Comments for Perth World Cup 2007 – Drama Galore at http://www.surfski.info , comment 0 to 20 out of 36 comments http://www.surfski.info Fri, 04 Jul 2008 14:57:13 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.2 http://www.surfski.info/content/view/590/147/#pc_1856 We're hoping to bring 20 beaches in next season. - Rob Mousley Wed, 12 Dec 2007 15:57:27 +0100 http://www.surfski.info/content/view/590/147/#pc_1855 Both myself and Dave Kissane were equal with Dawid when he did not go around the marker (not a bouy but a huge shipping marker totally visable from 2-3km away). We yelled out to him, but i am sure he did not hear. dawid was nowhere near going around the marker, not even within a kilometer of it. This aided dawid time of more than 3 mins and changed the whole dynamics of the race. This is why he was dq'ed. If this is a world cup and want's credibility then competitors must stick to the rules. if a k1 paddler goes out of his lane he is dq'ed. If a marathon paddler misses the bouy in a world cup then they are dq'ed. The sport needs more guidlines. Set rules, weight restrictions and not governed by the elite paddlers who make the races tailered to themselves. Any reason why the 20 beaches is not a world series event???? - Damien Wed, 12 Dec 2007 15:44:23 +0100 http://www.surfski.info/content/view/590/147/#pc_1852 If my memory serves me right 2 years ago Dawid was not winning the race or in any danger of winning the race. If the correct instructions had be shouted to Oscar he would have still won. To trautmann and the boys AT Fishoek i look forward to paddling the challenge for as long as they arrange it,Trust they are polishing the SPORTY cup for us to savour the tradiditional Morgan. - PARKSY Tue, 11 Dec 2007 12:16:17 +0100 http://www.surfski.info/content/view/590/147/#pc_1851 In Dawid's case two years ago, I don't recall an official shouting instructions directly to Dawid. No one would argue if Oscar just cut inside the buoy on his own. The point being missed is the instruction from the official. - Johann van Blerck Tue, 11 Dec 2007 08:37:05 +0100 http://www.surfski.info/content/view/590/147/#pc_1850 Molokai and Cape Point. Colour Codes, maybe even have inflatable buoy gates (not that unlike the system used for the finish in Dubai, though obviously have an inflatable system which is clearly visible to paddlers with flags. Officials on the water are there to maximise safety and to see if anyone "cheats" and not to shout out valuable tips of information on the course, that is what the race briefing is for. If a paddler so wishes to know what is going on hire a support boat for commands and water breaks. To all paddlers Merry Christmas and Happy Paddling in the New Year - richard von wildemann Tue, 11 Dec 2007 07:59:33 +0100 http://www.surfski.info/content/view/590/147/#pc_1848 I think the point is being missed here...The decision (whether you agree or not) was partly decided two years ago when the race officials DQ'ed Dawid for missing a bouy. It would have been an even bigger issue if they went ahead and allowed Oscar to take first after setting this precedent with Dawid two years ago. Oscar should be thankful that they only gave him a time penalty and did not DQ him as well. Then he wouldn't be at the top of the rankings, now would he... -Rob - Rob Mirlenbrink Mon, 10 Dec 2007 22:05:36 +0100 http://www.surfski.info/content/view/590/147/#pc_1847 The moment an official opens his mouth you must act (on the water). The race boat gave helpfull info...by yelling over a raging sea. The leader heard it wrong - and did what he thought was the right thing. Simple. It is simply madness to take away his money or the points. The official interfeared with the race leader (was the instruction given over a PA System - or was it a 'come on mate - the way is this way - with a loud shout over the boat outboards, wind surf etc etc - good solid sentiment with the best intentions). No sorry Perth - you got it wrong 100% and nothing with convince me otherwise. How can you interfear in any capacity & then rule the rider ignorned the standard instruction on land. I know how hard it is to run a race - and well done for a great show - but you got it wrong on the water & you compounded that 1st error by going against the race leader in the review - when he needed none of the advantage the 5m early turn offered. We got a lot wrong in Dubai as well - so we all live and learn, but enough of this 'good call under difficult circumstances'. It was a shocker. SS.I will I am sure put an end to this type of occurance. What if it was a $50 000 1st place - a life changing event from a pro perspective. That is where the sport is going - so lets get it right now. - Gavin Dickinson Mon, 10 Dec 2007 16:17:14 +0100 http://www.surfski.info/content/view/590/147/#pc_1845 Rumour has it that two old salts with a combined age of 130 will be on a double competing in the Cape Point Challenge... Parksy says he bets they come in the top 50% of the field... Is he one of them? Stay tuned! - Rob Mousley Mon, 10 Dec 2007 15:25:15 +0100 http://www.surfski.info/content/view/590/147/#pc_1844 Regarding Kim's comments, the reason the "sensible" paddlers should come and this RACE - is that all the top SA will be there to race - Oscar, David , Hank etc - if you believe you are a world class competent surfksi paddler - the Cape Point Challenge is the ultimate - some of the top guys find the 25km downwind paddles way too short anyway. Just have a look at the top SA paddlers - name one that has doesnt a Cape Point - maybe the Aussies can learn something from that - what better way than to come here and do it!!! How many people do the Comrades - is that sensible?? And Parks - you are also long overdue to line up on the start line!!! See you Cape Town - Trautmann Mon, 10 Dec 2007 15:14:29 +0100 http://www.surfski.info/content/view/590/147/#pc_1843 Maybe……………… Once the official on the boat shouted an instruction Oscar was bound to obey that instruction or be disqualified. It doesn't matter how many times the instruction was repeated at briefings or on the start line. The officials' instruction on the race course overrides any previous instruction, end. Unfortunately Oscar misheard the helpful instruction, "Oscar, there's a boat on the buoy. It's to the right of the groyne." The official was wrong to shout, firstly and second to refer to the "groyne" (a landmark) when the buoy was the relevant navigation mark. Groyne and buoy in any accent is pretty close in those conditions. The fact that the rest of the field found their way without trouble only means this official moved on / kept quiet / used different words / positioned his boat to be a more effective guide etc. The above is just a "Maybe" and I understand and support the organizers resolution under the circumstances. - Johann van Blerck Mon, 10 Dec 2007 14:48:15 +0100 http://www.surfski.info/content/view/590/147/#pc_1839 Hey Parksy, We had a poll (yes/no) on the site that came out roughly 50:50 in terms of the general readership. I polled a group of the top paddlers and the majority of them didn't want the race in the series. The compromise is that the race is 2-star so it doesn't matter to the top guys who have to do 3- & 4- star races in order to have a chance at the top spot. But by including it (and other races that might not be perfect), we: a) Get more people into the rankings. This is good for many reasons. b) Give exposure to a great race and to the sport as a whole. Cheers Rob - Rob Mousley Mon, 10 Dec 2007 09:44:33 +0100 http://www.surfski.info/content/view/590/147/#pc_1838 Hey Zinzan, I think you don't have the latest information. On Billy's site: http://www.surfski.co.za/seriesinfo.php?id=26 The very first rule there reads: "All paddler are required to wear Lifejackets(pfd's) at All Races." I just had an email from Billy/Butch. It reads: "Confirmed All races held under the auspices of the South African National Surf Ski Committee requires that PFDs be worn. Rgds Billy" Cheers, Rob - Rob Mousley Mon, 10 Dec 2007 09:37:50 +0100 http://www.surfski.info/content/view/590/147/#pc_1837 Hi Rob "In SA all paddlers have to use PDFs without exception" Not entirely true Rob. Here in DBN during the last MH winter series most races were run with PDFs declared as "not complusary but advisory". Hence just about everybody did not. I did 5 of the short course races and never used one. Regards - Zinzan55 Mon, 10 Dec 2007 09:03:30 +0100 http://www.surfski.info/content/view/590/147/#pc_1836 Before I get too involved in what was ultimately a fantastic race this week in Perth, I would like to congratulate the organisers of the event, Ash and Dean G for a smoothly and professionally run show(sometimes against adversity). From what I heard post event, most of the athletes were unanimous in their opinion that the race bought the best down wind paddlers in the world to our back yard. To have the caliber of paddlers here in Perth and to not only see them perform but to be able to compete against them is a great treat for us. Being relativly new to the sport of distance paddling, I can see the addictiveness of the sport. For those of you unaware Australia has a deep history of surf ski sprinting at Surf Lifesaving level but I am starting to hear and see a swelling undercurrent of enthusasium for the distance paddling in down wind. We have a way to go to dominate this type of paddling like the South Africans do, but with so many of them living here it wont be long before we learn all your secrets. Again congratulations to Ash, Dean G and their brides for staging a great event and congrats to all the paddlers who made such a big effort to come this far and give us your best. See you in Hawaii and pray for wind!!!!!! - Dean Beament Mon, 10 Dec 2007 08:58:56 +0100 http://www.surfski.info/content/view/590/147/#pc_1835 the Cape Point is not a race but a serious Challenge.i speak from experience having paddled all but 2.this is the hardest one day paddle any where in the world.One way you are going to be paddling into the wind.Just recently over a beer with Tony Scott we both agrred that this paddle was probably harder than the PE_EL. I personally dont think it should be included in the world rankings. Which sensible overseas paddlers are going to come and paddle/race this mother of all mothers? - PARKSY Mon, 10 Dec 2007 08:53:59 +0100 http://www.surfski.info/content/view/590/147/#pc_1834 Bottomline is that everyone knows that Oscar delivered the hurt, - rules are rules though and the officials had to penalise him - but that doesnt take away what the big man achieved - well done "O" - see you on the start line in two weeks time. Just one question, re - the points allocation, how can the Cape Point be allocated such a low score for course??? surely this course is the ultimate overall test - headwind ,cross wind and 50% downwind ?? also geographically how epic is it to be able to say that you have paddled around the tip of Africa - lets get the Aussies, and all the other international competitors to come and paddle the race of races!!!! - Trautmann Mon, 10 Dec 2007 08:12:08 +0100 http://www.surfski.info/content/view/590/147/#pc_1832 All of the competitors made it abundantly clear that you were supposed to keep the buoy of your right. What makes this funky and open to debate is that Oscar went quite close on the other side BECAUSE he misinterpreted the instructions shouted to him by the lead boat. Had he been coming 2nd or 5th and no one said boo to him I assume he'd have followed the original instructions and passed as originally instructed. So, yes, a rule is a rule and should be enforced but if an official tells you to do the opposite -- or you THINK that's what he said -- and you gain no advantage from their error, well, the prudent decision would have been to let the finishing order stick. Maybe the lesson learned from this is to 1. have 2 buoys so that competitors go in between 2. don't shout instructions to the guys in the $ in the howling wind. - Joe Mon, 10 Dec 2007 04:22:31 +0100 http://www.surfski.info/content/view/590/147/#pc_1830 and only one went the wrong side of the buoy?? what's all the fuss about? in order for the sport to gain credibility it needs (unfortunately for Oscar) issues such as this to be dealt with in a professional manner. Well done to Ash for doing so and bringing more credibility to the event and to the sport. It's almost like saying to the police officer who pulled you over for speeeding "but sir, I was only doing 65 in a 60 zone!" - James Shortis Mon, 10 Dec 2007 03:29:40 +0100 http://www.surfski.info/content/view/590/147/#pc_1828 Pity a top race had to be decided like this but ultimately, hats off to the organisers for the way they handled the situation. Acting fairly and democratically after an event like that with some big egos can be a challenge. Well done Ash. Professional stuff, sounded like everyone had a world class day out.... except, maybe one ou.... called O. - Graeme Trautmann Sun, 09 Dec 2007 21:42:45 +0100 http://www.surfski.info/content/view/590/147/#pc_1827 "As Oscar approached the can, the escort boat saw that he was passing on the right of the can, instead going around the left of it. They yelled at him to go around but by then it was too late and he was on his way into the beach." It seems like Oscar was going to miss the buoy as it was by the above statement? Then the escort boat tried to correct him? and the instructions were then misinterpreted? Tough luck and huge bummer. BUT, the fact remains that the pre-race briefings are the official briefings for course instructions and Oscar should have been aiming for the left of the buoy, right. Everyone else went the correct way. Maybe some thought should be given to converting bouys on a course like this to gates - like the Hotspots. Dropping another bouy on the left of that existing bouy would avoid problems like this in the future. Or, devising a standard marking system for bouys that dictated how they are to be rounded, i.e. yellow flag/tape = pass to the left, blue = pass to the right, etc. Make it self-explanitary. Pretty simple as it is, though. While it would be nice to avoid bouys and course markers, we need them to 1) keep everyone on the same course 2) for safety to keep the fleet coming together at markers, and 3) for safety in beach landings, i.e. avoiding the reefs and dangerous surf. - nell Sun, 09 Dec 2007 21:41:59 +0100