Windsurfing

Windsurfing is a sport that lends itself to social distancing and should be seriously considered as being prioritised to be allowed as we start our lockdown exit.

Windsurfers generally travel short distances to get to their local beach. They set up their equipment on their own requiring space to get it ready which means, on the whole, people are at least 3 metres away from each other.
Out on the water it’s a solo sport so people are distant from each other by default. When windsurfers stop for a break they usually stand on the beach having a chat. Given the social distancing imperative, we could all maintain a minimum of 2 metres distance easily as is the new norm.
On the whole, maintaining social distancing when moving from car park to beach is relatively easy but clearly depends on the specific location and some thought may be required to make social distancing easier in specific access routes. A good example of this is Gullane beach in East Lothian where the access path to the beach is very narrow. A simple solution is to widen it making it easier for everyone to pass each other safely.
From a personal safety and risk perspective, windsurfers are largely responsible individuals who make risk assessments and good decisions. RNLI data on rescuing windsurfers is shows very low numbers.
There is no denying some risk is involved but it’s low based on the data available.

Why the contribution is important

For many people lockdown has been and continues to be very difficult. For those people who windsurf it is a key part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle both physically and mentally.
Allowing people back to windsurf can play a key part in allowing people to maintain good physical and mental health but it’s also easy to do the sport while adhering to social distancing measures.

by THEDUNNY888 on May 06, 2020 at 08:15AM

Current Rating

Average rating: 4.5
Based on: 19 votes

Comments

  • Posted by jriddell May 06, 2020 at 11:41

    Similarly for board surfing and kayak surfing
  • Posted by JSmith May 06, 2020 at 17:22

    Good post . Support this idea.
  • Posted by costap May 06, 2020 at 17:26

    Well said, totally agree with the aboce. Other countries have regulated the beach breaks to be no longer than 10 mins in total for the session and maintain the mention 2m distance at all times, and 15mins to pack the equipment and leave the beach, I think thats very much acceptable.
  • Posted by pkerlaff May 06, 2020 at 17:42

    An excellent proposal, and one which would support mental and physical health for participants whilst maintaining appropriate social distancing.

    Windsurfers, Surfers and Open water swimmers are respectful of both the natural environment and the local communities close to the coast. Journey time is in many cases minimal in relation to time on the water and typically takes place outside peak travel hours.
  • Posted by Mkyw May 06, 2020 at 19:59

    Fully agree with the proposal. My mental health and stress levels would be greatly reduced by being able to get back windsurfing especially at such a stressful time.
  • Posted by Iang May 06, 2020 at 20:21

    I would very much support this post. Sports such as windsurfing, surfing and kayaking could relatively easily maintain social distancing. They tend to have close communities who will ensure guidelines are obeyed. The benefits, as others have argued, of mental and physical wellbeing far outweighs the minor issues to overcome
  • Posted by Jimscull May 06, 2020 at 23:20

    Windsurfing by its very nature is a self isolation sport by the very nature of our activity! I know that the reason for people to stay out of the water is that we might require someone to rescue us if we get into trouble but we tend to be self sufficient in looking after each other, fresh air,physical activity, keeping fit what’s not to like?
  • Posted by dave2244 May 09, 2020 at 21:55

    The problem with any watersport is that if a person has an accident while partaking, it requires a response from the RNLI and Coastguard together with the paramedics and possibly police. The rescuers are forced into close proximity and social distancing is impossible to maintain in a boat or rescue vehicle. This puts them at risk of exposure and can take whole teams offline, leaving no resources for safety cover along the coast.

    I appreciate that no one sets out to enjoy their chosen activity with a view to having an accident, but these things happen. Plus, it may not be you that has the incident but a person who is less competent and has been influenced into going out by seeing others participating the the activity.
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