compressed gas for big waves?

[michaeldl]

there is talk of big wave riders using some sort of pony bottle setup for long hold downs where is it being straped on and are they using a special reg setup or just a typical dive pony bottle your imput would be welcomed cause a minuite under or more scares the tish outta me and I would definately like to surf some monsters thanks

[namino tsume]

I havent heard anything about but its not all that bad of an idea.

[VBnorthendsurfer]

def. not, even just having it would make me feel better.

[Guest]

I think it's a bad idea! :x

Big wave surfing is supposed to be difficult and dangerous, otherwise we'd all be doing it! If you can't hold your breath long enough, don't wipe-out or paddle-out. The elite are already catching bigger and bigger waves using tow-in boards, but adding more kit isn't right. What's next? G-suits? Spacesuits?

[michaeldl]

you are obviously not aware enough to understand yet.I can load a bullet in a gun and its only dangerous when I point it at somthing.stacking the odds in your favior only increases the chances of longer rides ,bigger waves more danger and equaly frightning consiquences addapt or die slow cuz stagnation is slow death.

[sandshark]

I'm a member now, so I'll respond directly to your comment:

I can load a bullet in a gun and its only dangerous when I point it at something

Well duh! But what has that got to do with surfing? :?

As for not understanding: I've been surfing for 22 years now and think I do know a little bit about waves and riding them; big or small.

As for stagnation: you want to give more people the chance to survive a big-wave wipe-out by giving them a tank of air? So more surfers can paddle out at more big breaks and surf these waves without worrying about getting a serious working over? I thought you hated crowds? Now you want to give any kook with a tank of air strapped to his back the chance to hassle you out of a big wave? Or worse still, get into a situation where his tank won't help him anyway?

The real big-wave surfers (not me by the way, it's out of my league & I know it) survive in those conditions because they are experienced, skilled, fit and strong enough to make it. They can hold their breath long enough and deserve to be there. Any old beach break local with a jetski and tank of compressed air does not!

As for the future, I already think surfing is going the wrong way with jetski's being used everywhere, not just in giant waves. When was the last time you saw pros paddling out all by themselves at a contest? Too many skis ruin the enviroment and make the pros job easier - which it shouldn't be.

Another new unneccessary piece of equipment in the water is the way to the death of fit surfers paddling themselves into waves because they worked hard to get in the right place in the first place. I suppose you think Laird should put a rocket on his next board and surf tsunami's? Yeah, that's the way forward for surfing....... :roll:

[VBnorthendsurfer]

i think he is talking about a small(strapped to your leg) pony bottle. with just enough air to last a few minutes while your get tossed around. in case of panic. he isnt saying strap on a scuba tank and gear and go srufing.

[Phil]

ok first of all a pony is pretty heavy plus with added reg its gonna get in the way alot, i know i scuba dive i would also like to see some one try and get the reg in there mouth while being smashed about in a wave TBH i cant see it happening plus if you take a lung full of air while under the water and dont breath out when you come up the air in your lungs could expand rupturing them and posably killing you

[sandshark]

Yes VB, I understand what a pony tank is. I am simply saying that anyone who needs ANOTHER piece of equipment to survive in the impact zone of giant surf shouldn't be there in the first place.

If the pros start using a pony tank, I'll be disappointed too. I cannot recall any surfers who have drowned in big waves in the last 10 years because they ran out of air? Foo hit his head, Chesser (we think) got tired and couldn't swim any further. Jay ran out of air, but he wasn't surfing. Neither of teh others would have had any use for a pony tank. Two or three wave hold-downs are hideous, but the danger of this is one of the reasons these guys go out there each time the surf is maxing! Making it easier to "wait-out" a set because you can hang there with a pony tank defeats the point, doesn't it? :?:

[VBnorthendsurfer]

yea you are right. i wasnt sure if you knew what he was trying to say. my bad just trying to help straighten things out. i agree, if you cant hack it dont go.