I have sailed through many winters, kayaked and ride mountain bikes in some intense places. I believe that a big part of making a sport safe is to know the people around you well enough to know if something doesn't look right. If we network enough, check on people when they have been in the water too long and be extra carefull when sailing alone we can make the sport as safe as possible.

Know the signs of hypothermia, have a plan in case you need to help someone and keep an eye out for others around you. Unfortunately we probably don't disuss safety enough.

The above post on safety concerns should be discussed by everyone that sails during the winter, if not on this board then maybe during a beer and burger meeting some week-end when there is no wind. Windsurfing is a simple and fun sport until something goes wrong. New people to the area, like me, and new people to the sport that are looking at their first winter of sailing could use your advice.

I would like to hear your advice even if no one else wants to listen. I would appreciate some advice on how to stay in touch with everyone that sails during the winter - phones, message board, ?

I have done some stupid things and had the beejeebers scared out of me. I lost that sense of immortality long ago. Now, I would rather learn by your mistakes.

Jeff Knight

this is really tragic
my experience with board and sail separation taught me one thing

PFD

if you are underway and hooked in you will go into the water with the sail, the board keeps sailing at speed, hopefully you will see it when you come up but not a given

Linda

Old posts have discussed some topics already - worthwhile to do a search.

Apparently she died from "Blunt force trauma" which means she got a nasty bang to the head. I wonder if it happened during the fall or while wrestling with the rig in the water. If the water is choppy and you are trying to deal with a mast and board, I could see that happening more easily - say, a piece of chop lifted the board or the mast gave her a good whack.

Still sobering.

I like the networking and PFD ideas. However, I usually sail with my bright yellow helmet (hopefully boats and jetskis will see it).

My helmet is yellow also. Chris P. surely saw it on my unforgettable day last December.

Can anyone name a few local shops (ATL) that sell helmets suitable for windsurfing?

Check out serious kayak stores and wakeboarding shops for suitable helmets, but if no luck, check with me at Whitecap Windsurfing. I have in stock a couple of the GATH Surf Convert helmets (2006 models with removable ear pieces.) Very sharp looking and mine is super comfortable, but these new Gath helemts are relatively expensive. However a good helmet is like a good wetsuit -- it needs to be comfortable and you need to know you have a positive attitude about wearing it (if "fashion" counts to you) so you're not inclined to leave it in the car when you know youneed it. These items can save your life.
Chuck Hardin
Whitecap Windsurfing 706-833-WIND