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Communication
is Key: The Ways of Tow-In Surfing
Way out to sea sparkling light dances on between the
oceans alternating dark indigo hues of ink and midnight
blue. Hence why in earlier days some surfers referred
to waves breaking outwards of a half a mile or more
as "Blue Birds". Some people consider the
blue bird the bird of happiness. For big wave riders
the blue birds of happiness take on a whole new dimension,
literally!
Up
until recently only a handful of surfers have experienced
surfing these waves that some call the outer realm and
others the bombara. Waves that break this far out are
usually in 40 feet or deeper water. Mathematically if
you use the Doc. Paskowitz way of measuring waves a
general rule is: a breaking wave will be at least as
high as the water is deep. It could be a 100 foot wave
breaking in 40 feet deep water however you're guaranteed
at least a forty footer.
As
waves increase in size they tend to take on slow motion
look. In reality they are moving very fast. Paddling
out in waves of this magnitude requires a lot more than
surfing prowess. One should have a masters in waterman's
skills, with a bachelors in swimming, not to mention
a Ph.D. in control of personal mental facilities. All
this considered if your surfing big waves for the first
time consider wearing yellow board shorts --- should
you accidentally tinkle out of fear no one will notice.
In
the early 90's big wave aficionado Laird Hamilton was
the first to use motor power to surf the huge outside
waves in Hawaii. Towing in behind a gray zodiac Hamilton
was able to surf larger waves further out and ride longer
than ever before. Eventually the zodiac was traded in
for a jet ski. The training wheels had flown off conventionality
and what some had thought to be impossible. This set
the stage for an entire universe of possibilities to
be realized.
While
paddling out is a solitary experience tow in surfing
is all about the team A team consists of a driver and
surfer. Communication is paramount. The surfer being
towed does the directing. The driver has to use his
or her own judgment while looking forward and maintaining
good communication with the surfer behind at all times.
With the towrope distance of about 15 feet between the
surfer and the roar of the jet skies engine simple communication
can be difficult at best. Hand singles had to be developed.
Hand
singles proved to be an effective form of communication.
Go faster, slow down, which wave to catch and other
information important to the success of the quest is
relayed enabling two people to work as one. Aeronautical
engineer Michael Lehman also known as Wind maintained
" 1 person working harmoniously with another 1
will be 11 times stronger."
In
tow surfing communication is important for survival
and success. It's even more crucial for everyday life.
Clear honest communication is essential for ourselves
and others to maintain healthy thriving relationships.
The basis of all good communication is truth. If we
are honest with ourselves we will be honest with others.
It
helps to be a good communicator by practicing communicating.
If we only associate with people we know or only talk
to people with our own interests and likes, everyone
loses out. If you are older you may want to have a conversion
with someone younger. You may discover something you
didn't know that could cause a positive change in your
life. If you play music talk with someone in sport,
or vice versa. There is always something in common even
in the diverse. If something is bothering you about
a partner, friend or family situation don't hold it
in. At work develop relationships with those above and
below. Receive as well as give information, feelings,
and emotion for the benefit of all. The time to hone
communication skills is now. " This is life, it's
not a dress rehearsal" as Del Mars illuminate Lee
Stein is fond of saying.
Words
and hand gestures are not our only forms of communication.
Actions speak volumes as well as facial expressions.
Where there is open communication you'll find harmony,
prosperity and peace. Where communication is lacking
there is usually disaster.
In
the worlds top 50 big wave surfers is Ross Clark- Jones
and Tony Ray of Australia. While tow surfing on what
has become known as Biggest Wednesday, some of the largest
waves ever surfed; Clark-Jones and Ray were mauled by
a massive 60 footer. Somehow their communication had
failed. While they did survive, the results could have
gone south. Don't let communication fail you.
The
better your communication skills the higher chance you
have of achieving your hopes, aspirations and dreams
for a better future. Where there is good honest communication
you'll find the blue bird of happiness. May the blue
bird of happiness always be with you. See you in the
surf
The Willis Bros. are surfing experts recognized for
surfing the worlds largest waves and teaching thousands
in Hawaii and California to surf.
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