Yes the rumours are true (well some of them anyway). Last Saturday we went to Cervantes to try to get some decent wind, which we did. After a happy afternoon of fanging around I came unstuck on the lump halfway through a gybe and lost the board and the boom. My arms and legs went everywhere and unfortunately my right ankle came between the board and the mast just as the mast slammed down onto the board.

(The rumours that I got my foot stuck in the strap during a smash, I completely snapped my leg, I broke my back and was shot by terrorists are all untrue - maybe next time.)

Ouch. Well it was more like 5-minutes of floating on my back screaming really. In spite of the pain the first thing I did was grab my board (Exocet Cross 84). I didn't have a clue what I had done, but I knew my foot area was a might painful, so I tried to wave down others in the area to no avail.

It was a solid side on-shore where I was (I was on a very downhauled 5.25m Tushy Storm and still a little overpowered.) so I thought I had better consider rescuing myself as no-one knew I was in trouble.

The only option I had was to semi water start with both heels on the board for control. The right one was a little uncomfortable, but you get that, so I used it for balance only. I was about 1km out I guess and had my bouyancy vest on. After a long process I managed to get to shore about 100m down from where we had rigged. By that stage some of the guys I was with realised something was up and came to my assistance.

The ankle was badly swollen and I could not put any weight on it, so I hopped everywhere that evening after some first aid, and the following day rocked up to Murdoch hospital. The doc suspected it was just badly swollen and told my to ignore the pain and try to use it as best as possible. Get an Xray just to be sure though. So I did then and there (haven't got the bill yet, but I can imagine on a Sunday). I hopped back to the docs, who took one look and said oops, she was wrong and keep my weight off of it, as the small leg bone (fibia I think) was broken at the bottom (but still in place luckily).

Went to the orthapedic surgeon on the Tuesday, who fitted me with a removable cast and off I went. Won't be windsurfing for at least 6-weeks.

Thanks to Ted, Glynn, Brian and Mark for all their help on the weekend. Sorry I put a damper on it for you.

P.S. If anyone can give me some tips on gybing on small to medium swell I would appreciate it. I can get it most of the time on Lucky Bay, but out in the open I have no idea. The same technique just does not seem to work.

Have fun without me

I had kind of similar experience at Coronation few weeks ago - broke the mast a fair way out but luckily did not get hurt.
I did not try to waterstart as it did not seem feasible to lift the rig out of the water. I considered de rigging but thought it was likely the rig would sink. I decided to swim it back to the beach, which took me about 45 minutes. It was nearly dark by the time I got back. Luckily there was a German kiter out there who kept an eye out on me and even tried to pull me to the beach (very hard as it pushed my head under water whilst hanging on his harness with one hand and on to my rig with the other ). But thanks mate, it was great to know someone knew I was out there (my friends only spotted my board upside down when I was nearly back).

Anyone has any tips on getting back with broken mast (just above the boom)? The only thing that comes to mind is to ditch the rig (or try to salvage what you can) and paddle back on the board.

With regards gybing in the swell: I had/have the same problem, I can nail my gybes in safety bay and even between the waves at Coronation, however the succes ratio falls when in the swell.

I think my problem was standing too far back on the board, which made me loose lot more speed and the board stalls half way through the turn. This is easier to overcome on flat water than in the swell.

I think it might also be a mental factor as I do feel bit scared (little voice in my head saying: "oh no, I'm not gonna make this one and I hate water starting in the swell where the water is dark!!!" ).
So I stand back (seems safer, further away from the water - right - where is the logic in that) and the board stalls, and I loose balance when the next wave comes.

Moving weight forward, sheeting in harder, bending in the knees made a huge difference on flat water (faster gybes, carving through the turn, still planning on exit).

I also look for a flat bit of water or use a face of wave to give me extra bit of speed and remind myself to move forward not to stall the board. Also remember if you move forward you will stand over the the board where the volume is, so more balance if you loose speed.

And above all: Full commitment!!!

Cheers

Looks like a good recovery method for a broken mast.
I just wonder whether this method would be as easy to execute in strong wind and big swell as it seems to be on the grass shown in the pics.

definately worth a try though.

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Originally posted by mjm108

Looks like a good recovery method for a broken mast.
I just wonder whether this method would be as easy to execute in strong wind and big swell as it seems to be on the grass shown in the pics.

definately worth a try though.

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Those were my thoughts as well, but thanks nebbian for posting up the link. The site has quite a few safety tips.

Hi Combs, sorry to hear about your ankle. I spent a week in Cervantes a couple of years ago and remember having some really choppy days and mad wind. First time I sailed on a 3.5 in Oz.

On another subject, your Board. How do you find the Cross 84, been trying to get some feedback but no one seemed to have one. I'm looking to replace my Exo OW 85, as I don't get out in the surf often something a bit faster and blasty wouuld be good. As my smallest board I would want something that will work down to a 4m in B&J sailing (I'm 85kg) and this is also a board my 50kg wife would use as a general use board.

Des

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Originally posted by Combs



My other 'big' board is a 1.5ltr Mistral Screamer, which I find is a nice slalom board.

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Do they make them that small?