Hi everyone,
The registration for this event is now formally open.
The registration page: www.windsurfingwa.org.au/events/130916/
Sunday - 20 March 2022 - (reserve days the following weekend 26/27 March)
This event is open to Windsurfers, Wind Foils and Wing Foils.
If this is your first time at Pinnaroo, come prepared for wild ocean fun. People have been sailing here for decades, come and see why. The breeze builds nicely and can trick you into large gear, then the SW picks up and the chop comes from all directions.
Pinnaroo may be one of the most challenging locations for slalom racing in Perth and FSW gear can be an advantage, but plenty of people sail their slalom and race gear regularly.
The sailing spot is a short walk from the grassed rigging area adjacent to the parking. The slalom course will be approximately 3km long with 3 gybe marks. It will be a beach start or a rabbit start.
We aim to complete 3-4 races depending on the conditions and time.
This event is about bringing windsurfers together in a social gathering and promoting the location.
Following the racing, there will be a BBQ provided on the grassed area where we can dish out bragging rights, immortalise the winner and discuss interest in future events here or elsewhere.
To ensure you have a great day you will need to bring:
Windsurfing equipment and spares - Watch the forecast, you might need to bring very small gear as this part of the world gets real windy and choppy
Life Jacket PFD TYPE 2. 2 x FLARES - no safety equipment - no race - or disqualification
You must have a sail number - we may consider bibs for the wingfoilers TBA
There is no shop at the beach to purchase food or drinks, there is a toilet block with showers.
Sunscreen, big hat and sun protection clothing
Schedule 11:00 AM Registration and Safety Check (Life Jacket PFD Type 2 + 2x FLARES)
12:00 PM - 4:00 PM Competitions
5:00PM+ Presentation at the grassed area BBQ and Drinks (BYO drinks - Meat and buns will be supplied)
CATEGORIES
Windsurfing Men
Windsurfing Women
Wind Foil
Wing Foil
Select to expand quoteI have some concerns about the safety gear dilemma.
Making our sport safer is a good thing.
Keeping cost down is essential for participation.
1/ How many of our likely competitors already have access to flares that are in date?
2/ How many that don't have flares are prepared to purchase them for this event/ future events?
Cost of flares around $80 at BCF, flares container $25.
Multiple sets required for families.
3/ What is the recommendation for storing or carrying them on windsurfer etc.
Stored on the rig, rig could be lost, on the board has technical issues and carrying on the person is a problem.
4/ The manufacturers recommendations for storing flares, in a robust and waterproof plastic container!
5/ Parachute flares are a pyrotechnic, manufacturers do not recommend that you strap a pyrotechnic to your body.
Yeah i'll admit the flares thing is a pain in the ass. We dont use them at safety bay slalom, just lifejackets and helmets. Last time i tried to get some for the boss of the bay BCF said they were sold out.
This topic was discussed with the DOT prior to the laws being introduced. Formal feedback and comments submitted etc.
Refer to this discussion: www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/Windsurfing/Western-Australia/URGENT-DOT-Safety-Equipment-Review-YOU-WILL-BE-IMPACTED?page=1
It is now a legal obligaton to carry flares when sailing more than 400m off shore.
www.transport.wa.gov.au/imarine/kite-and-windsurfing.asp
An exception may be sought, but the cost of the flares will not be an acceptable reason.
I.E. the wave events constantly have issues with the exception for the life vest, as it is not practical for a wave windsurfer to dive under the wave with a vest on. Year after year, they need to argue the same thing.
Select to expand quoteDarrylG said..
As per the DOT guidelines can we use an epirib is place of the flares??
Yes, sure. We should actually update any future instructions
