New York Safe Boating - 2020 - 72

BOATING RELATED ACTIVITES

You'll make mistakes as you learn to sail, so try to keep to
uncongested areas at first, and try out your skills in light
winds. Learn to respect your boom. It can knock you or
your passengers off the boat, and can cause serious injuries!
If you have a smaller sailboat, practice capsizing on a hot day
so you are not surprised the first time it accidentally happens
to you.

If you plan to take up windsurfing, you may consider the
following additional equipment which will offer a safer and
more comfortable experience:

	Harness
	Wet/Dry Suit
	Footwear
	Helmet
	PFD- a sailboard is considered a boat in New

Wind Surfing
Windsurfing (or boardsailing) is a sport that combines sailing
and surfing and uses a one-person craft called a sailboard.
The basic sailboard is composed of a board and a sail rig
attached together by a universal joint. The universal joint
allows full manual movement of the sail through the use of a
wishbone boom. By standing on the rudderless board and
maneuvering the sail, the windsurfer harnesses the wind and
waves to glide across the water. Sail boards are capable of
moderately high speeds and are usually used on lakes, or
close to shore on the ocean, sometimes within the surf zone.

York State and must carry a PFD (as well as other
equipment required by New York State law). The
best place to stow the PFD is on your body!

IF YOU SAIL, WEAR YOUR PFD AND LEARN TO SWIM!

Boat Rental

You don't have to own a boat to be a boater. All across the
state there are boat liveries that rent boats to the public.
Liveries can even rent to someone without a boating safety
certificate who is at least 18 years of age even when the boat
is a rental. Inspect the boat before renting it. Review the
capacity plate before you leave the dock. Never exceed the
capacity plate of the boat: Don't carry too many passengers
and check that the motor doesn't exceed the rated
horsepower on the capacity plate. Be sure to check these
other things during your inspection:

Wind surfers can travel over flat water as long as there is
enough wind. They can also cut into breaking waves and
perform spectacular stunts. Different variations of wind
surfing include speed sailing, slalom course racing, and
freestyle. Novice windsurfers can take lessons and most will
be able to sail, steer and turn the craft after just a few hours
of instruction.
Different sails are used for different purposes. Wave sails
are reinforced to survive in the surf. Freestyle sails are
designed for low-end power to allow for quick acceleration.
Free-ride sails are for all around use and are easy to use
and appropriate for the recreational sailboarder. Racing sails
provide speed, but sacrifice maneuverability and comfort.

	Make sure that all fuel hose and electrical wires

are in good condition and not cracked, kinked or
damaged.

	Inspect gas tanks to make sure they are full.
Remember gauges may read inaccurately.

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New York Safe Boating - 2020

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of New York Safe Boating - 2020
