As a kiter, I have noticed an increasing habit of wingers to go out when it's offshore. Port Beach, North Freo comes to mind. I'm sitting at Sorrento watching someone right now, and with a dead easterly it's next stop South Africa if it drops. Please tell your mates to stop it - a couple of drownings or searches will get us all, and the poleys too, in the poo because the public and the powers that be do not discriminate between water sports. Thanks.
Select to expand quotebigtone667 said..
But it's a reasonable point.
No, it is not. I wing in offshores all the time. So easy to self-rescue. Paddled in yesterday from a 1k out with a busted wing on a 5 6 wing board into 25 knots, not fun but doable. If you cannot paddle 1k into the wind do not go out.
These are not kites, which are a PITA to self-rescue with.
I love offshores. This is the beauty of winging, it opens up more possibilities. If you can't wing back to shore. Just lie down and paddle in.
Each of us should be realistic about our fitness and have some plans in place but this taboo doesn't really apply to winging.
Maybe paddling in 25+ knots offshore with an inflated wing is a a bad idea but I have done 2km on a shortboard many times and my wingboard is a lot nicer for long voyages.
Yea, it depends on the individual, their fitness/skill and the conditions.
I could have been the person you saw at Port Beach the last few days. It was much less than 15 knots and I would have be back to shore in 10 minutes had gear failed. I've done very long paddles with kite gear and against rips on a surfboard so I know what I'm in for.
I think your concern that an accident could impact a lot of water users is legitimate. We should be careful and be mindful of others when deciding what conditions to go out in, but there is no need for a blanket ban on offshore winging, it's as safe as onshore in a lot of scenarios.
It's a good point. Paddling in hurt w 25 knots would be rough. I've paddled up-wind in 25 w a fully inflated wing and really wouldn't want to do it again. I was making about 1/4 - 1/2 knot over ground because of an outgoing tide too.
Alverstone, as a long time kiter I would never consider kiting in an Easterly (unless I had a dedicated boat watching out for me)
Yet I regularly wing in Easterlies, it is completely different.
You are never far off shore as you go back and forward along the coast.
You never have relaunch issues that you have with a kite.
If the wind drops heaps I can still go up wind back to shore in a few knots of wind even if not on the foil.
If the wind drops completely I am on a board that I can paddle in easily with the wing either dragging behind me or even if it burst/deflated I could just roll up and lay on. it's nowhere near as dangerous as you think.
I'd say kiting in almost any conditions would be more dangerous.
Having said that I am a bit of a safety freak and will often use a pfd with a plb or phone in the pocket when winging in offshores.
It might have been me. ??
... "as a kiter ", then gives an edict on offshore winging. You don't know what you are talking about.
General rule of thumb no matter what vehicle you choose to ride is never go out further than you are prepared to paddle back from. It doesn't matter whether it is surfing, Winging, Kiting, SUP or even just swimming. Know your fitness, know your limitations and also have a plan "B" every time for the worst case scenario. I'd like to say common sense, but sometimes not for some.
Personally when I go offshore (which I will often go 4-5kms out) I wear a N50 PFD and a helmet plus take my phone/watch (cellular). I usually also follow this protocol when riding in offshore wind conditions unless I know I am staying super close to shore (speed runs along the beach).
As mentioned above, Winging is much easier to self rescue and also to disarm. It is a totally different scenario to kiting and even Windsurfing were there is more gear that is heavy and potentially tangling.
But overriding all, know your limits and do not exceed them. IF you wish to push the limits, do it with experienced companions and always have a plan B.
Ride safe,
JB
Select to expand quotehilly said..bigtone667 said..
But it's a reasonable point.
No, it is not. I wing in offshores all the time. So easy to self-rescue. Paddled in yesterday from a 1k out with a busted wing on a 5 6 wing board into 25 knots, not fun but doable. If you cannot paddle 1k into the wind do not go out.
These are not kites, which are a PITA to self-rescue with.
I have often self rescued with an inflatable kite as a 'sail'. Sodden foil kites are a different prospect. And I get it that you are all of the view that the wing and paddling in gives you an advantage over kites and windsurfers. All I'm asking is not to get so cocky it'll all go to ****. Because if it can, it will. I do want to try it though .
I think a PLB is a good idea for worse case scenario when sailing in offshore winds e.g. Injury, separation from your board... Mobile coverage doesn't go far from the shore. You can get it for around $300.
I then would add a PFD and a whistle to the safety gear list. BTW, I always use a helmet when windsurfing and wingfoiling.
Select to expand quoteAll I'm asking is not to get so cocky it'll all go to ****. Because if it can, it will. I do want to try it though .
maate really thanks for caring. pretty sure I can paddle in from 3 k out no problem. I have rescued kites out from bombie recently so not too worried about wingdingers. But kites are a dangerous and should be banned 
Select to expand quotehilly said..All I'm asking is not to get so cocky it'll all go to ****. Because if it can, it will. I do want to try it though .
maate really thanks for caring. pretty sure I can paddle in from 3 k out no problem. I have rescued kites out from bombie recently so not too worried about wingdingers. But kites are a dangerous and should be banned
lol ...... that was funny. Starting to sound like a windsurfer.
Select to expand quotebigtone667 said..lol ...... that was funny. Starting to sound like a windsurfer.
That was the idea
Seriously folks I agree with JB don't go out unless you can get in with broken gear or have plan B. There is a huge difference in winging offshore winds in a small swell v large swell and currents. Know your limits.
For the record and clarity ... I suppose I just don't like anyone telling anyone what they should or shouldn't do, especially if they haven't done the actual sport and even then, mind your own bees wax. We seem to be told what we can and cannot do in ever area of our lives now. Make your own damn choices.
that being said ... I don't sail in offshore winds.
Don't like nor trust them.
but I'm not going to tell anyone not to, nor point out the obvious dangers that any moron can work out for themselves.
