Received: from hplms26.hpl.hp.com by opus.hpl.hp.com with SMTP (1.37.109.8/15.5+ECS 3.3+HPL1.1) id AA04076; Mon, 24 Apr 1995 13:21:44 -0700 Return-Path: <BENJAMIN_CRISTI@novell.com-DeleteThis> Received: from gw.provo.Novell.com by hplms26.hpl.hp.com with SMTP ($Revision: 1.36.108.11 $/15.5+ECS 3.3+HPL1.1S) id AA255224427; Mon, 24 Apr 1995 13:13:47 -0700 Received: from novell.com by gw.provo.Novell.com (4.1/SMI-4.1) id AA29945; Mon, 24 Apr 95 14:10:15 MDT Received: from PRV-INTERNET-Message_Server by novell.com with Novell_GroupWise; Mon, 24 Apr 1995 14:10:15 -0600 Message-Id: <sf9bb147.006@novell.com-DeleteThis> X-Mailer: Novell GroupWise 4.1 Date: Mon, 24 Apr 1995 14:09:20 -0600 From: Ben Cristi <BENJAMIN_CRISTI@novell.com-DeleteThis> To: wind_talk@opus.hpl.hp.com-DeleteThis Subject: Maytag hints
I keep hearing about this washing machine effect. What's the supposed
strategy to get out of this?
-- Thanks,
Will Estes Internet: westes@usc.com-DeleteThis
U.S. Computer Saratoga, CA 95070
______________________________________________________
(short, jerk answer)
Get in shape so you can handle it.
(long, helpful answer)
Your strategy should begin ON THE BEACH.
Take note of where the rips and undertows are flowing, use them to
your advantage. Generally, where the rip flows out, there's a channel
where the waves don't break as much. This is your (sailing) path beyond
the break. Never swim in against a rip, swim across it and head for the
breaking waves (yes, into the maytag). This is where the water is
rushing to shore, and your quickest path in.
Checkout the downwind situation. Specifically, the location of the
nearest safe landing. Also take note of the sets. How ofter do they
arrive and how many waves to a set. Generally, waves that are close
together with frequent sets indicate a building swell. Watch out! The
waves could double in size while your out.
Okay, so now your on the water. What to do when getting pounded:
If your going to get hit by an oncoming mast high wave, bail. Clear your
board and save what really counts... YOU! Swim in through the surf. Let
the waves push you in. If you turn and dive under the set, you'll be left
with a long swim in, and more chances of getting caught in the rip. The
only time I dive and curl into a ball, is when a huge wave is going to
break right on me. When the turbulence (the wash and rinse cycle) hits
you, RELAX, go with the flow. Resist the urge to fight your way to the
top, until the turbulence subsides. Conserve your oxygen, you'll need it!
I never said you have to be a strong swimmer. I'm assuming that goes
without saying.
However, if the wave breaks near but not directly on you (this is what
happened to me in my report), try to hang onto your equipment. I lay on
top of my sail, holding the booms and mast, with my feet towards the tip
of the sail. I'm protected from the board twisting around and hitting me
(except for my hand on the boom, big deal) and the sail acts as a buffer
between my body and rocks, reef etc.
Don't let your equipment get between you and an oncoming wave or
shorebreak, it might become a projectile aimed right at you. Keep your
mast tip pointed away from the beach, especially in shallow water. I've
seen many masts snap in the shorebreak because the sailor was
careless.
I'm sure there are exceptions to the above. What I've tried to outline is my
approach to big waves. I still consider myself a beginner big wave sailor.
When your out there, keep your eyes open for people in distress. Above
all, HAVE FUN!
Ben Cristi
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