A question on jetski's towing surfy dudes

[finga]

On the telly last week I watched surfy dudes getting towed out to catch knarly waves (is that right?? )
So is the dude (or dudette) on the surf board considered the same as a waterskier and do the jetski's need an observer??

Mmm I wonder??

[Noelm]

I kind of look at that practice as not really "surfing" to be a surfer, you have to paddle to catch a wave (well I reckon) but anyway, I would be thinking that if you are towing a skier/boarder/tuber/barefooter with anything, then an observer should be present, kind of says it in the rule book, but is not too specific as I guess it was not so common when the rules where written (maybe)

[bigjimg]

I think the surfer in this case can look after themselves if they fall off before they are actually on the wave.If you were going to follow it up you would have to ask where their pfd is as well,just not practical.A totally special set of circumstances here it's what they do,don't worry they have big kahunas.Jim

[cormorant]

There is an exemption and a code of practice in other states not sure about QLD.


Allows shorter rope , PDF exemption for surfer and no observer with a few other conditions as well.

[seatime]

These are the NSW exemptions:

"4) Subclause (1) does not apply to a personal watercraft in any of the following circumstances:

(a) while the personal watercraft is operated by Surf Life Saving New South Wales Inc or professional lifeguards for the purpose of undertaking rescues or surf rescue training,

(b) while the personal watercraft is being operated in open waters for tow-in surfing and there are no paddle surfboard riders present, so long as the conditions set out in subclause (5) are being complied with.

(5) For the purposes of subclause (4) (b), the following conditions must be complied with:

(a) the personal watercraft must be equipped with:

(i) a quick release floating tow rope with a minimum length of 7 metres, and

(ii) a two-way communication device, and

(iii) a rescue sled, and

(iv) a second kill switch lanyard wrapped around the handlebars, and

(v) a toolkit, and

(vi) a bow tow-line with a minimum length of 7 metres, and

(b) the operator of the vessel:

(i) must hold a current first aid certificate, and

(ii) must have passed a course or examination approved by the Maritime Authority for the purposes of this paragraph, and

(iii) must carry dive fins and a safety knife on his or her person, and

(iv) must give right of way to all other boating and recreational activities, and

(v) must remain at least 200 metres from all other vessels and persons in the water, and

(vi) must not tow more than one person at a time, and

(c) in a case where the personal watercraft is being operated for tow-in surfing, the surfboard rider:

(i) must hold a current personal watercraft driving licence, and

(ii) must hold a current first aid certificate, and

(iii) must wear an appropriate lifejacket, and

(iv) must have passed a course or examination approved by the Maritime Authority for the purposes of this paragraph"

There's an awfull lot of compliance to gain an exemption.

Haven't heard about any similar exemptions in Qld. It's still viewed as waterskiing as far as I know.

[stinky-stabi]

they are surfers..you would end up in punch up if you called them skiers.. just called tow in as the waves are to big to paddle on too....
as a surfer of over thirty years i can tell you they got a lot more balls than most other lunatics out there ...guys up here were doing toe in 10ks offshore in the last swell riding waves over 25ft...on grounds on near the neerings (off mooloolaba).
sorry got off track there...the boyz reckon no rules as is offshore ?????
just a surfer view!!!!

[nickstock]

Well said Tono,

If I can't paddle onto the wave then it is a bloody big wave. The true tow in guys are f@#*7ing mad. Hats of to them as I dont have the kohonies to surf a 20 foot wave.

Nick

[Always_offshore]

seatime is right,exemptions apply to those that are associated with surf lifesaving,the hawaiin guys( riding the jetskis) you see in the movies are all lifeguards and the exemption applies,I dont know how many of the locals are
affiliated.from a surfers point of view 'it sure is great fun"
just my 2 cents worth cause its blowin and i cant go fishing.