SURFSKI SAFETY: A DOUBLE shot is twice as STRONG !

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Friday 29th Dec 4.00pm Self Rescue Lessons
Richard speaking below on behalf of both of us (Denis & Richard):
HUGE FACTORS
1. Overestimation of my own ability and failure to properly assess risk**
2. New doubles combinations: This was the first time that Dennis and I had paddled together. Such “experimentation” is (or should be) the territory exclusively of the Pros and Proper Paddlers only.
BIG FACTORS
1. Underestimation of the conditions: The wind was far stronger than forecast (22Kts on WG) but that is no excuse esp. since that had been the pattern for the prior week.
2. Lack of paddle leash: Fortunately, it was lost upwind and so was easy to recover (not shown in the video)
3. “A double shot is twice a single shot”: My limited experience in doubles (I had done only 7 doubles trips before in 3 different skis, one of which had been a later version of this one)
4. Wet weather gear: I was in my summer kit. Whilst I did not feel cold at all in the water I was astounded at the extent, and duration, of my shivering once we landed.
SMALL DETAILS MATTER
1. Improperly adjusted life jacket
2. First time carrying of 1.5L of water in rear pouch which impacted balance.
3. Boat leash: I was not using my regular leash. This, coiled one, entangled with my paddle leash and did not have a quick release which added to the danger on beaching. It also interfered with my remount on numerous occasions.
THANK YOU
1. Dennis and I would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to NSRI Coastal Watcher, Derek and his wife Margaret. Dennis was in communication with the NSRI once we were spotted. Margaret gave us large towels for warming up and Derek, bless him, drove us all the way back to the club.
2. Thanks too, to Jaco and Hein (who are also both Coastal Watchers), plus a couple of other gents, who helped us at the water’s edge.
**The Distorting Power of Extrapolation from Singular Experience:
In addition to my generic appetite for risk there were some specific factors that led me to underestimate the risk. These are not excuses at all. The responsibility for the outing and keeping the ski stable was mine and mine alone. I share them as an advisory caution for others:
1. I had had one prior outing with Vinnie in the Boost Double and had experienced it as being rock solid. It turns out that the model of the Boost that we used was an earlier one and is known for its “issues”
2. I had once before witnessed Graham and his wife, in a double, on a massive Millers Day (nearly 18 months back) where she, on her first outing in a ski (!), was whooping with delight.
Denis’s Experience: Denis writing to Richard:
My experience is only one year of paddling with limited time in the double I have done two downwind paddles in the double from Gordon’s Bay to Strand . This was with an experienced paddler who had done a lot of paddling in a double. Gordon’s Bay to Strand is hectic in that you have the wind behind you and the swell coming from your left. However I have never been in such a strong wind as yesterday and found that the force of the wind catching ones paddle was extremely unsettling especially when trying to remount if the one end caught the wind. I never had a paddle leash which obviously was a mistake. I have done most of my paddling in a Cruze which is super stable and I have done one Millers in it on a day when the wind was ten knots with only one remount . Yesterday I very excited to experience the high wind and big swell, although I was apprehensive from start. I had for the first time loaded a 1.5 l water bladder in the back of my life jacket and I found it very difficult to sit up straight as we got further into the paddle, that and the fact my wet suit was only pulled up to my waist made me feel very insecure in my position. Suspect my legs were too straight. Hence bracing was not that easy. My experience yesterday was rather embarrassing as I felt responsible for us never getting past go. The fact that you turned early and we were not that far from the shore made me feel safe and your positive attitude to our plight was very reassuring. I was also reassured by us both having Safe Tracks and the fact you had an extra safety device was very reassuring. The final 100m saw me feeling rather exhausted and I am incredibly grateful to Derek , Hein and Jaco for the help getting the boat out safely. I am grateful we survived and determined to get back on the water again and move forward so that next time will be less of an embarrassment.

[@daviddouglas7622]

Hey Rich, looks like a hectic afternoon! Glad you are ok...some words of advice from the perspective of a fellow "old ballie" intermediate paddler, not meant as criticism at all, and hopefully somebody finds them useful: 1. Double skis are far more difficult to paddle well than they look...especially in a downwind. Front seat and back seat also require a different skill set so if you have been in the back with a good paddler up front, don't assume that you will be OK in the front with a not-so-good paddler in the back. I have paddled in the front and back with numerous different people over the years and its quite amazing to see how differently people paddle - for example, I have been in the back seat with a very experienced lady paddler up front, and her ability to read the runs was far better than a much physically stronger male paddler who does not have the same years of experience. 2. This comment probably applies to lots of Cape Town paddlers, but You need to paddle more and stop only doing downwinds. When is the last time you did an out and back? into the wind, out through waves, cross wind, then turn for home with the wind behind you sort of paddle. Durban paddlers do this most often because we don't have a Vinnie, but thats also where you learn skills like remounting and build strength. Ask the guys who paddle from Pirates for example - they typically do an out an back about 3 times a week and maybe a downwind once on a weekend. 3. That leash looked rubbish, you need to get the Watt quick release leash - and you need to practice remounting in a double - its easy to tip it over once 1 of you is in and the other person jumps in. I still think bum first is the best way but whatever works for you you need to practice. But ja glad you guys are ok, looking forward to paddling together when I get back to CT.

[@ForbesRichard]

Thanks Dave ! 1. Yep, Lesson now FULLY learnt. 2. Agreed. Coincidentally, I have done two or three lighthouse trips in the last month or so, but only in a single. 3. 🙈🙈🙈 Thanks again and I too look forward to a paddle and coffee/beer 👊

[@timcwightman]

Nice video. 😀 Personally I think you're being a little harsh on yourself, as are some of the commenters. You were in Carbonology's most stable boat in reasonable conditions, had safety equipment with you, had SafeTrx running, didn't need rescuing, and didn't even damage the boat! What's all the fuss about? Miller's runs in summer are always onshore, so you will wash up somewhere eventually. Mistakes were made, sure, but I think what you and your partner did was fine, and good for the memory bank. 👍 I should mention I've had a couple of aborted Miller's runs myself, but all enjoyable and valuable lessons. 💪😄

[@ForbesRichard]

hi Tim, I appreciate your feedback. The long term vision of my channel is in fact to stimulate growth and development particularly in Father-Son relationships (first video on that topic will be coming shortly). The fact that I have made some serious errors in judgement on a surfski (this was not my first one - see prior videos titled "New Millers Record" and "Surfski Rescue") is actually co-incidental. But the principles of learning are just the same. We have to face up to our reality if we are to grow. Watch this space for my next video on this topic which will be titled something to the effect of "How Psychology and Culture can KILL You"

[@seewind]

Glad everyone made it back safe. Lots of lessons learned!

[@ForbesRichard]

Thanks James 🙏

[@DumfriesDik]

Epic, I'm exhausted just watching!

[@ForbesRichard]

My namesake 👊

[@kopz720]

Scary stuff Rich. glad you're both ok

[@ForbesRichard]

Thank you Yul 🙏. Both good thanks and extremely grateful to have been "let off lightly" !

[@nickwaterman]

just wow! glad u ok

[@ForbesRichard]

Thanks Nic 🙏

[@jaquesa]

Well done keeping calm and relatively cheerful throughout. This video shows wonderful feature of a South Easterly Miller's run. Eventually you will get blown ashore. I'm glad your ski survived.

[@ForbesRichard]

Thanks Alain 🙏.

[@BruceRogerson-ri4lu]

You guys are nuts but glad you’re safe!

[@ForbesRichard]

Thanks Bruce 🙏

[@elieuncle]

Glad you are both safe. The action of SAR volunteers in the surfski community in SA is priceless ! Thank you for sharing, as this is very very educational.

[@ForbesRichard]

Thank you Elie 🙏.

[@dereksimonstown]

Got a new doorbell Rich so you can drop in again if you are in the area! :)

[@ForbesRichard]

thanks Derek ! Will do. I will let you know in advance when I am planning my next doubles-trip so you can keep a lookout ! 😇

[@georgeschweitzer1126]

I haven't seen you on a double before and conditions were beyond skill of you both. Judgment is critical to decide go / no go. Am I wrong? Glad you're both safe.

[@ForbesRichard]

Spot on George ! I have been in a double only 7 times before. I should not have been out there. Period.

[@zaleeu]

Wow, Glad you are okay. Nou gaan ons braai.

[@ForbesRichard]

Thanks Nico 🙏. Are the coals ready ? What can I bring ?

[@chrisbarnes9260]

Great Video Richard ,could you please explain why the conditions were so difficult that day as that run always looks tricky to me. Cheers Chris

[@ForbesRichard]

Thanks Chris. Actually the conditions were not that extreme. Whilst the wind did get above 30Kts towards the end of our experience the problem was that 1. We had not paddled together before and it can sometimes take a while for synchronicity to develop and 2. My experience in a double is limited. So I should have tested our compatibility in calm conditions first. Had I have been in my single I would have been fine.

[@waverideraus4882]

That looks exhausting

[@ForbesRichard]

Well, if you think that was exhausting, try this one. Warning, it is painful to watch ! kzbin.info/www/bejne/d6K8g6J9jtCXgtE

[@LuisEnriqueVillegasVillar]

Oh Richard. 🙏🏼

[@ForbesRichard]

gracias Luis.

[@josuedelucca7252]

What an experience I'm eager to comment on, but all the more knowledgeable locals have said it all. Glad you're both safe is understated. You're both alive! Locally, I solved all stability issues once and forever. I got the most stable single ski, with the heaviest layup. Interestingly, on it, I'm mostly ahead of my peers in rough conditions😂 I do regular up and downwind runs, and very sparingly, pure downwind sessions. No flat water. Thanks for sharing this very educational experience, be well 😊

[@ForbesRichard]

Josue, good to hear from you again. Yes, this core issue of stability is one that I need to re-examine. I thought that I had almost "solved" it as I have been feeling really good in the Swordy even in technical conditions. However if you look at the feedback that I have got from the Pros in my video "Faster ? How?!" all of them have mentioned that. So I am going to experiment with some other skis. Best wishes for 2024 👊

[@josuedelucca7252]

Hi Rich 😊 Went to watch that video and read the comments, some big names have written a wealth of recommendations! Technique, skill and stability seem to be at the top of the list for both authors. Technique is something we can't always objectively critique ourselves. This is why their clinical eye and experience based comments are so precious. Regarding the ski, it is quite a journey to hit the bullseye, to get "that" ski that one feels great on, and allows for 100% power application, anytime. And this is the ski that allows us to catch and ride every single swell, bump and wave. And talking about waves, it is fun to go surfski surfing! Check my videos 🌊 Be well my friend and enjoy the journey😊

[@ForbesRichard]

Josue, did not know you had posted videos !! Am now subscribed and see that you are a mountain biker too ! Josue, if you ever plan to vacation in CT you have to let me know in advance so that we can get to meet please @@josuedelucca7252

[@josuedelucca7252]

​@@ForbesRichardYes! Thanks for the invite, I'll definitely keep in contact👍 We really like to MTB ride and actually, we've traveled to a few places beyond those in the video to ride😊

[@AndreRMeyer]

2:08 🦈- bait

[@ForbesRichard]

For sure ! All in the service of safer surf skiing in the long run. Long live Port and Starboard 🙏

[@69Jamii]

Guys, there's absolutely no excuse for being wreckless. Yip one learns through experience, yet if you aren't experienced, over estimate your skill, choose the unstable equipment and partner or unfit enough for extreme conditions, simply don't go out! I'm fairly certain that in absence of having a CSA No with 'Basic Proficiency' Test you are jeopardising the 'self goverance' SAMSA has granted CSA and realying upon NSRI to fish you out when 'offshore' dw paddling requires a 'Open Ocean Proficiency'. Rule of thumb: if you can't remount easily and able to paddle against and side on in strong winds then you have absolutely no place to be out there. Whilst the collective is relieved that it worked out ok & commend you for sharing your experience, best everyone do a little self reflection too. Top up your NSRI subs and if you have any doubts about your extreme conditions paddling skills, it's strongly suggested that you get a proper safety lesson and assessment of your capabilities before considering conditions over 15knots.

[@ForbesRichard]

Succinctly and clearly put Jamii. Agreed. Thank you.

[@ForbesRichard]

Whilst I made a number of serious, stupid, errors of judgement, we did do two things well. 1. Our remounts: of the 15 we did only 2 were repeats, so that = 13/15 which is pretty good considering the deterioration in conditions. 2. We kept calm, assessed progress realistically and kept our spirits up.

[@69Jamii]

Richard, you shouldn't have been out there to start with, as you have completely ingored the principal dangers you placed yourself into. If it's the same Gavin I think it is as a Strand member, then I know that he's without a Basic Proficiency, has asked for advanced lessons but not pitched up and can't recall seeing him paddle this season so it raises a list of red flags. Subsequently, your lack of judgement has put yourselves into danger and you both would have been hypothermic if paddling on the Altantic side and after 10 remounts would start to lose coordination and functional capacity. A few seasons ago J'Burg paddler perished on the Atlantic side only a few hundred meters from shore having had all the right equipment yet couldn't call for help and succumbed to exposure. As a community of paddlers, we have seriously enforced the awareness of risk and the regularity, which Millers runs are exposing the inability of paddlers to self rescue and relying upon the NSRI to help them out. This incident again highlights that there's a lapse of implementation of Basic and Open Ocean Proficiency, and all clubs need to ensure its members are suitable vetted and that visitors are too, especially once conditions are >20knots and good judgement is lacking.

[@ForbesRichard]

@@69Jamii No argument at all Jamie. However my partner was not named Gavin.

[@ForbesRichard]

sorry, that was autocorrect, Jamii

[@bdabj]

Glad you’re ok. Was this more or less difficult due to being in a double?

[@ForbesRichard]

Hey "Bdabj", yes absolutely, twice as difficult due to being in a double, especially since we had not tested our compatibility before and my doubles experience is limited.

[@user-xu6ej9wr7n]

That looked painful. Well done getting back to shore safely. How many swims on Millers in total?

[@ForbesRichard]

Thanks Hugh. That was 15 swims in total. Fortunately I have had a lot of practice doing remounts. On my 30th I did somewhere between 40 and 50 remounts of which 26 were capture on gopro before the battery died. Warning: It is painful to watch ! kzbin.info/www/bejne/d6K8g6J9jtCXgtE

[@mibot2609]

What a nightmare!!!!

[@ForbesRichard]

Well Mike, if you have the stomach for it you could watch one that was an even worse nightmare......the run on which I set the Millers Run Remount Record. I did an estimated 40-50 remounts on the run. There were 26 caught on gopro when the battery ran out at circa 50minutes. Link below:

[@ForbesRichard]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/d6K8g6J9jtCXgtE

[@mibot2609]

@@ForbesRichard what the hell!! After this i would have sold my surfski and dreamt of it during weeks!! Congrats for your courage

[@peterchan5097]

👍🏻👍🏻💪🏻💪🏻

[@ForbesRichard]

Thanks Peter.

[@MilesWillis]

Rather you than me!

[@ForbesRichard]

Thanks Miles. You would grow to love it !

[@user-nb5uf3zn1t]

пожалуйста, будьте осторожнее ! Стихия разбушевалась не на шутку, это конечно, прекрасное зрелище для созерцания, но и столь опасное.

[@ForbesRichard]

Роман Х82, Спасибо за твою заботу. Очень признателен !

[@andrewforsyth3842]

If you can't do a "double" remount, close to shore, rather do a "driver" only remount and let the "back" paddler swim solo, without the hindrance of the boat. Puts all concerned at less risk and maximizes the available skills.

[@ForbesRichard]

Had not considered that. Thank you Andrew.

[@andrewforsyth3842]

@rastusrastus1 NOT TO BE DONE FAR OUT IN THE OCEAN! Where teamwork and the visibility of the ski, for rescue, are essential.

[@ForbesRichard]

yep, got it, thanks@@andrewforsyth3842

[@paulreavley5900]

Richard, after claiming the record for most solo remounts I guess you were keen to nab the record for doubles also. We all make mistakes and I am sure that I will make more of my own in the future, but I am inclined to be a little harder on you because you are no longer a novice. And taking on the responsibility of being the more experienced paddler whose judgement and skills should be particularly on point when escorting a less experienced paddler - come on, mate. "The wind was far stronger than forecast (22Kts on WG) but that is no excuse esp. since that had been the pattern for the prior week." Forget the forecast. When you got close to the water, why did the forecast matter anymore? Could you not see what the conditions were, or did they get tougher only after you launched? Thanks for your detailed description but I would like to try a bit of modification:: "SMALL DETAILS MATTER" ??? - Not small in my mind at all - we try to follow the rule of NO CHANGES or BRAND NEW EXPERIMENTATION on rough days. Mate, you threw in so many changes that you were practically doing a whole new sport. UNFAMILIAR/DIFFERENT DETAILS 1. "Improperly adjusted life jacket" 2. "First time carrying of 1.5L of water in rear pouch which impacted balance." 3. "Boat leash: I was not using my regular leash. This, coiled one, entangled with my paddle leash and did not have a quick release which added to the danger on beaching. It also interfered with my remount on numerous occasions." 4. UNFAMILIAR SURFSKI a) Very minimal experience in a double b) This was your FIRST TIME in this particular double (model generation can make a big difference), right? 5. COMPLETELY NEW PADDLING PARTNER a) Never Paddled with you b) Not a lot of experience You are good at post paddle analysis, but what is your pre-paddle process?

[@ForbesRichard]

hi Paul, Firstly, I take it all on directly on the chin. Secondly, thank you for being tough on me as such exposure really helps the reflection of self learning, and hopefully the transferable learning that helps keep others safer. Here is my response to each of the issues you raise. The first two relate to my partner. 3. Boat Leash: I was a turkey of note to have used this. I should have thrown it away ages ago. Maybe I should hang it on my study wall as a reminder. 4. Unfamiliar ski: I did not know until after the run about the model difference. However your point about needing to know your equipment is of course totally valid. I did not do a proper/thorough pre-flight check. (I will come back to the minimal experience in a double part at the end). Interestingly I had 3 minutes of heading out perpendicular to the swell to assess when it felt pretty stable, but it fell apart as soon as we turned L and tried to catch runs. 5. New paddling partner: I was a turkey of note. 6. "Forget the forecast": Exactly. FYI, I was chastised on our club paddling group (nearly 300 members), rightly so, by Oscar for this when he asked "Why did you not look at the rock": What he meant was why did I not look at the spray pattern around the famous Millers Rock and make a call from that. Well whilst it was clearly above 22kts at that stage the conditions did deteriorate significantly as our "journey" progressed. Lack of Doubles Experience: You may recall, that at the bottom on my analysis, I list two factors under the heading "The Distorting Power of Singular Experience", well there was in fact another factor of a psychological dimension, that was in fact probably the biggest contributor to my poor decision making. Believe it or not, it dawned on me only after I had posted the video and analysis. Denis and I discussed this and I decided not to add it in to the learnings as I did not want it to be perceived as an excuse. My current thinking however is that it is just too big an issue not to share. Let me ponder this a bit more. If I do decide to share, it will be via another video that will have the title of something like "How culture & psychology can KILL you" Please keep your feedback coming in Paul. If you ever decide to visit Cape Town please do let me know well in advance as I would love to get to meet you.

[@paulreavley5900]

@@ForbesRichard As always, Richard - thank you again for your blunt honesty and willingness to share your lows in addition to your highs. People seem to learn best from their own experience rather than from the cautionary tales of others (and surfski is no different!) , but to whatever extent your lessons may cause us to think twice or three times - keep these videos coming. May your missteps diminish and your giant steps forward continue in this new year!

[@paulreavley5900]

@@ForbesRichard I will be interested in what you may have to say about "How culture & psychology can KILL you". I edit the surfski wiki and have included some articles about decision making and judgment pitfalls on the "Safety - Thought Process and Checklists" page, but this can always use more input.

[@ForbesRichard]

Paul, if you are prepared to do this, what I will do, once I have my draft ready, I will ask for your input before publishing ?@@paulreavley5900

[@ForbesRichard]

greatly appreciated, thanks Paul. @@paulreavley5900

[@xscale]

Terrifying. One of those times when you'd sell your soul for a stable ski. Save intermediate boats for flat water, I think.

[@ForbesRichard]

hi Pete, Actually it is Carbonology's most stable ski, albeit that there is a more recent version of this model that has supposedly sorted the "issues" of the prior model. (This info was passed on to me an owner of the same model but I have not independently researched this)

[@xscale]

Before I say on - no criticism intended! You guys made the best of a bad situation, kept your heads and lived to tell the tale. I particularly admired the part where your mate braced while you paddled. Kudos! But google says Carbonology do make a more stable ski - the Cruze X - which has a two-seat version too. No idea whether you might actually have fared better in that all things considered, but the few times I've been overwhelmed by conditions I've looked at folks going by in stable boats with deep envy and no small amount of kicking myself for my choices. @@ForbesRichard

[@ForbesRichard]

Thanks for the follow up Pete. I don't know the Carbonology range and assumed 🙈 this was the equivalent to Fenn's Blue Finn. I also did not know about the model update 🙈. In one of my other videos "Faster ! But How ?!" there has been a consistent theme in feedback from the experts about my lack of stability too. I will be reviewing this with my single ski choice too.

[@xscale]

I went through that myself last year. I'd moved up from an entry level sky (Think Ace 3G) to intermediate (Stellar SR 2G) when I moved house from Sydney to Hobart. The latter boat is easily within my abilities in calm conditions,so I figured I'd just wait until I felt stable in it before going out in anything more. But I found myself fighting to stay in the bucket at least once a month and soon felt reluctant to paddle far at all. And I began to look at the actual speed difference between entry level and intermediate boats and ... basically there isn't any. Maybe a few fractions of a km/h if you're racing on flat water, but going downwind the stable boats will always win. I concluded intermediate boats are just vanity plates, sold the 48cm SR and bought myself a 52cm Nelo 520 XXL AIR. Went down-winding in it last week and have never been happier with a choice!@@ForbesRichard

[@ForbesRichard]

Yep, Pete. Other than in the case of very experienced or Pro paddlers it seems that the more stable ski is in fact the faster one. I am going to trying the Boost (single) shortly as it is the back up ski of one of my paddling buddies. Will check in on my experience. Enjoy your DWs Pete 👊