Surfers in the Rip Curl Pro Search surfing contest scheduled for Ocean Beach in November will have to paddle out and catch waves just like the Kelly’s Cove locals, as the National Park Service has decided to prohibit all personal watercraft except for those used by lifeguards at the event. Thanks to @OBBulletin for the tweet.
Time limits for each heat are 30 minutes? Takes about 15 minutes + to paddle out, get into position another 10 + minutes, try to predict the currents, hell, heat's over by then!
What about team boats out there launched from inside the Bay/Marina, or just N. of the gate, you know, that place below V1sta P01nt?
It'll be interesting to see what happens if we get a big swell like the past couple of Novembers.
Durgerian also noted that there are no special restrictions on boats at Ocean Beach, and the contest could use inflatable Zodiac boats or other boats.
Done.
@Makai I'm not certain but I thought that competitors could paddle out pre heat and wait for the starting horn. As long as they don't catch a wave before their heat begins? Not necessarily a beach start. Really not sure??? Anyone know the ASP rules on this? They did use jet ski assist at the Cold Water Classic at the Lane not sure if it was last year or year before. Basically competitors got a ride back up to the peak via ski. If you've ever tried to paddle against the current there on a swell you know, better to get out and walk back up.
It's not a beach start. They can get out to the line up pre-heat. I've seen this at many asp contents. The jetski assist is about helping them get form end-of-ride back to the lineup and mostly makes for more waves per heat. But with the OB current, it could get pretty interesting.
A jetski or boat ride out? What are they, pussies? Eff those guys if they can't deal with the paddle out. That's part of being a waterman and a pro. I do recall a contest at OB back in the day when only two pros made it out. Guess what - contest 1 and 2!
If you don't have the stones to deal with OB''s harsh paddle you shouldn't call yourself a pro. Given a macking swell, my bet is some guys will get hosed and some guys won't.
Here's another wrinkle on the make it out issue - which wave they pick and how long they ride it? We all know what happens when you take it inside on an early wave in a 30+ wave set - you don't get back out until the set is over. Lots of interesting scenarios.
Watching guys duck dive for 20 minutes makes for a boring event. However, just because it takes us working stiffs 20 minutes to get out doesn't mean the pros won't make it out quickly. I know i spend most of my 15 second ride eyeing the next set coming in but the pros will ride it to the very end. Just got word I have to be in New Jersey Nov 1-3. That sucks for me. Hopefully they will be suring on Friday the 4th so I can catch some of the action.
Look, these guys are PROS and they're a helluva lot fitter than the average weekend warrior. They are machines and they will kill it regardless. Why are so many people obsessed about the paddle out?! I saw Bobby Martinez on a DOH warbly, stormy day a few years ago and he had ZERO issue with the paddle, it was a blast to watch. I can't wait to see what the top guys are going to do. If we're lucky, we'll get waves like this:
http://photos.surfline.com/view_image.php?pid=71258&pos=294&aid=12&sort=...
http://photos.surfline.com/view_image.php?pid=71259&pos=293&aid=12&days=...
Maybe. OB isn't the only beach with a difficult paddle out and rip. I've had just as much trouble on a big day in Playa Hermosa. Granted it was breaking a lot closer to shore.
I am glad. It will provide for some honest feedback of OB. God knows i get bombed on out there.
