No one called Coast Guard to report missing windsurfer

Georges · Joined: 10 Apr 2000 Posts: 249

My greatest and easiest progress comes from lying on my back -stroking,

Mike \m/[/quote]

and you say you can get back to shore doing this iso? who would have guessed.

Shocked

johnl · Joined: 05 Jun 1994 Posts: 1330 Location: Hood River OR

devengadula · Joined: 14 Sep 1999 Posts: 24

Thank you for this insight, John. I only have used windsurfing gear in my truck which would be easy to track down. And quite honestly, I will only do it on those days when I know I am making a silly decision, like a couple of months ago at Treasure Island I went out hoping there was more wind way out there. And again, such note and a possible follow up only gives you hope, which is huge but it does not change the fact that just like so many people here have said, you are there on your own. A few years ago I broke my sail and the ebb was taking me outside GG toward the sharky islands and a yacht was coming back in and people clearly saw my desperate signals. They just waved back and could not care less. Who knows maybe that couple had an argument or maybe they just don't like people in shape? You are there on your own, and if you need to...just drop it all and swim to shore. You will make $2,500 again, but only if you stay alive...

pirireis · Joined: 18 Jul 2009 Posts: 177

This Backstroke technique is a fantastic idea. Still though I think a PFD + Radio should be standard issue equipment for channel sailors.
Micom M72 + Waterproof pouch from West Marine is highly recommended. This combo has lasted 2 years with no issues.

maykov · Joined: 26 Jul 2008 Posts: 1

Micom M72 looks solid to withstand the contact with some salty water. How do you carry it? Do you use a backpack?

madmanex · Joined: 07 Apr 2000 Posts: 33

Andre,
We're glad you made it back safe despite your mishap.

But when you described your ordeal in person to me, I suggested that it might be time to buy a marine radio (especially after your midnight swim session and coast guard rescue just ONE year ago). Your response was, "Where's the challenge in that?" If you want the challenge, fine. But if things go badly, don't whine like a baby.

You are a publicity seeking idiot, who is giving all windsurfers a bad name.

dsiskind2 · Joined: 25 Mar 2006 Posts: 25

Just started carrying the MiCom 72 in a West Marine dry pack. No problems with it yet. I cary it in a clip on harness style safety pack from Airwave which i would also recommend: http://www.airwavesf.com/WS_safety_packs.html.

coyoteandre · Joined: 20 Jul 2015 Posts: 57

madmanex · Joined: 07 Apr 2000 Posts: 33

OK Andre, I get you're joke. Smile

Thank you for doing all these things for my benefit. I appreciate your manly adventures across the bay (except for the times you didn't sail back). I appreciate that you prefer to launch late in the day when the wind is dying. You are my hero for doing it without benefit of radio or flares, truly impressive. I appreciate you testing the rescue capabilities of the coast guard, coyote point rangers, and foster city police. It's also to everyone's benefit that you had all your mishaps chronicled by the local newspapers so that all may learn from them.

Youda man!

isobars · Joined: 12 Dec 1999 Posts: 20935

The state park rangers were called out to rescue me one chilly spring day on a lake in NM. (Prevailing winds are offshore so peer rescue is very iffy.) After leaving their warm office to get in the chilly boat, cruising 10 miles up the lake, and locating me in several square miles of swell, their primary response was relief. "We're just SO glad to find you not only alive but dressed for the occasion, fully functional, and upbeat. We're usually looking for ... and finding ... bodies by the time we're called, especially this time of year with the water temp in the 50s".

Mike \m/