Surfski Knowledge Base

John Rybczyk
04/16/18 #22759

One of our long-time, Dan Harris Challenge safety boat captains asked me pass this along. On all days, but especially on wavy days, the best way for the safety boater (and any boater for that matter) to see you is if you're wearing a brightly colored (orange or yellow) shirt or life jacket…preferably both. A yellow hat helps a little, but really it's too small do to much good by itself. And, not surprisingly, a white surf ski looks exactly like a whitecap.

I can absolutely confirm this from my experience aboard a safety boat during Kevin Olney's excellent Bellingham Bay series last summer. I clearly recall one night when our race was at the same time, and in the same place, as the weekly sailboat races. There were also a few waves to surf that night…not too big. The only surf skiers you could see at all from any distance were the ones wearing those bright orange shirts we received last year at the Gorge race. And you could see them for a long, long, long way. It was stunning how well those shirts stood out. And it was no small comfort amongst all those sailboats.

I say this because, not only is it a good rule to follow in general, but I've gotten wind of sailboat race happening at the same time as our Dan Harris Challenge this year. I'm not sure of the course and time details yet but, for now, plan to be VISIBLE. Nothing beats those god-awful nuclear orange things that Carter made us all wear at the Gorge. I know not everyone has one of those, but everyone should have something bright to wear.

See you on the water,

Johnr