SURFSKI SAFETY: 8 Rescues in 4 Months in False Bay !

[@jenrood]

Great video Richard!

[@andrewcarr3650]

It can't hurt to take flares and always have someone reliable who knows where you are going and when you plan to get back.

[@ForbesRichard]

For sure Andrew.

[@chrisbarnes9260]

Great video Richard and scary stuff all those rescues. I don’t think I want to accept the prize of a millers run in a double 😊

[@ForbesRichard]

OK then, how about TWO Millers runs in a double 🤣

[@gadgetman_nz4092]

Good video. If I'm going offshore in a yak I take PLB, VHF and cellphone in waterproof bag. I know my PLB does have a beacon that the local services can home in on. I did come close to activating it about a year ago while tramping, the guy I was near activating it for was close to asking me to hit the button too. On that occasion we did also have Civil Defence/S&R radios so would have been able to talk to the incoming chopper. Doing the Oscar thing again this year?

[@ForbesRichard]

hi GM, good suggestion re Oscar. Will think about that and chat to a few guys. Thank you.

[@Alastair510]

I firmly believe that there isn't any one best communication method. Was talking to an experience sea kayaker who has lived all his life in this area (offshore islands). He said that on the east coast, you are best off with a good mobile phone (few boats, many mobile masts up on the cliffs). On the west coast, mobile signal is poor, and there are many ships just offshore. So a VHF is better. Regarding stability; I bought a Nelo 510 after much consideration. I wanted a ski that I would paddle in any reasonable conditions. The seller, Ivan Lawler, said it was a sensible decision. He said he sells quite a few intermediate-advanced skis to men in their middle age; then sees the skis for sale in a few months.

[@ForbesRichard]

Thanks Alastair, yep so important to buy "down" (on the stability ladder) and then work your way up (and in my case, down a rung again too)

[@Michael-hm8cs]

Yeah...I think I'll stick to land thank you....

[@ForbesRichard]

Come on Michael, you gotta give it a go !

[@Michael-hm8cs]

@@ForbesRichard I have. And as much as I enjoyed it I once pissed off Jasper Mocke because I tipped over and couldn't remount....my core was just exhausted at that stage....So i'll stick to triathlon (where core strength is also nb) but doesn't have the same consequences when one tires....

[@ForbesRichard]

These World Champ Mockes are in another league (and tough task masters to boot !)

[@Michael-hm8cs]

@@ForbesRichard 1 other aspect...I had to sell my ski...and just can't afford a new one....But I enjoy watching videos of you guys doing it

[@ForbesRichard]

I will keep on posting for sure !

[@gustavlokotsch3298]

Don’t be paddling if you don’t know the ocean and not proficient on a ski.. why in the 90’s was there not really any rescues of surf ski paddlers? Because only seasoned life guards were paddlers that had spent time in the ocean, there were no plb’s or cell phones, ouens knew if you go to sea best you know your 💩

[@ForbesRichard]

hi Gustav, thanks heavens there have been all of these developments that have enabled access to a wider range of competence. You don't need to be an expert paddler to enjoy a Millers. But you must be (i) stable in your ski (ii) able to do multiple remounts (a dozen at least) and you must be (iii) paddling fit (+ have all the other safety protocols in place)