by fossilgrom » Wed Jul 06, 2011 9:26 am
I heard about this incident - very sorry to hear about muskrat being hurt and I hope he is recovering and back in the water asap.
That said....
Surfing is an inherantly dangerous pasttime that contains elements of risk. Plenty of people have been hurt by a LB or SB before. Let's just ban everything the first time someone gets an injury then we can all stand on the beach and watch the waves from a safe distance. Let's face it, spongers and matts got it going on - only wave riding tools that should be allowed out if it is all about safety.
Very sorry that muskrat got hurt, but would we be having this conversation if the offending board was a LB or SB, both are lighter obviously than an SUP, but both are capable of inflicting serious injury in the hands of a kook - or anyone for that matter.
Sounds like the Kenny you speak of was in the wrong place for an SUP - outside a crowded lineup in more critical conditions. With SUP there should be (and there is) a separate code of conduct that should always apply. You are right about moving down the beach when conditions and crowding warrants. Sharing waves and safety need to be a priority and SUP riders have a responsibility to keep this in mind at all times when surfing with other people (actually everyone does). Hopefully, as the sport progresses, there will be more emphasis on SUP rules of the road cuz I don't think the sport is gonna disappear anytime soon. I think experienced SUPers should be policing a bit more when someone is breaking the rules.
People hate and mistrust anything new at first - ala most of the comments on the jet board subject of this thread. Generally if everyone is getting waves then everyone is happy - so if you ride an SUP, make sure you SHARE. If you ride anything else, make sure you SHARE. I ride my shortboard, my LB, my gun, my fish, my 7-10 shorty, my SUP and my racing SUP all for one reason - they are FUN TO RIDE! Each offers a different wave riding or paddling experience all of which are fun or I wouldn't do it. So, instead of banning anything, why not go give it a try? SUPs are great in any conditions, but the best part is they can make a mediocre, mushy day really fun.
free your mind, your @ss will follow