The Risks and Dangers of Extreme Water Sports in San Francisco Bay
San Francisco Bay has always been a hive of activity for watersports enthusiasts, with the cold, windy and rough waters of the Golden Gate acting as an irresistible lure for thrill-seekers for more than a decade.
The Rise of Hydrofoiling
Hydrofoiling has grown massively in popularity in recent years, with boarders skimming along the water’s surface at breakneck speeds of up to 40 miles per hour. This new sport uses boards that are fashioned to float two feet above the chop, and use a wing to create lift, much like an airplane.
One of the most thrilling aspects of hydrofoiling is when a board rider catches the wake of a passing commercial ship. This can produce a blissful ride that can last up to three miles. But it’s not without its dangers. “It’s enticing to get up there, close to the ship’s swell. That’s human nature. But it creates a major safety issue,” warns Captain Anne McIntyre of the San Francisco Bar Pilots.
Legal and Safety Issues
Despite the dangers, many bay area athletes still partake in extreme water sports. In fact, riders are actively seeking out commercial ships’ wakes for the unique opportunities they offer. But, “It’s going to be pretty insane if I don’t get run over or eaten by a shark!” says professional Hawaiian foil-surfer Kai Lenny, highlighting the very real risks involved.
One of the problems with hydrofoiling is that it can be extremely hazardous, not just for the riders but also for other vessels in the area. The U.S. Coast Guard and Bay Pilots are concerned with “splats,” the nickname given to irresponsible hydrofoilers who get too close to large vessels and frustrate ship captains.
The biggest issue is that commercial vessels travel at high speeds, carrying millions of dollars’ worth of cargo. These large ships can’t quickly stop, and it may take 1.5 miles for them to come to a halt. If hydrofoilers get too close, it increases the risk of accidents and collisions, which can cause major damage, significant environmental fallout, and even fatalities. Small vessels, such as hydrofoil boards, must stay out of the way of large boats, or face hefty fines.
Other Dangers
There are other risks involved with hydrofoiling. A foiler could fall and get run over by a vessel, or they could be sucked under a ship and into the propellers. The eddies beneath a ship’s hull are hazardous, as they can catch a boat or even a rider. It is a major safety issue, which has prompted the San Francisco Boardsailing Association to launch an educational campaign to prevent tragedy in those who venture too close.
Enjoying Extreme Water Sports Safely
Despite the obvious risks involved with hydrofoiling, it is still possible to enjoy extreme water sports safely. The San Francisco Boardsailing Association urges riders to stay at least 300 feet away from any commercial vessel. Foilers need to be positioned behind the ship, not alongside. The U.S. Coast Guard advises foilers to stay away from boats altogether, except when transiting the channel, not shotgunning the wake. The bottom line is that common sense and caution are the order of the day when practicing extreme water sports in San Francisco Bay.
Originally Post From https://www.montereyherald.com/2024/07/07/why-bay-area-athletes-are-chasing-container-ships-at-great-peril/
