Well DJ I have been in total suspense since your last downwind vid.
WHAT WAS THE POLICEWOMAN BOOKING YOU FOR?
I know it is probably none of my business but you do put your paddling life out there for us all to see and you were getting ready for a paddle.
So it is time you came clean and told us all.
ET.
I'm just about to head off on todays downwinder so later on when I get back I'll explain just what happened with the cops at the end of that downwinder..
DJ
that problem was solved quickly after i proved i was over the age of 18.
and i handed over my phone number hahahahaha
just another day on the bay by the sounds of it
better safe than sorry
and welldone to the bystander for reporting it
why weren't you guys using a buddy system (just incase of emergencies like that)
or just all hanging in a group
so naughty......
It wasn't about one of our guys breaking a paddle the the windsurfer guy helping to tow him back in closer to the shore.
What happened was when our group went past Elwood from the shore it looks like we are a long way out and one concerned sticky beak.. er.. I mean citizen.. saw us go past and thought we were in trouble.. Maybe they saw someone fall off their board.. anyway.. They called 000 and reported that they saw someone getting blown out into the bay in gale force winds.
Once a report like this is reported the Police have to resond just to make sure there is not someone in trouble.. When the helicopter hovered over us we all gave it the thumbs to let them know that we are ok.. The problem with that is they only know that we are ok and they don 't know if someone is missing from our group and not ok.
They followed us into Sandy marina and then the ground force arrived .. The heli cops asked the normal cops to ask us if all is ok.. We told them that all was ok and we are all accounted for with no one missing.. They told the heli cops this and they left.
They cops had to make their report with names and details and that's what the lady cop was doing.. They said that because I had a phone on me that next time I should call 000 myself and tell them that I have a Police helicopter hovering me and could you let them know that all is ok and no one is missing.. These helicopters cost about $7,000 an hour to fly.
They also gave me a number to call when we do our downwinders and let them know where and when and how many etc so if they get a concerned sticky beak calling again saying they saw us they will know that it's us and no need for concern.
The number they gave me was.. 9399 7500 (water police)
Doh!! Forgot to call them today.. I will have to try and make a habit of doing this in the future especially when it's really wild out there (like today) woo hoo!
That's about it.. We chatted for a while and they were really good (for cops)
DJ
i can't talk
i go out by myself all the time (cause i have no friends) but usually to nightclubs not downwinders
I'm just jealous people don't call up to save me when I'm in trouble up this way
we just get rocks thrown at our bloated bodies by kids weeks later when they find us washed ashore somewhere 100km away.
I'm sure that you could also call the local coastguard to let them know your movements. On days when I'm going out fishing and not sure if there are many other about I'll call them up as I leave the harbour - they encourage it and follow it up.
Just make sure you call them back when you're back on dry land.
Procedure is;
Call coastguard - give them details (what you're doing/ where you're going/how many of you/type of craft/ETA - return time). Just make sure you call them back after or they don't find it very funny (especially when they find you at home - beer-in-hand with a filleting knife & a table full of fish).
Hey Sailhack, do you call the Coast Guard for bayside excursions? If so, do you happen to have the number handy?
nanny nation. im off to the little boys room, best notify the relevant authorities in case i come to grief!
Actually happened again yesterday, when we got to the Sandy Yacht Club the big Water Police RIB was there. One of the police called me over and said they had received a call saying someone was in distress. The police were great, friendly, I gave them my name, informed them that we were bringing up the rear of the group and all was well.
Maybe the call in before and after before a bigger group paddle is the way to go, seems that it's the people looking from the beach that are the problem and the authorities just have to respond.
Wow! U guys have alot to do down there. A good thing i guess.
I would love to get one of your good windy bay downwinders in one day, sounds fun.
X angie
Anyone else getting the impression this is some smart arse on the beach causing us trouble rather than a good samaritan?
I only wondered what DJ had done wrong.
I never expected this many replies. Looks like you Vicco guys may have either, a rascal who likes to cause trouble or some people with too much time on their hands.
The upside is at least someone may be looking out for you.
ET.