What are the logistics of downwinders?
Do people use two separate sup carrying vehicles?
Do people paddle in to the wind? (can't imagine that would work out)
Do people paddle upwind before a predictable thermal comes up?
Do people paddle back after a thermal wind has died?
Do people belong to clubs and have a trailer equipped vehicle that can carry 8 people + their 14' SUPs so only one person misses out?
The key to a good group downwinder is preparation. Whether using vehicles or a trailer the principles are the same & no one should miss out. If paddlers meet at the start point to leave boards, paddles, water etc & someone to keep an eye on them then transport as many vehicles as possible to the end destination. Aim to have dry clothes, keys, board straps etc at your destination.
Its then a simple task to retrieve the vehicles/trailer left at the start.
Complications arise when paddlers leave their car keys at the wrong end, forget ther board straps or simple issues like getting wet into someone elses car. Debriefing with a suitable beverage at the end while vehicles are being retrieved keeps the group together socially.
For extended paddles around 20+kms, its an idea to leave a vehicle at each 5km point so paddlers can opt out at any time.
Hope this helps, Fuzz
