Being new to this DW caper I can't help but share our little escapade yesterday. Some of the SPSC guys planned a DW for the expected southerly buster due Sunday arvo - Long Reef to North Avalon - about a 12km run that is perfect in a southerly.

Right on cue the southerly hit at 2pm and was gusting to 40 plus knots by the time we hit Fisherman's beach. It was insane, 50 meter plus runners all linking together and the boys were hooting. I have never been in the open ocean with that much wind before so for me it was a very unique experience - up there with cooking surf or crazy powder. At one point I looked behind to spot Dan and all I could see was heaving angry swells with rain squalls blasting almost horizontally.

Coming in at Nth Av was interesting with the loan life guard still on duty, running up with a concerned look as I staggered up the beach with Dave Kissa helping me lug the big DC up to the carpark.

It was interesting to check how the different boards went in those conditions with Dave and Andy neck and neck - Dave on a Fanatic 12'6" and Andy on a Naish 17. Both agreed that the 12'6" was probably the better board for the steep close packed runners. They both did it in about 55 min, which is the best time so far for that run apparently. Pete Morgan was not far behind on a Naish 17, coming up the rear I had my DC 16 and Dan was on a LK 12'6".

Some of the guys were calling it 'all time' so I think I lucked out in a big way as a relative newbie. Casso was crook but managed a shot between rain squalls

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Excellent stuff Goatman. I was out sailing in that and it was freakin' windy with driving rain.
One day Ill conqueor one like that

Great story Goatie! Had some great dw action over here lately especially since Andy left

The big boards are a handful in the wind

Hi Goatman Looks like a fantastic run but a bit scary at the same time. Great story. I haven't tried a downwinder yet. Can you tell me on that run 1. How far off the coastline .. average and 2. were you guys wearing any safety gear? thanks in advance and cheers

Hi Bigmc, I am not the best person to ask any DW questions, but we didn't have to go too far out on this run because the wind was so perfect (prob 500 - 700m off the coast at times). Sometimes though you have to paddle at least a km out to get a good line - in Sydney anyways. I have only done about 7-8 now so still lots to learn!

We all had legropes on and waited for the tailender. No PFDs though.

Here's a crude map of the run:

Goatman, you picked a great day to join in, I dont know how many times Ive done that run but yesterday was the best conditions Ive had going North.
Me and 5 other guys on Oc1's left Longy about 25 minutes after you guys.
It was awesome!
We have found over the years that when conditions get a bit radical or visibility is poor its a great idea to "buddy up" No thats not a gay activity it means to choose someone who will be about the same speed and look out for each other along the way, its also good to meet up at predetermined spots along the course.
We have had a couple of instances of paddlers going missing during such runs and it aint a pleasant experience(especially for them when we did find them)
As downwind paddling is about to get really really popular along our coast I think its up to us to impose the minimum of safety requirements ( a good legrope attached, a pfd s not a bad idea when its big and a phone or vhf radio )and look out for each other so that we can keep having fun in the ocean, otherwise if something happens to someone the authorities will start imposing their own rules
and none of us want that.
I have often thought of establishing a set of signals that all paddlers understand such as , a paddle held horizontally above your head in 2 hands means"all good proceed as planned" a paddle held vertically above your head means "Something has happened come and help"
What are your thoughts?

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Pacifica said...


I have often thought of establishing a set of signals that all paddlers understand such as , a paddle held horizontally above your head in 2 hands means"all good proceed as planned" a paddle held vertically above your head means "Something has happened come and help"
What are your thoughts?

Sounds like a good idea to me, but you're probably better to get feedback from the more experienced guys. I did get a little concerned for Dan when I couldn't see him at one stage (although viability was poor at that stage) so I waited a couple of times til I could see him - seemed the sensible thing to do, something we always did in rivers.

Mikeman put up some good safety suggestions somewhere on here from memory also.

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goatman said...

Pacifica said...


I have often thought of establishing a set of signals that all paddlers understand such as , a paddle held horizontally above your head in 2 hands means"all good proceed as planned" a paddle held vertically above your head means "Something has happened come and help"
What are your thoughts?

Sounds like a good idea to me, but you're probably better to get feedback from the more experienced guys. I did get a little concerned for Dan when I couldn't see him at one stage (although viability was poor at that stage) so I waited a couple of times til I could see him - seemed the sensible thing to do, something we always did in rivers.

Mikeman put up some good safety suggestions somewhere on here from memory also.

It's great to see that you guys had a good run down there. I think it is important that we all take safety seriously as we do not want to attract any unnecessary attention and regulation. If we all do the right thing and look after each other we should be fine.

It's great to see that you all used leg ropes. This is a must have piece of equipment as it is critical that you stay attached to your board at all times. Most of us use those coiled ones these days (not too short) as they are far more practical to use.

The other rule of thumb is to operate with a buddy system. It was great to hear goatman wait for Dan when he got too far ahead of him! If you have a large group make sure that no one is isolated from the group, especially those with less experience. If you have inexperienced paddles in a group make sure they are looked after. If you are paddling solo then operate with a "land buddy system".

As far as signals go I have been promoting the vertical paddle in the air as the "All Clear" signal. We often use this in big seas when the front paddler gets a little too far ahead of the buddy. This makes the front paddler/s easier to find in larger swells.

When assistance is required we wave a vertical paddle above your head. Generally 1 hand waved above your head means that you require assistance and waving 2 hands means you are in distress. If we all use the same signals we will be better off.

There are a few articles in the "stand up paddle articles" section that you can get helpful advice from. If you need any further assistance let me know and I will be more than willing to assist. I don't claim to know it all but what I do know I am willing to share with anyone who wants to listen.

Awesome boys! You picked it!

I can't let this thread go without a plug for the Fanatic 12'6. While I have done plenty of surf ski downwinders I am relatively new to SUP downwinders. The big attraction with the Fanatic is that it is stable, yet fast enough to get onto runs. When I first trialled it with Sam, we were both surprised at how good it was dw. The fun part is that when your on the runs you can actually surf the thing. While it is never going to be beat the longer boards in light conditions, it will more than hold its own in wild conditions, where control and balance are more important than paddle speed. Looking forward to seeing how the new 14ft Fanatic goes.

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kissa said...

I can't let this thread go without a plug for the Fanatic 12'6. While I have done plenty of surf ski downwinders I am relatively new to SUP downwinders. The big attraction with the Fanatic is that it is stable, yet fast enough to get onto runs. When I first trialled it with Sam, we were both surprised at how good it was dw. The fun part is that when your on the runs you can actually surf the thing. While it is never going to be beat the longer boards in light conditions, it will more than hold its own in wild conditions, where control and balance are more important than paddle speed. Looking forward to seeing how the new 14ft Fanatic goes.

It blew me out that you could keep up with Andy on his 17 foot Naish - so much for 12'6"s being so so for DWing - at least in gnarly conditions anyways

It was, as downwinders go 'one to remember' for sure. You know you had a good run when you cant even carry your board up the beach due to the wind, and the rain actually stings when it hits you.

The fanatic was the board for the day, as epic as the 17 was, it was hard to control at times.

But when she got on the run, they were sooooooo damn fun
Well done Goaty, you and Dan did really well.

I think it is a good idea, to carry some form of comms device between the front and back guys.

Yes im still on a high from yesterday wow was epic !!
Yes was harder to keep up on the slug cant wait to get my DC back that would have been epic for yesterday i think 14 would have been the perfect lenght and Goatie i could see you the hole time , just further out thats all
Was a hoot when i saw you guys come by on the OC1 thats when i realised i was a little far out so cut back in epic stuff just so much fun.

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pmorgan1974 said...



I think it is a good idea, to carry some form of comms device between the front and back guys.

Not a bad call but a waterproof VHF handheld is pretty pricey and very useless at water level especially in choppy conditions , the only thing that will work is a mobile phone but again not really practial. The new personal EPIRB's that transmit you position is the go.

Sounds like a great run with experienced paddlers with plenty of time under their feet

Great story, and epic photo!! Well done!

One of the great things about a really good down wind run, is that it is constant fun, concentration, movement.... acres of waves and open ocean. No waiting for that next wave... the next wave is like 5 metres away !!

Great review and pic.. I hope to borrow the RPS 12'6" Fanatic for out next DW'er.. btw.. I saw Woogie's 12'6" Coreban today and it looks like it will go really well on a DW'er also.. It's great to see these new boards that work on DW'ers.. Fingers crossed that while Woogie is here we'll sneak on in.. (a down-winder that is)

DJ

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mikeman said...

goatman said...

Pacifica said...


I have often thought of establishing a set of signals that all paddlers understand such as , a paddle held horizontally above your head in 2 hands means"all good proceed as planned" a paddle held vertically above your head means "Something has happened come and help"
What are your thoughts?

Sounds like a good idea to me, but you're probably better to get feedback from the more experienced guys. I did get a little concerned for Dan when I couldn't see him at one stage (although viability was poor at that stage) so I waited a couple of times til I could see him - seemed the sensible thing to do, something we always did in rivers.

Mikeman put up some good safety suggestions somewhere on here from memory also.

As far as signals go I have been promoting the vertical paddle in the air as the "All Clear" signal. We often use this in big seas when the front paddler gets a little too far ahead of the buddy. This makes the front paddler/s easier to find in larger swells.

When assistance is required we wave a vertical paddle above your head. Generally 1 hand waved above your head means that you require assistance and waving 2 hands means you are in distress. If we all use the same signals we will be better off.

my 2c worth on water safety, from a lifeguard/surf rescue perspective any paddler holding or waving their paddle in the air upside down is going to be considered in trouble and wanting assistance.

Other things worth considering
- wear bright clothing, a red or yellow shirt is best
- tell your other half what colours you are wearing so they can find you if need be
- have an ETA for loved ones to call emergency services if you are not back by a cut off time
- if you are a long way offshore stick a swim fin down your dacks or strap it to your board
- talk about contingencies with the rest of your group before you go, ie what if a shark comes along, what if you get a broken a paddle, or other gear failure.

be safe and get out there!

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Cammo said...
- talk about contingencies with the rest of your group before you go, ie what if a shark comes along.......

- Dont fall off :)

It seems that downwinding in serious winds and swell lift the game to a whole different level. Skill, endurance and safety. I have had a long swim in back in my sailboard days when my rig and board separated. I just didn't have any thought that the wind could blow the board away from me until it happened. Had a mild panic and then started the swim back to the beach dragging my rig. It looked like it was 3kms away at that time. When I checked later it was only about 700mtrs. So I can appreciate what could happen out there. I will ease in to DW geadually. cheers

Amen, I've lost my board on a Maliko run. Not fun. Gives you a great appreciation for terra firma though. Pretty damned happy to feel sand under my feet. My board was fifty feet from where I landed, someone stuck it upright in the sand.

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Piros said...

pmorgan1974 said...



I think it is a good idea, to carry some form of comms device between the front and back guys.

Not a bad call but a waterproof VHF handheld is pretty pricey and very useless at water level especially in choppy conditions , the only thing that will work is a mobile phone but again not really practial. The new personal EPIRB's that transmit you position is the go.

Intrigued by this - I've been shopping around and found water proof VHF radios to be around $170 whereas an EPIRB with GPS is north of $500. Can you tell me what you mean by the VHF not working at water level?

VHF is line-of-sight. If you're stuck in big swell it may not work.

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Lobes said...

VHF is line-of-sight. If you're stuck in big swell it may not work.

Your right lobes, And you're going to assume someones listening, and if they are it still going to take some time before any help gets to you, and you have to know where you are. Forget the radios and phones for immediate help. They are great for logistics and telling people what is happening, but for urgent rescue (need help now!) they are of no use. Personally I think that all dw paddlers need to be able to take care of themselves if in immediate danger by managing your own risk.

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Cammo said...

Lobes said...

VHF is line-of-sight. If you're stuck in big swell it may not work.

What do the clubbies use on the IRB's ? To communicate with surfcom and other clubs ?

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Cammo said...

Lobes said...

VHF is line-of-sight. If you're stuck in big swell it may not work.

Your right lobes, And you're going to assume someones listening, and if they are it still going to take some time before any help gets to you, and you have to know where you are.

I would hope that someone was tuned to the emergency bandwidth on a VHF. But appreciate the point about locating your position. I understand that even EPIRBs can be flawed if you don't get the top-of-the-line GPS model. From what I've read, a GPS unit can be pin pointed in seconds whereas a non GPS takes up to 40 minutes, presumably to do all that Jack Bauer triangulating the signal nonsense.

We've moved onto water safety!

I thought the range on Hand Held VHF wasn't too good either. (?) After a quick google search, the suggestion is 3-5 miles.

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Simondo said...

We've moved onto water safety!

I thought the range on Hand Held VHF wasn't too good either. (?) After a quick google search, the suggestion is 3-5 miles.

Yeah the thread has been hijacked, sorry about that. Although safety equipment was queried very early in the thread I think.