Rob Mousley

Monday, 1st March, 2010 saw one of the strongest southeasters of the season hit Cape Town.  Cape Point was registering an average of 40kt, gusting to 46kt.  Roman Rock lighthouse showed an average of 39kt.

There’s a right way and a wrong way…

Two unidentified paddlers (from the UK, according to the NSRI), one a novice, decided to launch at 3 Anchor Bay near the Cape Town CBD.  Understand that at 3 Anchor Bay, the southeaster blows OFF shore.  Also, because it had been blowing for several days, an upwelling had brought frigid water to the surface.

So they were venturing out into a strong 25-30kt (and getting stronger) offshore wind and very cold water.

The two paddlers were wearing baggies; one of them had a cap...  They had no PFDs; no paddle leashes; no body leashes; no cellphone; no radio and no flares.

Almost immediately, the novice paddler fell off and had difficulty getting back on his ski.

Increasing in strength all the time, the wind was pushing them straight out to sea.

Monday, 1st March, 2010 saw one of the strongest southeasters of the season hit Cape Town.  Cape Point was registering an average of 40kt, gusting to 46kt.  Roman Rock lighthouse showed an average of 39kt.

There’s a right way and a wrong way…

Two unidentified paddlers (from the UK, according to the NSRI), one a novice, decided to launch at 3 Anchor Bay near the Cape Town CBD.  Understand that at 3 Anchor Bay, the southeaster blows OFF shore.  Also, because it had been blowing for several days, an upwelling had brought frigid water to the surface.

So they were venturing out into a strong 25-30kt (and getting stronger) offshore wind and very cold water.

The two paddlers were wearing baggies; one of them had a cap...  They had no PFDs; no paddle leashes; no body leashes; no cellphone; no radio and no flares.

Almost immediately, the novice paddler fell off and had difficulty getting back on his ski.

Increasing in strength all the time, the wind was pushing them straight out to sea.

We first published this story in 2009, but it's no less relevant today.  Ten of the best surfski paddlers in the world give advice and tell their stories about getting out through big surf...

We first published this story in 2009, but it's no less relevant today.  Ten of the best surfski paddlers in the world give advice and tell their stories about getting out through big surf...