| How to Have a Safe Downwind |
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SUPHQ Safety tips: Downwind paddles are great fun. They are a great way of spending a windswept afternoon or just cruising the coast when the wind is not blowing too hard. Whether you are just going for a leisurely downwind paddle or undertaking a long distance endurance paddle, there are a few common sense safety tips to keep yourself safe during a downwind.
1) Do not do it alone: Paddle in groups of two or three. If something happens to one of you the other(s) can help to call help or get injured party to shore. 2) Wind direction:Make sure the wind is not blowing in an offshore direction. This one is probably the most important. The last thing you want is ending up on an unplanned trip to South America. Go to Google Maps and check what winds are cross shore and cross onshore by using top of screen as North bottom as South etc. Check the Guru and Bouyweather on the weather page. Stay away from winds that are unseasonal. Also try by starting on routes that are tried and tested by Surfskiers. Check the weather page that nothing has changed just before you leave. 3) Tell someone of your departure: time and arrival time give them a cutoff time that they must call the NSRI (Cape Peninsula 0214493500) if you are in trouble. Notify them of your arrival. Give them the number of NSRI. The NSRI are very helpful and always appreciate a call before you head out to let them know your route and expected times. It is also encouraged to go visit your local NSRI division and meet the station commander to build up a relationship with them 4) Wear protective clothing: for the Sun and Cold.I always reckon a full suit is a good idea if things go wrong you have buoyancy and warmth to help you to the shore. 5) Visibility: It is always a good idea to wear brightly coloured or reflective clothing. Adding some reflective tape or Day-Glo paint to the back of your paddle will increase your visible presence, not only in the event of rescue, but also to your fallow paddlers to keep near to each other. 6) Know your limits: Stay within your swimming limit from shore. 7) Life Jacket: If you are going further than 100m from shore a lifejacket (law). 8) Communication: A fully charged cellphone in a waterproof cellphone pouch with the number of NSRI (Cape Peninsula 0214493500) on speed dial. A whistle for attracting attention. A CD can be used for signaling. (Flares cannot always be seen in the day.) 9) Flares: It's advisable that each paddler carries at least 1 flare (smoke or rocket), but 2 is better. If anyone gets separated from the group and they run into trouble they need to be able to get spotted. 10) A GPS: if you have. GPS's are also great for logging your route on Google Maps. They can also be vital if you need to be rescued by giving NSRI exact coordinates of where you are. 11) Support: A Support Crew is ideal in all occasions. They can also carry additional equipment such as a spear paddle etc. 12) Medical Kit: This is a must have item on any long distance paddle. Items to include are trauma packs, bandages, a safety blanket, gloves, pain killers, and anti histamine. 13) Tool Kit: Duck tap is very handy to have when out at sea 14) Sunblock: is always necessary. 15) Water: for longer trips. 16) Leashes are compulsory: if you loose your board there is no way that you will catch up with it in a howling gale. 17) Time: Sunset is not a time to do a downwinder never mind the darkness hampering a search (Unless you have flares) a lot of the time the wind will change direction and velocity because of the land cooling off. Use the above list as a guide depending on the magnitude of your paddle. All these items seem like a mission but they are all very basic and after awhile will seem like second nature. Use your discretion when deciding what safety measures to take, but always be prepared The sea is there to be enjoyed and always respected.
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