I couldn't say it any better...

W.G. Facenda · Post by **W.G. Facenda** » Sat Sep 18, 2004 6:49 pm

Tamae is hands down the SHALLOWEST place I have surfed!!!!!!!! What do you make of that inside section???? :shock: If you don't make that section on a good size day You WILL hit the reef and I am here to tell you it's sharp and like concrete!! I got caught inside there too and my heart was pounding big time and almost got sucked back over!!! Johnny Boy Gomes was out and he was pulling out before that section on many waves.What a unreal set up there though ,spectacular wave.

fooj · Post by **fooj** » Sat Sep 18, 2004 9:41 pm

Just as Bud wrote there have been many instances where a legrope connected to a floating board connected to a person underwater has been a lifesaver. It has also not worked. A board floating is a board floating, unless its your friend's board floating (surf with a friend) or a board floating after a wipeout that you witnessed and no fallen rider around. I figure its probably best to wear a leash unless its really small and uncrowded. If your board is tombstoning beyond repair and the situation merits it you can always remove your leash and be free. On the other hand if you have an unfortunate accident and are left underwater for one reason or another your leash may be your only lifeline for someone to know where you are.

I'm sure the argument against leashes is just as valid. Its always a matter of risk and where you want to place it.

Bud · Post by **Bud** » Sun Sep 19, 2004 9:08 am

Longer leashes can be real trouble while surfing super shallow reefs.
Having your leash wrapped around a coaral head can kill you.

A guy died at Rocky Point years back due to his leash being tied up on a coral head. He wasn't able to release it in time. Ronny Burns was the first one to him and got him free and tried to revive him......but it was too late.
When they got him to the beach the life guards tried until the ambulance arrived.

I read of a guy who had his leash tangled in a lobster trap and was drowned. This was in San Diego.....State Park area near Blacks.

I nearly died at G-Land from having my leash tangled on a coral head. I should have pulled out long before but just had to milk a coulpe of extra barrel sections. The tide was out with Money Trees 8' and perfect, peeling down to about 4-5', ending mostly just before Speed Reef.

When I kicked out of my wave I paddled fast to duck the next one.
As I did so I struck the bottom with the nose of my board. Momentum lost, the wave sucked me back over. I landed on my feet in a squat but my leash was tangled on the reef. The sweep of all the surf rushing down the reef was very strong and toppled me over.

Now I was on my back with just 2' of water above me but the torrent was so strong I couldn't sit up to take off my leash or get a breath.

I remained calm and thought about it for a few seconds. I decided to try to slide my arse forward to my ankles by pulling my knees to my chest. This way I could get my hand on my ankle strap and undo it. When I released I was tumbled 30 yards further down the reef. When I got to my feet my board was still tied up and tombstoning.
Now I stay very aware of where my leash is dangling.
When they get streched too long, I don't use them at the more shallow spots I surf.

red · Post by **red** » Sun Sep 19, 2004 2:18 pm

Good feedback, thanks Bud.

Yeah, John, most blokes were pulling out before that section at Timae. Poto was just about the only one that was consistently going for it. Got the best tube of my life over it. Knew if I didn't come out that I'd be coral spread.