Windsurfing trip turns into waterlogged nightmare

[jpf18]

Found in today's Examiner:
http://www.sfexaminer.com/local/Windsurfing-trip-turns-into-waterlogged-nightmare-102412234.html

[NickB]

After seeing coyoteandre's past experience in this thread: http://www.iwindsurf.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=20801&start=30, including several Bay crossings, it goes to show that, just like you need to wear your seat belt even for the shortest car trip, one should always carry VHF/PLB when windsurfing, even for seemingly short and uneventful sessions.

Andre, did you have such equipment on you and it failed, or were you counting on the park rangers to do their job and alert the coast guards? Also please tell us more, how did the FCPD find you out there? flares? shouts?

Definitely glad you're OK, I can't imagine going through this, especially in the dark!

[faradroka1]

1. Go here
http://www.westmarine.com

2. search for "vhf radio"

3. buy it.

I'm a bit surprised that someone who has floated several hours and been rescued by the Coast Guard once does not yet own a VHF handheld. Now that you have done this TWICE, you should buy a VHF handheld radio. The next time you get in that van, it should be driven to West Marine and should not leave the parking lot until you have bought a VHF handheld radio.

did i mention you should buy a vhf handheld radio?

Glad you're alive, now go buy that vhf handheld radio.

[windsrf]

Another suggestion is to always give a friend notice of when you expect to return home (or to shore). If not back with maybe an hour's slack, at least someone may start worrying, notifying, and/or looking. Many of us also pay attention to each other and would think twice prior to driving away from the "last van". However, that is trickier issue, especially for San Mateo where folks are basically out of sight. Then there was that guy in shorty who refused help and died after drifting all night across the Bay. Good reason for the buddy system at such venues.

[andydavis]

Could have been any of us...anyone know something about non destructive testing for carbon components. My masts look perfect, but how do you know for sure?

[hemmy007]

[MrFish]

This is why we should make airplanes out of carbon.

[VinceSF]

Nothing against Andre, though I can't help but think this is bad publicity for our sport.
We all know masts break so the least we can do is to carry a radio.
Why put yourself in harm's way when you can easily avoid it?

You never know when sh**t hits the fan. On monday I made real good use of my recently-purchased helmet: I hit the back of my head hard on the mast. Without the helmet I could have knock myself out. Worse: my board and sail got disconnected. I managed to put them back together and sailed back. I am glad I go the helmet. We can never be too cautious.

[gerritt]

OK, I'll say it: I think Andre is reckless.

This one was probably bad luck, but I wonder how old that mast was. From the photo it looked like an old SDM. The other newsworthy events claimed by Andre are not a matter of luck.

He went out at Coyote Point some years back against the advice of most of us coming in that the wind was dying and got rescued somewhere up at Candlestick. His equipment is very old and looks poorly mainted to my humble eye. He flirts death with his Bay Crossings on his 10-20 year old gear. He's no spring chicken himself - 70!

I've broken two masts mast on the bay (Aluminum back in the 80's) miles out at Coyote myself. I was in my mid 20's then. Once I got picked up by a boat - lucky. Once I pulled myself onto the beach at 10:30 p.m. just above the San Mateo Bridge. Now that I am older and wiser (and have more money) I keep my gear fresh. I still have not taken the plunge for a radio, but am thinking about it. I just hate the idea of that extra junk clunking around on my body when sailing. That wind up thingy the kiters wear hanging off their harness looks like a total drag - literally and figuratively!

Dude, either buy a radio, or some new gear, or both. What Hemmy said about RDM"s is spot on!

[andydavis]