Tow In Situation Out Of Control On Gold Coast
Justin Cote
- March 13 2009
- 782 views
- 5 comments
Australia is cool because they haven’t become a litigious nation full of stupid laws. However, personal freedom—like doing tow-ins at Snapper or Kirra—can really ruin someone else’s day Down Under. Case in point, last year I surfed Burleigh Heads for the first time ever on a pretty solid, six-foot day. With a river-like current sweeping down the beach, us guys paddling weren’t getting a ton of waves, but there were some good ones. Unfortunately, any good wave that came through was snatched up by a dude being pulled by a jet ski. A first time visitor, I wasn’t pissed—just really jealous. It’s a pretty basic tenet in surfing: No skis around when guys are paddling! Read the article below called “Tow In Surfers Risking Lives” for insight into the situation on the Goldy…
Yeah dude you’re ripping!
As reported on www.goldcoast.com.au
TOW-IN surfing laws are needed before someone is killed, say proponents of the growing sport.
But action is unlikely anytime soon as Maritime Safety Queensland has been sitting on a proposal for the past five years. During the week, thrill-seeking surfers used jet-skis to be towed on to wild 3m waves whipped up by ex-tropical cyclone Hamish.
Most were breaking the law, as tow-in surfing is classified the same as waterskiing which requires a spotter, or observer, on board. All three — driver, spotter and surfer — must also be wearing lifejackets. Many of the tow-in surfers seen this week were not wearing life jackets and did not have spotters.
Gold Coast water police said several tow-in surfers had been booked for not having a spotter. “It involves a $300 on-the-spot fine,” said acting Senior Sergeant Mark Kelly.
On Wednesday, a group of men who had been tow-in surfing off Duranbah beach had to be rescued after their jet-ski broke down and they washed ashore.
Are we way out of line saying that jet skis should be nowhere near surfers paddling in? Let us know in the comment box below!
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March 13th, 2009 at 1:30 pm
This is like having people on motor cross bikes coming to your bmx trails and gapping all your jumps in ways you never intended, and snaking your runs and not calling out when they are dropping in. Its also like having a cool house party and a bunch of jocks show up with smack and a mega-phone, and a pied piper like ability to wrangle all the chicks, while you sit in the corner and try to freestyle rap with your bros. Its also like plains indians hunting buffalo with spears and horses and some dudes show up shooting all the buffalo with gatling guns from a train. Its also like being on a date and early on realizing that the girl has decided she is going to go home and use her battery powered companions instead of taking you.
March 13th, 2009 at 6:09 pm
lol good comment cholo
March 14th, 2009 at 3:42 am
This is bullshit, basically tow-ats, give me break. I live in SF but lived in Aus and surfed surfers paradise as a grom. It was crowded even then, definately need to shut down the skis except for outer reef hell man breaks which I am sure exist. Meanwhile paddle out off the beach to the line-up which is an accomplishment in itself-
March 14th, 2009 at 6:05 pm
“a group of men who had been tow-in surfing off Duranbah beach had to be rescued after their jet-ski broke down and they washed ashore.”
-nuf said
November 5th, 2009 at 10:48 pm
The perfect break for the lady skier who would like to enjoy some, quality time on skis, with excellent, fun instruction in a relaxing, non-pressured atmosphere.