For the 2016 LOC, is there still a requirement for life-jacket and flares? If so, can they be hired?

Bugger didn't realise that was a requirement! Suppose it's on the small print somewhere, don't suppose anyone else has a set I could borrow? And if anyone's planning any sort of 'training' and wants a sparring partner...

Sparky said..
You can normally hire flares and a jacket from the organisers. Should be no worries.

but better to have your own jacket as theirs often ride up in/on the water and obscure your vision.

Thanks bendy man.

Good to hear they can be hired too... flares expire after two years, and they arn't cheap.

Get amongst it Mathew!

If you're here with a bit of time to spare before the race, I'd recommend giving Reg a call over at Windsurfing Perth.

http://www.windsurfingperth.com.au/contact

A lot of guys here get their vests from Reg and they aren't your typical boating life vests that ride up when sailing. I got one a few years back and it's still going strong. I'd hazard a guess and say it's probably the slimmest around that are LOC approved. Probably worth calling in advance to check sizes, etc. These vests are sweet and I sail with mine a lot when on the ocean these days. Doubles as an impact vest if you're like me and like to go for the odd 'pult.

Flares are relatively cheap (compared to PLBs, or the cost of hiring MacGyver to swim out and jury rig your broken uni joint). Just pick up 2 x orange smoke flares like this.

www.whitworths.com.au/main_itemdetail.asp?cat=144&item=74229&intAbsolutePage=

~$34 and you're done.

Mark _australia said..

mineral1 said..
What's the cost of flares?

Jeanswest don't sell them anymore man
Wear ya old ones

I heard they were on the way back (for women anyway)

www.justjeans.com.au/shop/en/justjeans/men/mens-denim-fit-guide




In the past they never worried about the expiry date as long as they look in reasonable nick (not all rusty etc...) and if you tape them to your jacket and the tape covers the expiry that makes things simpler

I think it was a couple of years ago that when they did the flare demo none of the ones (old or new) that they were demoing would ignite. That was pretty funny!

Windxtasy said...

Sparky said..
You can normally hire flares and a jacket from the organisers. Should be no worries.

but better to have your own jacket as theirs often ride up in/on the water and obscure your vision.

Definitely try to get your own PFD. I failed for the LOC for the first time last year and the PFD I hired was too big (and was all that was left), and it rode up covering my harness hook on every leg.

Unhooking difficult, hooking back in impossible. Had to drop the sail and water start every mark. Apart from the obvious impact on my time, I was completely farked by the end of the race.

firiebob said..

hardpole said..

Mark _australia said..

mineral1 said..
What's the cost of flares?

Jeanswest don't sell them anymore man
Wear ya old ones

I heard they were on the way back (for women anyway)

www.justjeans.com.au/shop/en/justjeans/men/mens-denim-fit-guide





In the past they never worried about the expiry date as long as they look in reasonable nick

Yep in reasonable nick and no where near her expiry date

Yup. Just pop the top and off you go. Don't forget to point it at the sky.