Comments for High-adrenalin Paddling... at http://www.surfski.info , comment 0 to 8 out of 8 comments http://www.surfski.info Mon, 01 Dec 2008 17:33:41 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.2 http://www.surfski.info/content/view/137/154/#pc_2329 What's interesting is that a lot of water has passed under the lighthouse (so to speak) since this was written. In 2006, a "Millers Run" was a big deal for me. Wayne is now married and has become MUCH more conservative where safety matters are concerned! And Damian & I have done so many Millers Runs (I just logged my 53rd this season with a few more unlogged!)that we take it a little for granted these days. (Which isn't to say that I don't still use PFD, flares, mobile, VHF!) But in my totally unbiased opinion it's still the best downwind run in Cape Town, if not the world! - Rob Mousley Wed, 07 May 2008 14:51:11 +0100 http://www.surfski.info/content/view/137/154/#pc_2323 Great article, thanks - you've really captured the unique adrenaline rush that one gets from paddling on a big downwind. There's nothing to match it. You've also explained some of the technical skills needed. As a relative novice, I've only recently started to brave some downwinds in big seas off Durban, and I know I've got a lot to learn re downwind skills - but it is so exciting, even when you feel a seriously out of your depth. Leashes are a must, I've also experienced falling out, way out to sea, and had the ski blown away by strong winds. Chasing a ski with paddle in hand is no fun in those conditions. Luckily we enjoy warm water in Durban! - Guy Saville Tue, 06 May 2008 20:39:14 +0100 http://www.surfski.info/content/view/137/154/#pc_48 Good to see that Damian is still keen on taking out of towners out paddling on a windy day! My experience of getting chilled and watching the ski \'cigar-roll\' away from me made me believer in leashes - even though I\'ve never seen another Aus ski paddler using one. Keep the good articles coming. :-) - Guest Sat, 04 Feb 2006 04:23:22 +0100 http://www.surfski.info/content/view/137/154/#pc_46 The leash thing reminds me of the cycling-helmet thing a few years ago. Initially nobody wanted it, but when you use it consistently, you quickly learn how to handle it and stop noticing it altogether. - Guest Fri, 03 Feb 2006 16:29:54 +0100 http://www.surfski.info/content/view/137/154/#pc_40 A few years when I was still a novice I fell out of my ski in a flat sea. I was about 1km from land and the breeze was light(+/-15km)but in the short while I took to figure out what to do with the paddle (throw it in the direction of the ski & swim) the ski started drifting away. In the end I chased the ski for over 100m before I caught it. It taught me just how vulnerable one is far out to sea. I never paddle without a leash as one can never predict when conditions might change. A well fitted leash presents no inconvenience at all. Anybody who attempts a Millers Run without one needs his head read. - Guest Wed, 01 Feb 2006 17:00:18 +0100 http://www.surfski.info/content/view/137/154/#pc_39 Great article Wayne. One thing we should point out from a safety aspect is not to attempt this sort of thing in offshore conditions. The Millers run is pretty safe since the South Easter will eventually blow you ashore should problems arise. - Guest Wed, 01 Feb 2006 09:30:17 +0100 http://www.surfski.info/content/view/137/154/#pc_38 Nice piece. I lost my ski once on a windy day and it didn\'t roll at all, just took off down wind like it was free at last. Scared the crap out of me. Had to drop my paddle to swim after it then backtrack to find my paddle while towing the ski. :eek Made a believer out of me. One thing to do is to grab the bottom of your hull to make sure your ski flips upside down if you\'re on your way out and you don\'t have a leash. - Guest Tue, 31 Jan 2006 18:31:18 +0100 http://www.surfski.info/content/view/137/154/#pc_36 Excellent. Sure am glad you didn\'t lose your ski in that little tumble. Watching a ski \"Cigar-roll\" away may give a guy a kinda sinking feeling. Losing a ski in race conditions is a drag, but help is around. Losing a ski while training can be much worse. Leashes Rule! OK,leashes rule in big windy conditions where even a seasoned paddler can \"gently topple into the water\". ;-) Thanks, Mike G. - Guest Mon, 30 Jan 2006 22:01:28 +0100