Comments for Tim Jacobs Takes Sydney Ocean Series Opener (Expo) at http://www.surfski.info , comment 0 to 5 out of 5 comments http://www.surfski.info Wed, 07 Jan 2009 12:05:14 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.2 http://www.surfski.info/content/view/816/147/#pc_2767 I'd prefer to see the choice of wearing a PFD being up to the paddler. God only knows we live in enough of a granny state, don't let the bureaucrats force their ways on a few guys getting out enjoying the ocean. If you feel you are not a strong enough swimmer to cope with the conditions in the event of a spill, then of course, ensure your safety by choosing a PFD, but let each of us make our own decision and be responsible for ourselves. Back to this race, it was a simply awesome sight seeing over 170 skis heading out to the first can on Saturday. Bit of carnage on the shore, but was an awesome spectacle. Well done to everyone who competed, hopefully the next few races will have similar attendances. - Stewart Thu, 25 Sep 2008 00:31:14 +0100 http://www.surfski.info/content/view/816/147/#pc_2766 Gavin - I totally agree that it's more sensible to wear the PFD, especially if you're paddling alone (which isn't a good idea in dangerous conditions anyway). Even though PFDs aren't yet compulsory in Oz, I'm glad to see that leashes are becoming compulsory in the bigger races as they at least offer more safety than nothing at all. It's good to see that the Sotuh Africans are leading the way in terms of safety, as well as in other elements of the sport. I'm sure it's only a matter of time before Australia follows suit. - Jamie Stewart Thu, 25 Sep 2008 00:09:05 +0100 http://www.surfski.info/content/view/816/147/#pc_2764 Thanks, Jamie. Carrying a PFD on the boat doesn't seem to make much sense. The conditions when the PFD will come into play are exactly those when it'll be most difficult (impossible?) to put the PFD on when it's needed. How do you hold onto your boat and put on a PFD at the same time? e.g paddler falls off and struggles to get back on in big conditions, then gets tired and cold; or, boat gets blown away(!) in a big downwind; or paddler gets injured/stung and struggles to stay on the boat etc etc. I play it very safe and never paddle without one, even more so when alone- you never know (by definition) when something unexpected may occur.... - Gavin Gottschalk Wed, 24 Sep 2008 08:57:46 +0100 http://www.surfski.info/content/view/816/147/#pc_2761 Gavin - I understand that PFDs are indeed compulsory in all SA races, but not (yet) in Australia. The Perth World Cup race requires that PFDs are carried on the boat and that leashes are worn and flares are carried by everyone. Conditions pending, our other races such as the 20 Beaches have similar safety requirements. I suspect that as the long-distance sport grows here PFDs may be made compulsory. It's definitely not because of milder conditions - just come along to the Perth World Cup or 20 Beaches races and you'll see that the conditions are just as big (and as much fun) as SA's races. - Jamie Stewart Wed, 24 Sep 2008 02:47:59 +0100 http://www.surfski.info/content/view/816/147/#pc_2760 Great pics, thanks! I didn't spot a single PFD.... In Cape Town (and I think Durban?)PFD's are compulsory in all races. Why not in Australia? Are conditions much milder, or are Aussies unsinkable? - Gavin Gottschalk Tue, 23 Sep 2008 22:13:39 +0100