Hi,
RE: i-to-i Long Distance Race this coming weekend, November 21-22, 2015:
First topic is safety. The race is run in open ocean offshore. It is imperative to be able to call for help if you break down 2 miles offshore. PHONES are mandatory to carry so you can contact 911 if you have an emergency. There is no entry fee to the race. Use the money you would have spent for an entry fee on a waterproof cell phone case and better yet buy it from one of our sponsors below. As this is a bit of distance to cover and the possibility of breakdown, fatigue, or injury exists, combined with potential offshore winds, it is strongly encouraged that you carry a cell phone for emergency use. Any charged phone, even without an activated phone plan will be able to call 911 for help, but still needs to go in a cellphone bag so you can use it on the water. There are a variety of secure waterproof bags for carrying cell phones that allow their use in the water without damage to the phone from seawater entry. Please don't take chances with your safety! Procure a case for your phone and bring it with to the race as there will not be chase boats or anyone but yourself looking after you. With that said, the coast is pretty friendly up and back, and with the exception of most of Fort Lauderdale public beach and a small stretch of Pompano public beach, anywhere along the beach is a landing spot for a rest or adjustment if needed.
It is way too early to tell what the weather will be with any certainty this upcoming weekend and which day is more likely to run the race yet. Typically no decision until Friday maybe even Friday evening if it’s complicated and this year’s event is no exception. I find the forecast here:
http://weather.noaa.gov/cgi-bin/fmtbltn.pl?file=forecasts/marine/coastal/am/amz651.txt My experience is the NOAA marine is the most accurate and that is my first source. I also look heavily on iWindsurf.com for trends for the last few days and use my personal experience from over the years.
This year’s sponsors have come through and we have great stuff as prizes, awards, and participation!
Adventure Sports Miami, Coconut Grove & Fort Lauderdale
Liquid Surf & Sail
Next Sports
Sandy Point Progressive Sports Daytona & Miami
Nautical Ventures
Updates by email and on the event website:
i-to-i.org/ More to follow!
Ron
Ron Kern
(954)565-4154
