towing windsurfers in...

When yr quite far out and round the back of some quite big waves..and you see a little 'head bobbing up and down..and a windsurfer is self packed up due to mast breaking..tear in sail etc.whats the best way to tow him in..i.e what I mean is a chap doubled back to land yest to get a long extension rope on harness back loop..theN I was out there today and saw a struggling chap again...so..it was ages## out didnt want to leave him so did a slow tow..and then ended up splitting it with another kiter thankfully and I rode in with board then sail..anyway..in retrospect just wondering if theres some bit of gear on their gear that serves as an extension line u could put on harness back so u dont get tangled up in all their bits and lines etc
Is there? Might have a look tomoz then delete this

Generally there's an up haul rope at the mast end of the boom which could be used to tow a packed up rig. The up haul and their harness connected to the back of your harness might work.
It would be tough though, the rope is only about a meter long and some guys don't even have em.

I just unclip my leash and use that if towing gear back in that's too big or heavy to pick up.

Nice thing with using the safety leash is if something goes horrible, you can release it and escape.

I have towed a few windsurfers and kiters in. The best is if they just hold on with one hand and you ride really slowly.

A hand is best because if (when) things get ugly they can't hold on and just let go. Make sure they grab the top of the back of your harness, or the handle pass leash thing. When they get tired stop and rest for a while.

Under no circumstances let them hold your leash or any kind of rope. If they do there's a chance that their hand will be trapped and that will be disastrous for both of you.

The kite leash is particularly bad if it's attached to the kite. If there's any drag on the leash it can start controlling the kite instead of you.

Kite leashes usually have a metal hook on the end. When that lets go it twangs past your ear at a great speed.

Similarly don't use a tow line. If you get any power up you will be airborne at the end of the tow line.

The windsurfer can lie on the board. If the rig is intact it can float on the surface of the water and just drag along. If it's broken they might want to de-rig and roll everything up. That is a nightmare to do and a nightmare to keep everything tidy once they have done it. It might be easier in light winds. I have only dragged people in strong conditions.

If they can't get up on the board then laying in a body drag position works ok.

When you tow just do a sort of slow water start body drag with your board on your feet and your bum in the water. DON'T DIVE YOUR KITE!!!!! You will just get pulled away and have to come back.

Simply angle the kite in the direction you want to go and let it tow you in. You can modulate the power by bar pressure, and a little bit of kite steering. While you're doing it you can have a chat to the victim about what a great guy you are.

If you can't think through the risks and the problems when rescuing then don't do it. Don't just pile in if you don't know what you're doing. You'll make things worse and end up with two people who need rescuing. The worst thing when you're self-rescuing, or helping someone is when somebody incompetent tries to help and makes things worse. The second worst thing is when you're in difficulty and could use some help and people ride by ignoring you.

^^^ Oh are we supposed to throw poleys back? I better swab to barbless hook on the end on my line then.

Thats all good gorgo thanks
How about this...kite friend said(with no waves)... You sit on windsurf board in middle kite in front.wsurfer holds kitesboard and sail etc sits on back .front of windsurf board up...slow tow in kite in front so both sit ride in