raquo wrote:As an average-level windsurfer I don't think I'll be launching or drifting from the spit road. If anything, now it seems even more sketchy than before, both due to the wind and the flow, and my wind range with a given sail isn't as wide as some of the pros, so the potential for wasting time goes up too.
Also, side note, I think there's a general under-appreciation of underwater trap hazards in moving water, especially for wingers with their foils and unreleasable leashes. River SUP guys have generally learned their lesson already after a series of fatalities and near misses, now using quick-release leashes (and never on ankles), but I haven't seen much awareness of this in winging at all. People pushing themselves more into the river need to be more aware of such risks imo.
Good points. Windsurfing on a sinker board might make for a difficult return.
For the foil snag hazards, that's a good point. I've found the current to be very slow or even stagnant near the spit at the spots where I launch to not be a problem, though I usually don't leash up till after paddling away from shore. I wonder if the current will start to slam against the island, that could be a huge drowning hazard for anyone, leashed or not. Although the pylon strainers at the end of the spit seem like the biggest hazard out there, is there any reason to keep them there other than cost to remove?
There are still some logs, etc out in the far side that could be a hazard. Though for the most part I'd say the river flow is slow enough to make unleashing from a snag feasible, but definitely sketchy. I've switched from knee to waist leash, but should probably add a quick release too.
