I wonder if using the 'Windsurf' instead of 'Sail Board' argument would work. I'll kep it mind in case it does, although it is rediculous to wear a PFD at somewhere like Middleton. Maybe the people who come up with the crap should talk to those who actually do it. Idiots....
Today I went out and bought a new Volvo just to make sure I would arrive at the beach safely. Realising I had no funds left over to buy a PFD1, PFD2 or whateva I decided to replace windsurfing with watching "Safety Geeks: SVI"http://www.koldcast.tv/video/forked_up
Happy to report that I am at no risk of drowning now! May die from boredom thou.
Technically, when I'm in my wetsuit, I can't even Sink into the water, is that treated as a personal floating device? 
Good to see people are talking about this issue.
I'll leave you with it.
Cheers,
Pat Sparks
Yes the issue is Pat Sparks got bullied as a child, he now has a complex and feels a power trip when he tries to fine windsurfers and kiters for not wearing a PDF.
Dr Phil.
Unfortunately Pat, due to your time constraints as you have stated, you chose to be direct and to the point. I think if you read and judge the responses you will quickly see that lots of people have taken you as being arrogant.
You state on your profile page that one of your interests is communicating with the windsurfing community.
Well, that you certainly did. Unfortunately not many saw it in a positive light and responded accordingly.
lots of scuba divers have died lately, maybe they should wear pfd's too!
now i would be interested to see if pat sparks actually read many of the replies, if he did then hopefully he can get the law changed to make it safer for us. i don't like being a criminal, but it sure beats being dead. but i doubt he has, probably just thinks we're all punks trying to be cool by not wearing pfd's.
"So rather than tell people 1 at a time I thought I'd tell a group" personally i think the third option of not telling anyone is by far the best.
Hi Pat,
Most of us don't have a clue who you are. A bit of transperancy required on your behalf, it's not too late.
All discussions generally involve positive, negative, comical, and personal responses. Just look at any chat site. Have you ever heard of a personal attack in Parliament? Get over yourself.
There's been some really good discussion about this issue. It's a shame you chose to respond to the negative comments only. It would take a person with maturity to overlook the negative and get involved in the important aspects of this discussion.
Richard
if you pick your days and be smart about it then there should'nt be any problems.
freshwater sailing is obviously a little harder then in the sea, as much more landlocked.
People already wear PFD's, they can continue too.
If you don't want to, you run the risk.
just wait until your mate goes in and gets hassled then sneak in and hide somewhere.
enjoy
hope some good sense will prevail and our law makers can ease up a bit, its always been about skill level, education and risk asessment.
my pre sail routine is to check the weather closely, try find someone to sail with or inform an interested party of where and when im heading out and check my gear for wear or breakages.
no one likes the idea of ditching your rig out the back and cling to or paddle in with your board but isnt that peace of mind enough for you pat because it is for my wife and kids.( have done this twice in 25 yrs )
helmets are a good idea too but thats another matter lol
Sailing in metro (Semaphore, Seacliff) is defined by the South Australian recreational boating safety handbook as "semi protected" (page 42)http://www.sa.gov.au/upload/franchise/Transport,%20travel%20and%20motoring/Boating/Recreational%20handbook/SAFETY%20EQUIPTMENT.pdf
On Page 47 states: "Sailboards or kite boards require: within 400 m of shore, a PFD Type 1, 2 or 3, worn at all times. More than 400 m from shore, a PFD Type 1, worn at all times."
Yet, this web site states that Type 1's are "Not permitted for water skiing, aqua-planing and like activity."
www.sa.gov.au/subject/Transport%2C+travel+and+motoring/Boating+and+marine/Boat+and+marine+safety/Marine+safety+equipment/Personal+flotation+devices
Note: the above mentioned handbook does not state this.
Does the manual and web site imply that Windsurfing and Kitesurfing is banned when you sail further than 400m from the low tide mark ?
The chances of getting fined are so minimal. If you think you need one to save yourself from drowning then buy one. If not who cares and have fun sailing.
AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I cant takes no more!!!!!!!
It conflicts itself. I think I will ignore it and bring it up in court if it ever affects me, which i doubt it will. Will stay away from the noob on the beach trying to book me! Thats the plan!
Since the new regulations have been introduced there hasnt been a single windsurfing fatality from drowning so they must be working.
In fact prior to the intoduction there wasnt a single windsurfer drowning
there might be if all this freestyle mumbo jumbo continues to grow!!! everyone get a freestyleboard and see who is the first to break a bone!
All this is just a load of bollocks.
No ones cared until now.
Dont change anything.
This is Adelaide after all..
