Received: by zonker.hpl.hp.com (1.37.109.8/15.5+ECS 3.3+HPL1.1) id AA03730; Fri, 29 Jul 1994 18:17:09 -0700 Date: Fri, 29 Jul 1994 18:17:09 -0700 From: Ken Poulton <poulton@zonker.hpl.hp.com-DeleteThis> Return-Path: <poulton@zonker.hpl.hp.com-DeleteThis> Message-Id: <9407300117.AA03730@zonker.hpl.hp.com-DeleteThis> To: windspeed@zonker.hpl.hp.com-DeleteThis Subject: SFBA saftey guide
Sorry if you get multiple copies of this, but I think this needs to
reach everyone. Save a copy and and print one out and keep it in your
car for a slow afternoon waiting for the wind!
WINDSURFING
SAFETY GUIDE
TO THE SAN FRANCISCO BAY
San Francisco Boardsailing Association
1592 Union Street, Box 301
San Francisco, Ca 94123
For more information about the Association, or to
sign-up, drop us a line at our post office box.
Internet Address: Coming Soon
Windsurfing in the San Francisco Bay can be extremely fun and exciting.
Certain Safety precautions should be followed to ensure a good
experience. The San Francisco Boardsailing Association is dedicated to
promoting safe windsurfing. This safety guide is meant to help
boardsailors learn common safety rules and become familiar with some of
the popular sailing sites.
- USE A BUDDY SYSTEM - Never Sail Alone
Several fatalities can be attributed to either a failure of the buddy
system or a single boardsailor sailing alone. In 1993, two boardsailors
were swept out into the Pacific Ocean several miles beyond the Golden
Gate Bridge. You don't want this to happen to you!! Even if you have a
buddy, keep an eye out for others who may need help & lend assistance if
you can. BE PROACTIVE!!
- WEAR A WET SUIT (4mil) or Dry Suit
The average temperature in the Bay is 55F. It doesn't take long before
life-threatening hypothermia can set in.
- CARRY SAFETY EQUIPMENT
Minimum: Safety Flares, a Plastic Whistle, 30' cord for towing, & a
board/mast leash.
Suggested: US Coast Guard approved Personal Floatation Device &
Strobe Light or Glow Sticks.
- CHECK YOUR EQUIPMENT FOR WEAR
Periodically check your equipment for premature wear and replace
critical components at the first signs. Universals & Masts are the most
common components to fail and failures result in the need for a rescue.
- KNOW THE LOCAL SAILING CONDITIONS
Every location has particular dangers to be aware of. (Submerged
obstacles, sudden offshore wind, flood or ebb tides, rip tides or strong
currents.)
RULES OF THE ROAD
1) Starboard tack (right hand forward) has right-of-way over a port
tack.
2) Leeward boat has right-of-way over windward boat.
3) An overtaking boat must stay clear.
4) Motor vessels have the Right-of-Way when confined to a channel.
Due to the high speeds sailboards can achieve, the SFBA recommends
boardsailors stay clear of all vessels.
You are obligated by law to avoid a collision even if you have the
right-of-way.
RESCUES
The SFBA does not endorse any rescue options over others. Recognizing
the need for minimizing the number and frequency of Emergency Rescues,
the Association is offering tips on the various rescue options. If
there is any doubt regarding the safety of the disabled boardsailor,
call for an Emergency Rescue.
In An Emergency:
- Stay With Your Board (Floatation & Visibility)
- Don't Panic
- Signal for Help Quickly (Crossed Arms Over your head)
- Cooperate Fully with Rescuers
SELF-RESCUE
De-rig your sail. Roll the sail onto the mast and lash booms to the
sail & board with your outhaul & downhaul. Then attempt to paddle the
board to safety. Never paddle a board with a fully rigged sail in the
water.
EMERGENCY RESCUE
Emergency Dial: 911
Or US Coast Guard: (415) 556-2103
1) Identify who you are & the number you are calling from. Stay by the
phone and keep the rescuers informed as the situation progresses.
2) Describe the person requiring rescue & provide a name of someone
knowing the person.
3) Maintain visual contact & report changes in location or success in
the rescue effort.
ASSISTED RESCUE
An Assisted Rescue is a rescue where another boardsailor is attempting
to lend assistance in an effort to avoid a Self Rescue or an Emergency
Rescue Call. If there is an injury involved, always call 911
immediately. Equipment failures (Broken fins, universals, masts, etc.)
can often escalate from a major inconvenience to a life threatening
situation. Too much time spent swimming in the cold bay waters brings
on exhaustion and hypothermia. A judgment call needs to be made early
in the situation whether to: (1) Call the emergency response agencies
immediately, or (2) Initiate an Assisted Rescue. The disabled
windsurfer (w/ no injuries) should make the decision which rescue he/she
wants.
TOWING A DISABLED SAILOR
Before you attempt to tow a disabled sailor (including board & rig).
Make sure you are using a board with most floatation available, trade or
barrow one for the rescue. The sail should be smaller than normal and
very controllable.
1. The Disabled sailor should first Self Rescue (Tie-up equipment on
the board).
2. Tie the tow line off the rear foot strap of the towing board.
3. Towing the disabled board from a fitting in the nose of the board is
the best option. The universal is the next best towing point. The
rear foot strap of the disabled board can used if the two previous
options are out of the question and the fin is gone.
4. Try to sail a little without hooking in. When you are comfortable
hook-in and hold on, the resistance is formidable. You will
probably get launched a few times.
5. Keeping your forward-speed up is important. Don't pinch upwind too
much or you'll simply slide sideways.
Variations:
You can tow a fully rigged board & sail short distances by having the
disabled sailor hold the sail in a waterstart position with the booms on
the tail of the board. This minimizes the drag by the sail. The sailor
can then either be dragged in a pseudo waterstart position or can climb
on top of the nose of the board if it is light winds.
PONY EXPRESS
The broken equipment can be "pony expressed" out to the disabled sailor.
Visibility of the disabled sailor is a key problem. One person should
always stay with, or near, the disabled sailor while a third party gets
what is necessary. If a third party is not available, the disabled
sailor can periodically raise the sail to help the other sailor locate
his position.
CAUTION: Reassembling equipment in the middle of the bay can be very
difficult and treacherous. The wind and swells can cause boards and
sails to flip on top of you unpredictably, possibly causing injury. Be
sure you are very confident and comfortable with the situation before
you attempt any on-the-water repairs.
SFBA SITE RATING SYSTEM
Beginner: Uphauling, No Harness
Intermediate: Water Starting Most Of The Time, Learning to Jibe &
To Use A Harness.
Advanced: Always Water Start, Jibing Consistently, Using Harness All The
Time, Rarely Fall, & Can Uphaul If Needed In Light Winds.
Expert: Strong Swimmer, Experienced Wave Sailor, & Extremely Competent.
BERKELEY MARINA - Berk./Emeryville Beg/Int/Adv
Dock etiquette is important due to high congestion:
1. Persons leaving the dock have the right-of-way.
2. Never land or tie your board to the dock w/in at least 15 feet from
the end. This area is for launching only.
3. Do not rig your sail on the dock. Rig on land & carry it down very
last.
4. Bring your board to the dock first, then your sail last. Never
leave an unattended sail on the dock.
5. Do not leave your equipment on or tied to the dock for any extended
period of time.
6. Never land on the windward (upwind) side of the dock. If this
cannot be helped hold onto the dock and work your way around to the
leeward (downwind) side, then bring your equipment up onto the dock.
Launching from the levee:
1. There are numerous submerged rocks & pilings. If it is high tide,
ask someone familiar with the area before launching.
2. Park completely off of the highway and watch for oncoming traffic
when loading & unloading.
CANDLESTICK POINT - San Francisco Int/Adv
1. Sudden, offshore winds can result in several sail changes, down in
size, in 30 minutes.
2. Stay clear of the fishing piers & invisible fishing lines.
3. Parking in No Parking Zones on game days may get you a ticket.
4. Move your car out of the State Park before it closes or your car may
get locked in overnight.
COYOTE POINT - San Mateo Int/Adv
1. This location is probably the most popular, therefore the most
crowded. LOOK before you jibe. Avoid collisions & know your
right-of-way.
2. The normal wind pattern is slightly offshore.
3. Launch far enough upwind, or upshore, to ensure you don't drift into
the swim area.
4. Be aware of the wind shadow near shore. Try to rig for the wind
strength outside so you don't get hammered when you get there.
CRISSY FIELD - San Francisco Int/Adv
Crissy Field can be one of the most dangerous sailing spot listed. More
rescues are recorded here than all other sites combined.
1. Be aware of the powerful tides & currents. You should check the
tide tables before sailing this spot.
2. The water is very cold 55 F. Hypothermia can set in if you're
struggling in the water too long.
3. Strong & variable winds can leave you stranded. The wind dies near
the shore much sooner than out in the middle.
4. Avoid collisions. Heavy shipping & boating traffic are constrained
to shipping channels. Stay clear of all vessels and do not insist
on your right-of way. Large vessels leave a giant wind shadow
(zero wind) hole and can take up to 2 miles to stop.
5. Fog pushing through the Golden Gate can reduce visibility to near
zero and make it difficult to locate your launching spot or any land
in general. This fog pattern usually causes the wind to die
suddenly.
6. Make sure are sailing equipment (board & sail) you can uphaul in an
emergency if the wind dies.
7. Sail conservatively, head for shore sooner, rather than later.
Often this decision will help you avoid a lengthy swim and a
possible search & rescue.
CROWN BEACH - Alameda Beg/Int
1. Watch out for pedestrians on the walkway when crossing with
equipment.
2. Wind is usually side, onshore. The water is fairly shallow
especially at low tide.
3. Be courteous to other beach users. Dripping equipment can be a
chilling experience to a sun bather.
FLYING TIGERS - So. San Francisco Int/Adv
1. Strong offshore winds. This area records some of the highest winds
in the area.
2. Submerged obstacles & a rocky launch make booties a must.
3. If you launch from Oyster Point, you're risking a very long swim, &
a possible Coast Guard rescue, if the wind drops. There is a very
large wind shadow between Oyster Point & Flying Tigers.
4. Questionable water quality from anecdotal evidence only.
LARKSPUR LANDING - Larkspur/San Rafael Int/Adv
1. Mornings are excellent for beginners.
2. Launch are is restricted due to submerged obstacles (Large rocks).
3. Watch for Golden Gate Transit ferries entering and leaving the ferry
terminal. Clear the area (wait on the sides) when a Golden Gate
Transit Ferry needs to pass. Do not try to sail in front of or
behind a Ferry.
4. Stay clear of the harbor seals.
5. If you land on prison property, you will be escorted out by armed
guards. Use caution.
6. Make no left turns West bound on Sir Francis Drake. Be careful
pulling off, & back on.
ROD & GUN - San Rafael Int/Adv
1. Waterstart is essential, wind is side shore.
2. NW Winds are the best conditions for sailing.
3. Low tide means a long muddy walk to the water.
4. Launch site has submerged obstacles.
THIRD AVENUE - Foster City Int/Adv
1. Don't get caught way out when the wind drops off. Flood currents
will easily take you beyond the San Mateo bridge.
2. The launching access ramps can be very slippery. Yield right-of-way
to boardsailors exiting the water.
3. Near the launching areas there are submerged obstacles. Booties are
a must.
4. At low tide there are several shallow sandbars. Learn their
locations because they will always manage to stop you in the middle
of a high-speed, power reach.
5. Don't sail beyond the channel marker unless you are an advanced
sailor. Both the current & swell increase significantly in the
channel.
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