Use of PFD while windsurfing?

Merrymeeting · 08-13-2007, 09:02 AM

Hi,

We have a friendly debate ongoing in our household as to whether a PFD is required in NH while windsurfing. Some say yes, some say no. I'm hoping our resident legal expert can shead some light.

The wording here certainly implies it is encouraged but not required.

http://www.boat-ed.com/nh/course/p6-6_windsurfing.htm

Thanks

NightWing · 08-13-2007, 10:00 AM

A windsurfer is not considered a boat and getting wet, most likely dumping it, is part of the windsurfer experience. Hence, no PFD required, but is a good idea. Not a sport for poor or non-swimmers.

SS-194 · 08-13-2007, 02:48 PM

It used to be required years ago but it was changed thanks inpart by lobbying windsurfing groups. One main idea was getting caught under the sail with a pfd on and not being able to get out from underneath it. Also your board ''depending on size'' is considered a flotation device. it is basicly a big piece of foam.

NightWing · 08-13-2007, 04:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SS-194

It used to be required years ago but it was changed thanks inpart by lobbying windsurfing groups. One main idea was getting caught under the sail with a pfd on and not being able to get out from underneath it. Also your board ''depending on size'' is considered a flotation device. it is basicly a big piece of foam.

"Considered" a flotation device by some, perhaps, but not so by the Coast Guard.

Chris Craft · 08-13-2007, 05:40 PM

I used to do a LOT of windsurfing (sponsored by Bic) I only ever had one bad accident on my boards and that was a cracked rib from a impact of being slammed into the water while sailing in Newport RI durring a hurricane.....

You CAN get slammed into the water good on them but ussually it is not something were you get hurt. Plenty of stubbed toes but nothing life threatening. I did wear a life jacket all the time but angering my folks I wore it so that I could wear lead and hold up a bigger sail

If I had a 15 pound boyancy vest I could put about 13 pounds of lead into the pockets. The things we do when we are young

I have NEVER been pulled over by the coast guard or anyone for that matter for not having my life jacket on.

Jon

SS-194 · 08-14-2007, 02:27 PM

What do you mean you ''used to windsurf?'' I don't get it. cmon get out there

08-13-2007, 09:02 AM	#1
Merrymeeting Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Merrymeeting Lake, New Durham Posts: 2,226 Thanks: 302 Thanked 800 Times in 368 Posts	Use of PFD while windsurfing? Hi, We have a friendly debate ongoing in our household as to whether a PFD is required in NH while windsurfing. Some say yes, some say no. I'm hoping our resident legal expert can shead some light. The wording here certainly implies it is encouraged but not required. http://www.boat-ed.com/nh/course/p6-6_windsurfing.htm Thanks

08-13-2007, 10:00 AM	#2
NightWing Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Posts: 410 Thanks: 4 Thanked 6 Times in 6 Posts	A windsurfer is not considered a boat and getting wet, most likely dumping it, is part of the windsurfer experience. Hence, no PFD required, but is a good idea. Not a sport for poor or non-swimmers.

08-13-2007, 02:48 PM	#3
SS-194 Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Nottingham NH Posts: 13 Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 1 Post	It used to be required years ago but it was changed thanks inpart by lobbying windsurfing groups. One main idea was getting caught under the sail with a pfd on and not being able to get out from underneath it. Also your board ''depending on size'' is considered a flotation device. it is basicly a big piece of foam.

08-13-2007, 05:40 PM	#5
Chris Craft Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 120 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I used to do a LOT of windsurfing (sponsored by Bic) I only ever had one bad accident on my boards and that was a cracked rib from a impact of being slammed into the water while sailing in Newport RI durring a hurricane..... You CAN get slammed into the water good on them but ussually it is not something were you get hurt. Plenty of stubbed toes but nothing life threatening. I did wear a life jacket all the time but angering my folks I wore it so that I could wear lead and hold up a bigger sail If I had a 15 pound boyancy vest I could put about 13 pounds of lead into the pockets. The things we do when we are young I have NEVER been pulled over by the coast guard or anyone for that matter for not having my life jacket on. Jon

08-14-2007, 02:27 PM	#6
SS-194 Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Nottingham NH Posts: 13 Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 1 Post	What do you mean you ''used to windsurf?'' I don't get it. cmon get out there