Staying safe when downwinding

It’s good when it’s good, but when it’s bad it can get really bad.

I’m probably going to sound like a bit of a Boy Scout in this post but I think this is important to address given the potential risks (consider the what could go wrong scenario), the number of people getting into the discipline and really to keep the rescue services on our side.

Downwinding in general isn’t a new thing but, thanks to the foil, in certain areas of the world there is a huge potential for more participants and namely more beginners. As it stands there are plenty of stories of people having the coast guard and rescue services called out on them (I’m guilty myself) when they weren’t in trouble because of bystanders seeing them falling off their boards or even seeing them far out to sea…

So why is this bad? It’s a waste of the emergency services time, and also money. Depending on the priority given, it could also result in resources being tied up when not needed at the expense of others who may actually be in need.

So how do we avoid this? When I think about safety, there are a number of things to consider.

Personal safety: this is easy and down to personal judgement. For most this is a board leash (at a minimum), life jacket, phone or other communications device (e.g. PLB). For longer runs its always worth having some water (in a camelbak for example, often they fit in life jackets) and something to eat (energy bar, chocolate bar etc). Especially for when things go wrong and you need an extra energy boost as you paddle in (1hr runs can quickly become 3hrs).
Group safety: it’s important to agree with your buddies how to manage the group. You could agree to wait for each other at regular intervals or to all meet at the finish etc. Whatever you choose it’s important to all be aligned. My buddies and I typically meet at the finish with a live location shared. Our reasoning is that unless you are really close together (which we try sometimes) there isn’t much you can do for your buddy. If one person finishes early they can always drive to pick someone up, or escalate to the emergency services if they get really concerned as a last resort.
Group level: Ties into group safety, but deserves its own section. If you have a range of levels in the group, your group will spread out even more. It’s smarter to split the group into sub groups and then only stick with your buddies of similar speeds.
Back up plans: This should NOT default to calling the emergency services. They aren’t your personal collection services and should only be used as a last resort. In my opinion you should have exit plans for most credible scenarios and be confident in your ability to paddle out/to shore in the event. Scenarios where this is relevant are equipment failure, wind drops causing bumps to die or physical challenges such as cramp (to an extent, if you risk hypothermia, then you logically call the emergency services).

So what do we try to do as ground rules in our group in the Netherlands:

Always have your phone in a waterproof bag or case. If you have an apple watch with cellular that works too. But you need a means of communicating.
Share location with your buddies and / or someone onshore. You can share location using the Garmin app to use less of your battery. Waterspeed lets you do the same, or you can share a live location on Whatsapp.
Use the ‘KNRM Helpt’ app in live tracking mode. If you do this, you have an easy way to raise the alarm or call for help and it also gives the KNRM your location straight away.
Save the following numbers:

Coast guard control room (non emergency): 0889584000
Coast Guard emergency: 0889584040
KNRM (non emergency): 0889996100
KNRM (emergency): 0900011

For longer north sea runs and most inland lake runs (most times people have called the emergency services on us have been on the lakes) we also email the coast guard with our plans (ccc@kustwacht.nl) sharing the following details:

Number of people
Run and estimated timings
Who’s in the group, colour of the boards and wings or any other things (yellow jersey etc).
Tell them we have our phones and ask them to call us if a bystander raises the alarm from seeing something in the distance

So why the coast guard?

If a bystander or member of the public calls the emergency services in the Netherlands (112) it goes to the coast guard. So even if the KNRM are aware of us being on the water through the app, the coast guard does not directly check that data source. The coast guard can send out KNRM resources to aid in search and rescue but again, won’t connect the dots to the app. So just to reiterate the most important people to inform prior to runs are the coast guard. If they are aware of your plans, they can always contact you to check if all is ok prior to mobilising resources. This becomes especially critical when going out in more hectic conditions. As I said earlier, you don’t want resources to be deployed to rescue you when you are fine, when there is a credible scenario that there could be others who are actually in need.

So please. Downwinding is a great sport. It’s an awesome adventure. But also consider what could happen if something goes wrong and how you will manage the situation. Consider and respect the impact on the legends in the emergency services by planning appropriately and last of all, have fun!

Last of all, donate to your local emergency services. These guys volunteer and are willing to put their lives on the line to save ours. So, for those in the Netherlands, here is the link to donate to the KNRM.

If I’ve missed anything, let me know. Happy to add more to this based on feedback I receive.