Surfski Knowledge Base

Dale McKinnon
08/21/06 #1700

A surfskier was run over by a powerboat this morning. The surfksier is okay, I don't know the details, but Ron Mueller of Wayland Marine reported the incident to the Coast Guard. Our paddling friend is lucky but has two halves instead of a whole with big races coming up.
I think this incident requires a coordinated and concerted effort by the paddling/rowing/pulling community to:
1) Make the Coast Guard aware of our collective concern.
2) Find out the name of the powerboater who left the surfskier floating in the water to fend for himself, and
3) Get the Herald involved to educate the public that the penalties for running over an unpowered craft are not light.

I'm sure there will be more information on whatcompaddlers, later in the day, but I am calling the Coast Guard, now. You guys are my guiding lights. It ain't okay for a boat to run over you, but it's particularly pissy for him to drive off and leave you in the water.
One last item, for the surfskier in question: Did you have your waterproof VHF with you?
Dale McKinnon

Re: surfski incident on Bay this morning…
surfskilady
08/21/06 #1701

The paddler was Mike Gregory. I just spoke with his wife, and she wanted me to let everyone know he is OK.

The power boat came from behind. Mike had no choice but to dive off his boat and swim away to save his life. His new V10 is in pieces. The driver of the boat refused to help him get to shore, so Mike was forced to swim. He reported the incident to the Coast Guard and was able to identify the driver.

Mike, we are glad you are OK. Please let us know what we can do to help!

Heather & Brandon

Re: surfski incident on Bay this morning…
Michael Gregory
08/21/06 #1706

Heather,

It was a “Gill-Netter”. 30 ft with twin diesels, both diesels were wound-out pretty good when he came up on me. At first I thought I might get a good ride on his wake, a moment later I thought he was gettin' kinda close, then I got worried and glanced back - all I could see was his bow closing very fast! I didn't have time to think, I dove straight down in the bay and heard a “whump” as he went over my ski. The guy told the sheriff that he was “drivin' on the radar” and not even looking. I still can't believe that!!!

My boat is toast but I'm not! Like the Gov. of CA once said - “I'll be back!”

Mike.

Re: surfski incident on Bay this morning…
ynotocsalev <tonyvelasco@…>
08/21/06 #1710

Glad you are OK, Mike! Darn, that guy gives gillnetters a bad name. I used to operate a gillnetter out there. We always drove visually. I can't believe some #@%$%&* wasn't actually looking where he was going! Hope he has insurance to pay for your boat, and that he gets some sort of major ticket and fine for it. Amazing how in these busy waters some folks don't actually look around them while out boating. Seems to be a recurring theme of late with a few local engine propelled boats. Good thing you were being aware and looked back in time!

That's another reason not to wear headphones and listen to music while paddling on waters that power boats are likely to be on. You gotta hear them coming. It's the same for the Road Bikers. The guys on Western's team couldn't believe how many road bikers were wearing ipods and such this year during the Ski to Sea race. They couldn't hear cars coming up behind them, couldn't hear other racers telling them they were passing on the left, or anything. Led to more than one nasty spill.

Be aware out there, folks, because not everyone else is!

Tony

Re: surfski incident on Bay this morning…
Dale McKinnon
08/21/06 #1714

Driving on radar in broad daylight? He was on cruise control sucking down Coors.

incident
Erik Borgnes
08/21/06 #1715

Mike, how far from shore were you? How near the marina was the boat? Did he just pull out and gun it?

I guess you could say that sometimes, wearing a ankle to boat leash is NOT a good idea! That is obvious around surf, but I didn't think I'd see it as such on a routine paddle.

Is your paddle toast, too?

I expect drunk yahoos where I am, but I never expected that there would be boats driving by radar only. That makes you a bit paranoid.

Erik

Re: incident
Michael Gregory
08/21/06 #1716

Yeah, I was about halfway between Marine Park and the Post Point buoy. Certain items of safety gear can also become an encumbrance at inopportune times. Don't ya just hate that? MG