Navigating large swells

[Scott T-Bird]

Sounds like you know about with the east coast shore break. When I first saw the “surfers” in Virginia Beach head into the water I was amazed they were actually looking for shore break.

What I’d be concerned about is the Rock Break... From the video the swimmers were trying to stay in the channel away from the break water.

I was talking about the video with the surfers ... I guess that is Hawaii. They look perfectly relaxed, as if the break isn't anything they aren't used to. I wouldn't want to take a body surf ride over a reef, even a dead one like at Waikiki. But if they have a sandy beach, no problemo, I think.
I agree, the video that shows the guys in the water from the boat, should just swim until they get picked up, as they did.

 

[jssailem]

I watched that video a couple of times. Was not sure if I saw all the heads get picked up... Think I saw 4 in the water.
I agree with you about the Hawaii video... I have seen that one several times. It would be an exciting adventure. I would not choose that as a day sail opportunity.
The surfers I knew would not blink an eye at a "BIG BOAT" trying to spoil a perfectly good wave. Wipeouts were part of the experience. The missed wipeout and the curl of a lifetime was the reason for being.

 

[Scott T-Bird]

Wipeouts were part of the experience. The missed wipeout and the curl of a lifetime was the reason for being.

Wipeout! ALL time great (as Warner Wolf always says)

 

[jssailem]

You are playing my music from the 60's... What a gift to a drummer.. He gets the signature rift at the beginning of the song....

 

[Richard19068]

The guy standing on the coach roof has got the right idea. When the boat rolls, I would much rather go for a swim, even in big waves, than be tossed around inside a cockpit or a cabin. No need, even, for a PFD. If you can't swim a surf break to shore, you're not much of a swimmer!

A pfd would sure be nice after you got knocked in the head by the hull or rigging and couldn't figure out which way was up. I surf and understand that part of it but would still insist on a pfd if I were boating in that situation.