Board sailors warned

Press, 13 March 1985, Page 3

Board sailors warned

Some board-sailing enthusiasts are sailing into trouble, according to the Ministry of Transport. Inexperienced board sailors were venturing into conditions they could not cope with, said the Ministry’s maritime safety officer, Captain Geoff Wearing. Other sailors were not using proper clothing and had become so cold that they suffered from the early stages of exposure. The marine advisory officer in Christchurch, Mr Frank Lyons, said the problems seemed to be more

marked in the North Island. Many board sailors went to the Estuary, which was reasonably shallow and sheltered, he said. There were usually a number of people there who would be able to help quickly a board sailor in trouble. Mr Lyons said that the sea was a lot colder than in the North Island, which could be “a blessing in disguise.” As a result, most board sailors here wore wet suits.

Captain Wearing has advised inexperienced sailors to stay close to shore. Only those who were

experienced should try to board-sail in the surf. The board sailors in Christchurch who went to the more difficult beaches — New Brighton, Sumner, Taylors Mistake — were generally the more experienced ones, said Mr Lyons. Captain Wearing has urged board sailors to wear a wet suit or warm clothing with a lifejacket to avoid exposure. He also says that those planning to take up the sport should have lessons from a qualified instructor or join a board-sailing training course.