailboard or kiteboard; or

How much is the fine?

I got nabbed sailing at the Murray Mouth on the Oct Long Weekend.

$220.

Ouch.

Nanny state!

legless said...

patsparks said...

Hi everyone.
I have come across too many windsurfers lately who don't think they need to wear a PFD while sailing.
(c) a sailboard or kiteboard; or

It is pretty hard to find a pfd that is suitable for windsurfing. Patparks can you suggest a pfd that is suitable. They tend to get in the way of the harness.

In addition how come surfers don't have to wear one. windsurfing is just a surf board with a sail on it.

Oh, now I get it, patspurts is the local compliance officer for PFD's as well as being a landsailer trying to make enemies with the local windsurfing community.

A question for you Pat. When was the last drowning of a windsurfer that could have been saved by a pfd in SA?

legless said...

It is pretty hard to find a pfd that is suitable for windsurfing. Patparks can you suggest a pfd that is suitable. They tend to get in the way of the harness.

In addition how come surfers don't have to wear one. windsurfing is just a surf board with a sail on it.


Quick surfing lesson....try this with a PFD....you wont get very far

wearing a PFD in ocean with waves whether its surfing or wave sailing would put ones life in danger.

you have got to be kidding me mate!!! No one wears em! exept for maybe newbie beginners. or when your sailing triple mast jaws.

If you carnt swim and not familiar with the water conditions you are entering DON'T GO OUT!!!
A PFD will save your life if you carnt swim...being knocked out by mast is highly unlikely..
”the forces of nature are on your side”

If it makes you feel safer by all means wear one and lots do...but not wearing one, why is that "irresponsible to put yourself and others at risk”!!

Im sure may have a story to tell......and all lived to tell it.

I would like to point out that firstly I am a bit of a novice so I wear a lifejacket religiously but I would tend to think that not just being knocked out is the only danger we face.

Dislocated arms from a violent catapult or any other dangers that we havent considered may give us reason to be wearing a PFD for the unexpected. better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.

Only yesterday did I find a PFD that is designed for windsurfing/kitesurfing. Neil Pryde does one with a cutout loop for your harness and hook. I tried it yesterday and barely noticed it was there. They have these for sale at Onboard for around $135 Im told.... So it may be worth having a look if youre interested.

I would not dream of telling the more experienced guys that they have to wear a PFD as that is their own decision but wanted to let everyone know that there are windsurfing specific PFD's out there....if you want to keep the Nanny happy..

As usual these regulations on behalf of all windsurfers in South Australia and Kite surfers were undertaken with no communication from the minister involved, Boats and Harbors or any other representative with the state windsurfing bodies.

This will be a pointless excercise debating the regulations with the authority that issues the fines and has no concept or understanding of surf sailing, freestyle sailing etc.

It would have been nice if the regulations were posted when amended (22/9/2011) to update everyone on the changes. Just because its a regulation does not mean it has been thought through or is in the best interest of the sport.

Okay then Pat you may be only "upholding the law" well how about you head down to Moana and start implementing this law!!

Have you posted on the jet ski web sites

(1) Subject to this regulation, a person must not operate a personal watercraft—
(a) after sunset or 8 pm (whichever is the earlier) on any day; or
(b) before 9 am on a Sunday or before 8 am on any other day.
Maximum penalty: $1 250.
Expiation fee: $160.

Or maybe heading out to the West Coast and enforcing this For tow surfing

(5) A person must not be towed by a vessel unless another person (the observer) on the
vessel is continuously observing the person being towed and giving such directions to
the operator of the vessel as may be necessary to prevent injury or risk of injury to the
person being towed or to other persons.

I will do my best to avoid you, not visit your waterways and keep well away from Goolwa - thanks for the heads up. If you come anywhere near us while sailing in the surf the reception will be frosty to say the least

Kimba, no one is chest thumping. We are just stating how it is, and how it always has been. If you choose to wear a vest well thats great.

If i get separated from my gear 5kms out to sea there are gonna be other things ill be more worried about than whether or not the sea rescue squadron come and save me.

And as for patsparks giving a friendly reminder, interesting you read it that way.

Its pretty obvious from the responses that are being given that we are all very passionate about our sailing and dont appreciate someone coming along telling us what we Have to do.

To put this in perspective for you, how would you respond if you were told that you were told you were no longer allowed to sail any of your beloved freshwater lakes due to a change of law?

Are the Neil Pryde vest "PFD 3, Australian Standard AS 4758 or AS2260"
There web site does not state this!!!


http://www.sa.gov.au/subject/transport,%20travel%20and%20motoring/Boating+and+marine/Boat+and+marine+safety/Marine+safety+equipment/Personal+flotation+devices

I think maybe the best solution is a PFD1 yoke. As it has no inflation until you inflate it and there is a gap up the middle for a harness hook and the straps on the back don't interfere with your harness.

After saying that I don't want to have to wear a PFD. I think a helmet is more useful to a windsurfer as it helps to prevent you getting knocked out.

HAHAHAHAHAH!!!!!!!!

Ill be wearing 2 of them... you can never be to safe.

actually ive got one on now.

I wonder if this landyacht sailer is required to wear a PFD cause he is below the high water mark?