I drive a tug and it seems that ever since the superferry fiasco on kauai we are having more and more close calls with one man paddlers all over Hawaii.
Every paddler in Hawaii should understand that if you are in front of a tug and barge they can't stop, most of the time in our small harbors there is just no room to maneuver out of the way, if something happens and you flip your boat in front of the tug you will die! Is it that important that you cross in front of that tug? you decide! but before you do understand where you stand on our list of responsibilities. #1. safety of our crew #2. safety of the vessel. #3. safety of our tow. #4. safety of our cargo. #6. safety of the environment. #7 safety of the public. that is you guys
I don't know about you but if it was me and I was 7th on the list I would think twice about crossing in front of a tug and barge.
YOU DO NOT HAVE THE RIGHT OF WAY IN A NARROW CHANNEL!!!
and where you do have the right of way just remember the old saying...
here lies John Smith he was right dead right but now he is just as dead as if he was wrong.
please enjoy the ocean and have fun but be safe and sensible and go home in one piece
Thanks for letting me rant.
Submitted by tugguy on Fri, 02/29/2008 - 8:46pm
Safety of the Cargo more important than public safety? Do you work for Halliburton?
#1 Fri, 02/29/2008 - 9:19pm
Holy S--T WTF ?
Where to start ???!!!
So: Part one / reactionary post.
Paddler, swimmer, sailor or other ( HUMAN flotsam ) no matter how ignorant or candidate worthy of the Darwin award they are is just about to go under your bow .... are you saying you are gonna robotically keep you hand off the rudder or throttle in the name of 1-6 ? If this is the case
PLEASE expound on your worst case scenario training.
#2 Fri, 02/29/2008 - 9:37pm
Excellent, about time for another controversial thread haha...
I understand rule 1 I think but it seems like rule 7 should be moved before 2. Is your ship more valuable than even some random persons life. I paddle in Newport Harbor usually and for the last year there have been dredges and barges going back and forth through the harbor. I understand that they can't turn or stop etc so I give them wide berth. So does everyone I paddle with. Anyone who doesn't I can see why you get mad at them and yes it may be there stupid decision. But are you really going to put your cargo in front of them. What are you towing thats so much more valuable than a persons life? Most of the barges here just ferry dirt and sludge out to the middle of the ocean to dump it. Is that sludge worth more than anyones life?
If we all misread something then sorry but I think theres a few people here who have some questions about your company's priorities.
#3 Fri, 02/29/2008 - 10:05pm
Non-reactionary post from experience.
Sorry man, please tell me if I am wrong but your post sounded threatening. Will you hold the line ? What if it was someone you knew or YOUR FAMILY ?
I know you know, not everyone 'gets it' and for sure there are those who don't even know you are connected to something else or feel compelled to 'beat the train' across.
Are you guys blasting them with horn ? Can only hope all those Coasties are watching or are within earshot to vindicate you guys.
Only have my "six pack" rating but I know ( from commercial experience ) how frustrating it is to have to put everyone on the boat @ risk for some idiot. ME ( you ) seeing and knowing the Jetski does not see the skier / tow line for example.
Everyone here .. These guys are good and care but physics limit them to what they can do in an emergency and I think that is what is the source of frustration.
Not as bad out on open water but once they commit to a line inside, priorities change drastically and only so much they can do.
Even if they are a MILE away outside, if they are moving @ 15kts, they will be on you in 4 minutes.
Sorry, not sure what even got me on all this, I know you guys know but maybe the lurkers will glean something.
#4 Fri, 02/29/2008 - 10:07pm
#5 Sun, 06/08/2008 - 12:01pm
I'm pretty sure that there are some people that still don't get it (I think I paddle with some of them), so for those people:
Think of it as falling off your bike in front of a semi. Because of the physics involved, the semi needs a certain amount of braking distance to be able to stop, so if you fall off too close, you will get smashed even if the driver immediately slams on the brakes. Same principles, except of course you're on the water. Even if Mother Teresa was driving the boat, she wouldn't be able to stop. So stay out of their way.
#6 Fri, 02/29/2008 - 10:56pm
Step 4; Laugh enough to miss grip on beer
Step 5; Rush fizzing beer over to sink while drinking as as fast as poss.
Step 6; Turn carpet clean up into arm workout using wife's favorite towel.
Avoid step 7
#7 Fri, 02/29/2008 - 10:57pm
O.k maybe I should spell out the facts a little more clearly
1 The safety of the crew that one is obvious
2 the safety of the vessel.... without the vessel the crew's chances of survival are diminished
3 ,4,5 and 6
would you want to be the person responsible for a 2 million gallon fuel spill in Kahului, Nawilliwilli, Hilo or wherever? think about it? if the cargo is not fuel maybe cement, the cement barge sinks at the entrance to Kahului harbor, that means nobody on Maui gets any cargo (food or fuel) until the harbor is cleared.
The legal consequences of large fuel spill from a tug in the 50000+ gallon range (tugs carry 50k to 160k gallons on board) could wipe out even a large company putting everybody out of work and the crew in jail.
Now you tell me if you are behind the controls of a tug and some idiot decides that he needs to cross in front of you what will you do? if you cause a spill you could end up in jail get your house repo'd your kids in foster care, so what will you do?
I am not threatening anybody, I just don't want to be the guy that has to make that decision because some paddler is ignorant about the rules of the road.
every one has a right to be on the water I just ask that you are careful and considerate.
#8 Fri, 02/29/2008 - 11:07pm
Yep, tough call,
Kill someone because you were worried about your job, environment, reputatation or losing your job due to 'saving' that persons life........ or deal with post non-kill consquences.
I guess those are the perils of the job and amalgamate down to personal choices like everything in life eh ? I don't envy the person who has those choices hanging over their head. Hope yo are getting big $$$ to deal with it.
#9 Fri, 02/29/2008 - 11:31pm
Honestly, I think tugguy is right. You're a stupid **** if you get in front of the path of a barge or ship -- especially when it's easy enough to stay outside the harbor buoys when there is traffic or paddle around the back of the vessel. And I'm sure a ship captain would do everything possible not to run you over, but the fact is the situation can be avoided entirely. It's much easier to stay out of the way on your 20 lb oc1 than for a 100 ton ship avoid hitting you.
I'm rather pleased tugguy took the time to come vent here where it reaches paddlers directly, rather than take it to the newspaper where I imagine it could only stir up trouble for our sport.
But hey, if I'm on the wrong side of the fence, feel free to grill me too.
Oh, and I agree with koors, any increase in stupid people is probably unrelated to the superferry.
#10 Sat, 03/01/2008 - 11:01am
I changed my mind-Run em' over! Ramming speeeeed!!
#11 Sat, 03/01/2008 - 11:26am
I've got to agree with tugguy. Where are you going on a one man that you need to jam in front of a tug boat or a ship going in the harbor? It's more important to jeopradize all kinds of people so that you have to stop? I've seen a number of people do that in front of Honolulu Harbor. That's stupid. Serves you right if you get run over and die.
#12 Sat, 03/01/2008 - 2:52pm
Maybe tugguy's post was a bit harshly worded but commonsense says we can turn or stop in a canoe length. I don't think a tug can. If you misjudge it, you pay the price, its not even going to scratch the tug.
Anyways, I'd rather just hang out behind them and surf their wake.
#13 Sat, 03/01/2008 - 3:02pm
Halliburton Seaman's manual chapter 8. sec. 42c
"All human powered craft are to be summarily run down and destroyed as they should have known better and are probably pinko liberal tree huggin' commie environmentalists anyhow."
#14 Sat, 03/01/2008 - 3:17pm
Ship captains can't be held reliable for their actions...tugguy your silly!
Case and Point - Exxon Valdeez, the captain can be a drunk and run a tanker aground and not worry about a thing - whats one measly paddler in the grand scheme of a captains career.
#15 Sat, 03/01/2008 - 7:42pm
I agree with tugguy's reasoning to post, and he could of left out some parts but I got the point. If the tug boat guys are coming on here I honestly would have to believe they have filed complaints to the coast gaurd. And if we go back a little while ago and remember how quickly things can change for paddlers once the coast gaurd gets involved. I paddle in Nawiliwili and I will definately stay clear. I wouldn't wanna blow it for everyone else.
#16 Sat, 03/01/2008 - 9:40pm
Thanks for all the responses, other than a couple of idiots, and you guys know who you are. I think you guys get the picture. sorry to be so blunt but people need to wise up!
The last thing I would want is for the coasties or the state to regulate your sport, make you get a permit, carry life jackets and radios, I was into windsurfing when it first came to the main land, several states mandated the a life jacket must be on board, I don't think anybody would like that to happen to paddling in Hawaii
The ocean is one of the last places we have freedom, but with freedom comes responsibility not only to the guy on the tug but our kids that will have to live with any regulations that we brought on ourselves due to our ignorance.
While the last thing I want is to hurt any body, make no mistake if a guy on a oneman wants to play Russian roulette and cross in front of a tug, something happens and he flips the thing, there is pretty much no choice to make. It will be sad for him, but he was the one who made the choice to spin the cylinder.
Regarding the superferry thing I think that after that incident some people feel more empowered to exercise their imagined right of way on the water.
dot808, Tug boaters are used to having small boats do stupid crap but things are getting out of control. Paddlers are being more and more bold and numerous all the time. and tug traffic has increased a lot in the last few years.
I have spoken to the coast guard guys in Nawiliwili, they said that they are just as frustrated with paddlers crossing in front of their vessels too. no b.s. that is the truth......That should really worry you guys.
#17 Sat, 03/01/2008 - 9:57pm
As usual, a few bad eggs spoil it for everyone else. Same thing is happening here in Australia.
On the other hand, Commercial Motor Vessels also have a few bad eggs. Twice now i have had close calls with Commercial Fishing boats with their wheel house unattended and the boat on auto pilot, both within 1 km ( .6miles) of a busy harbour entrance. When passing the offending vessels the skipper is out the back hosing down the boat and shits himself when i yell abuse. Obviously the early warning radar alarm (if they have it with the autopilot) doesn't pickup small canoes.
Both paddlers and Commercial boaters need to be aware of each other, there's big and small on the ocean out there and both have responsibilities to the other.
Cheers Rambo
#18 Sat, 03/01/2008 - 11:38pm
Tugguy is right.
He is trying to let paddlers know the tug, or freighter (or large boat that can't see a small canoe) can't stop quickly. Paddlers must use their common sense (is this a contradition?) to be careful so they don't get hurt.
Besides, the Coast Guard will fine you big time if you the paddler cause an accident. You don't have right of way as you are the more manueverable craft.
Keizo is on the mark. And so is Rambo and some of the others on this thread. So be smart, paddle safe, don't get in the way of real watermen like tugguy who is working for a living and don't post stupid responses making paddlers look like a bunch of selfish idiots.
#19 Sun, 03/02/2008 - 7:44am
Agreed; there'll always be knuckleheads piloting any vessel so it pays to be very aware and not put yourself in precarious positions unless you have to.
Years ago we were out fishing when a tug towing a barge was coming through the channel. Then we see a sailboat cruising along on a tack that has him headed straight in between tug & barge. I guess who was ever on helm figured they could thread the needle , obviously unaware that in order for a barge to move it must be towed, by a large menacing cable. The tug see's the danger and gives some blasts on the horn; no change in sailboats course. So just before the sailboat is about to get clotheslined, the tug stops all (maybe even some reverse) and sinks the cable deep enough just as the sailboat cruises between the two crafts. I don't think the dude sailing that boat had any clue; he just kept on his tack showing no recognition of what just happened. The tug then takes up slack and continues on his way, probably shaking his head in just another day on the water. We were all pretty impressed and still talk about it.
I treat tugs on the water like I do freight-trucks on highway; they live there day to day; plenty of sharp folks behind wheel as there are boneheads. So I just rely on my own good sense out there (when it's available...).
#20 Sun, 03/02/2008 - 7:51am
1) tugguy's message is 100% spot-on. Regardless of the rules, or right-of-way, or some skipper's priorities, just have some common sense. Don't put yourself into a situation where you're going to get run over by watercraft that can't do anything to avoid you. Again, you may be "right", but what does it matter if you're dead?
2) tugguy needs a lesson or two in effective communication. He's got a point, but he comes off as an a$$. If you really have something to say, (especially something as relevant and/or important as this) don't alienate your audience - just get your message out.
#21 Sun, 03/02/2008 - 8:05am
#22 Sun, 06/08/2008 - 12:02pm
It all comes down to: some people have common sense and/or sound judgement and some people don't. Some people have common sense but poor judgement so they take risks. Some people have no common sense and sound judgement. The risks of their actions outweigh the benefits. Pick any combination...you know which one you are, or if you don't, your friends can tell you. You see where I am going.
Here is my only tug boat experience because I feel that I have fairly good judgement and do have a degree from CSU...Common Sense University. As you know, Nawiliwili harbor can be rather busy. Cruise ships, coast guard, fishing vessels, 2 canoe clubs, hobie rentals, kayakers, swimmers, paddleboarders, sailboat races, propane/fuel barge, matson, young brothers, and so on. I was paddling in the harbor 2 weeks ago and a tug boat had just escorted a cruise ship outside the harbor. As always, I stay far away. Not just because I have a 50 ton Masters Captains license, operated tour boats for years, and understand the rules of the road, but common sense tells me to stay clear. What happened next really amazed. As I rounded the breakwall from outside the harbor and headed for Huleia Rivermouth (small boat harbor), I noticed the tug boat was heading back in also. What amazed me was that he was approaching (overtaking?) me from 200 yards back and gaining fast. I'm talking fast. I was looking back left and right and really not sure if he saw me. I was trying to anticipate his move, but the sheer speed of approach raised my heart rate out of my target zone. We made eye contact with each other. I was looking directly behind and he was looking directly down. Now keep in mind, when you say narrow channel...it's relative (think cruise ship or barge under tow or sailboat). I gave more than enough room (the whole channel) for him to pass on the right, but he chose to point the bow down my ass (to prove a point?). At the last minute, or more like last second, Mr. Im-sick-of-1man-paddlers-getting-in-my-way-tugboat-guy turned right "perpendicular on a dime"...and headed for the pier. I actually stopped to make eye contact again (after I surfed his bow wake)...more like stink-eye contact. So this tugboat...was not under tow and not restricted in his ability to maneuver, just returning to the pier, just proving a point. Was I the "give-way vessel†and him the “stand-on vessel� Check your rules of the road on overtaking. Was he trying to prove a point? Did a 1-man paddler piss him off before? Was this road rage on the water? He proved his point? Actually, he proved my point...some people have common sense and/or sound judgement and some people don't.
#23 Sun, 03/02/2008 - 9:25am
getting in the way of a big boat by choice is stooopid. the physics is not in the paddler's favor... tugguy's rant about not being able to maneuver is totally correct.... but not even making an attempt to prevent running over someone in the water is MURDER. straight up, saying it right here. especially if you have stated it plain for all to see what your priorities are. you may be frustrated by some guys in the past who were foolish, but keahiolalo's label of road rage is spot on... sounds like road rage to me... you have an attitude of grim satisfaction about having someone flip in front of your boat- "oh you stupid sh*t, you better not flip, i will grind you up..."
whatever... point taken tugguy.. and some padders act stupid. and you're a dick.
#24 Sun, 03/02/2008 - 2:30pm
betcha tuggy would steer clear of this
#25 Sun, 03/02/2008 - 5:14pm
O.k. so I guess I should explain in even more detail for the slow ones in the back of the class. A tug may be rated less than 200 gross tons, that has nothing to do with the actual weight of the boat that is a measure of it's cargo carrying capacity. so a 199 ton tug actually weighs over 1200 tons. now the barge weights can vary but a heavy barge is carrying around 6000 to 8000 tons of cargo, never mind the weight of the barge itself.
Now we have drooling, knuckle dragging (not you smarter guys out there) paddler 200 pounds + boat I dunno 30 pounds I guess = 230 pounds
Drooling, knuckle dragger crosses in front of tug pulling barge at maybe 4 knots in a narrow channel, falls off his little paddle boat, tug turns onto rocks to avoid killing idiot, tug sticks fast on rocks barge follows tug, barge crushes tug and all inside. Idiot paddles away.
or.....
Drooling, knuckle dragger crosses in front of tug pulling barge at maybe 4 knots in a narrow channel, falls off his little paddle boat, tug blows horn five times (the international danger signal) tug steers barely missing idiot. tug manages to avoid rocks. barge comes behind hitting idiot crushing his skull. coast guard investigates, asks tug captain what did you do to avoid idiot, " I blew my horn five times and skillfully steered my boat away as much as I could" coast guard investigator looks sad. asks tug captain if he is o.k. end of investigation.
or......
Smart, good looking, athletic oc paddler enjoying some exercise in the sun decides to cross channel, looks both ways sees tug, decides to stay on his side of the channel for a few more minutes, tug passes Smart, good looking athletic oc paddler, wave as they pass, admire Smart, good looking athletic oc paddler and smiling they both continue on their way.
For you really slow ones I can draw a picture if that would help.
and dacho I may be dick but if you can't see that I am trying to save your worthless ass from being killed and your sport from stupid regulations then you are the Drooling, knuckle dragger and there is no hope for you. look over you shoulder it may be me in that tug behind you
#26 Sun, 03/02/2008 - 9:25pm
sorry didn't know you had a jesus syndrome trying to save worthless asses like myself... keep your missionary work for your lady. us pagans do just fine thanks.. i don't need you to save me, i know enough to stay clear of 200 ton vessels and fine upstanding citizens like yourself...maybe the drool impeded my thinking, and i meant to type something different but the knuckles keeps getting in the way... golly gee willakers, i sure wish people will one day call me a "smart, good looking, athletic, oc paddler".... i can dream, can't i?
like i said in my earlier post, i think you're right about the boat. and like i said in my earlier post, still a dick.
#27 Mon, 03/03/2008 - 5:07am
Total dick, and kind of wierd, too. Smart, good looking, athletic? You forgot good dancer and cuddler. Paddlers should stay out of the way of 200 ton ships, though. Maybe Nawiliwili isn't the best place for recreational boaters. Is there a safer spot nearby?
#28 Mon, 03/03/2008 - 5:23am
"look over you shoulder it may be me in that tug behind you"
beyond the physical danger of staying away from tugs, i'll make sure to stay clear simply for the reason of not having the captain checking me out, commenting on his radio to his buddy about the "smart, good looking, athletic, oc paddler" in front of him.. creepy.. of course, not that there's anything wrong with that...
#29 Mon, 03/03/2008 - 6:30am
bluewater sailors moto...it's not gay if you are underway......
I have way more important things to do that hang out on a site that I have very little interest in hopefully I have raised some awareness, you guys have fun out there
later
#30 Mon, 03/03/2008 - 7:15am
tugguy, all else aside, thanks for the heads up. it's been fun.
#31 Mon, 03/03/2008 - 7:24am
I am a paddler, been around paddlers for a long time and have best friends that are paddlers, they are generally excellent folk but one thing they don't excel in is common sense. Never count on a paddler having good common sense. Its the nature of the sport. if you had common sense you would have never started paddling.
poo
#32 Mon, 03/03/2008 - 11:02am
PooPoo, you should be commissioned to write a closing statement in all books and movies, such is your wit.
Luv ya. ... more Poo to you.
Cheers Rambo
#33 Mon, 03/03/2008 - 11:57am
Tugguy,
You wouldn't be bringing this topic up in regards to a specific incident outside of Hilo bay last week would you?...
#34 Mon, 03/03/2008 - 8:59pm
Saw a double out there tonite ... das' a lotta ocean to 'avoid'.
#35 Mon, 03/03/2008 - 9:15pm
Guys, honestly, I think we need to give tugguy a break here. Sure hes a little abrasive in his approach but what hes really just saying is be wary that a tugboat can F* a paddler up. Sometime we tend to feel a little invunerable out there. It's also pretty useful to know the 'attitude' that some of these drivers might have out there when your contemplating any maneuvers around them.
#36 Tue, 04/01/2008 - 12:01am
"Rules of the Road" They don't apply in a harbor? I was always trained that craft (without motor propulsion) have the right away. This includes sailboats and personal powered watercraft. I don't know, maybe rules have changed a little in the past week. I have been a Navy Harbor Patrol guy for a little over 11 years now and we work hand in hand with FOSS Tugs. I think "Rules of the Road" apply everywhere IALA B....
But, I would not take any uneccesary chances crossing in front of a TUG...that's just me.
~Shawn
#37 Tue, 04/01/2008 - 12:44am
The way I think of it is when it comes to "right of way" on the ocean,- little ole me on my OC-1', - well I don't have any rights I am at the bottom of the food chain, so I stay out of the way of the big boats ! They will chomp you up !
#38 Tue, 04/01/2008 - 6:16am
Give Tugguy a break, he is just trying to let us all know the safety issues..Common sense must be used. Someone should call Alex and Terry from Ocean paddler TV and have them do a pubic service piece!
I have seen it happen in kauai when a sailing canoe tried to cross between the barge and tug boat. HELLO? They were racing from Oahu, I couldnt belive my eyes when I saw this from the beach. (We were all in kauai for a race) The next day they had a picture of it in the paper. I heard later they ended up getting DQ'd for it.
I just thought to myself, how dumb of him to risk his life and his crews life and do something like that.
We all need to be aware of what is going on, the tugs, the super ferry, bigger boats in general have the right of way no matter what the rules of the road are..it is hard to argue your point if you are dead!
Oh and on another note..The super ferry sucks, dont take your canoe and think you can just drive on and off. Noone over there can give the same price, by the end of it, had i just shipped my one man via YB, rented a car, and flew over it would have been cheaper and less of a pain in the ass!
Thomas
#39 Thu, 06/05/2008 - 3:57pm
Why would you want to go in front of the ferry or tug when you can go behind it. Have you seen the size of the wake those things put off. Hello free ride. But seriously would walk across the street without looking to see if a car was coming, would you risk your life because you have the "right of way" hell no. As we say at our six man practices you may have the right of way but that sail boat will @#$% you up way worse than you will it.
#40 Thu, 06/05/2008 - 8:11pm
It's just plain physics. Mass dictates yielding to the tug. Period. Something that big can not stop quickly on the water...not as quick as you on a oneman/surfski. It is true an "unmotorized" watercraft has the right of way so...when your widow is in court sueing the tug captain your widow will be consoled with that knowledge.
#41 Thu, 06/05/2008 - 8:23pm
I taught sailing in Keehi Lagoon for many years. I taught the rules of the road (Sail over power, human over sail, etc.). In general, these rules are based on the more maneuverable vessel giving way. We always gave way to canoes. We also gave way to big work boats while in the channel. It might not be in the rules, but how about showing consideration for people who are out there earning a living. I sure don't want somebody skateboarding in my office while I'm trying to get something done. We're out there paddling as recreation. Sure, there are going to be some ocean business operators who are bad neighbors, but for the most part, these folks have a job to do and follow rules which are meant for the overall safety of the port and its users.
#42 Fri, 06/06/2008 - 7:00am
Hey Tugguy...you funny. I agree with you 200%. Paddlers please be careful. Tugguy, thanks for coming on the board and sharing your concern.
Tugguy, you paddle?? Sound like you would make a good steersman.
Paddlers, don't f&%K with a 100 ton boat...stay the hell out of the way. I don't want to be regulated.
Jaws out.....
#43 Fri, 06/06/2008 - 3:20pm
Thomas: I have seen it happen in kauai when a sailing canoe tried to cross between the barge and tug boat. HELLO? They were racing from Oahu, I couldnt belive my eyes when I saw this from the beach. (We were all in kauai for a race) The next day they had a picture of it in the paper. I heard later they ended up getting DQ’d for it.
FYI Thomas: We didn't cross between the barge and tug boat. It was HSCA: Na Holo Kai from Haleiwa to Nawiliwili and it was record breaking conditions...close to 7 hours! We were reaching up (broad reach) from the "south" averaging 15 -17 knots near the end of the race when we noticed the barge was coming in from outside the harbor. As we approached the harbor entrance we realized we weren't going to make it safely across the harbor without letting the barge enter the harbor entrance first. Now keep in mind it's not easy to slow down a hawaiian sailing canoe, especially when you have 6 paddlers who were leading much of the race (especially the end!), but rather because your only options are to sheet out the sail and try to round up into the wind. You can't just "drop" the sail. So there we were "holding water" as best as we could with 20-25 knots winds. Of course, the photographer took an opportune picture of us when we could be seen between the tug and barge. It looked a lot closer than it really was...especially from your perspective. However, we didn't try to go between actually pretty far away and we didn't get dq'd. We ended up second place by only 20 seconds because we played it safe and "held water" with our paddles until the barge passed. Just wanted to clear that up for you.
#44 Fri, 06/06/2008 - 8:19pm
Does anyone sail canoes on the Big Island??
#45 Fri, 06/06/2008 - 8:40pm
Hi everyone, Just to clear up a few things, the sailing canoe did not cross between the barge and tug, nor was anyone DQ'd..Butch is correct. It makes for a great story though. The HSCA prides itself on safety first.
Jpi92109 - Tim Wood has a sailing canoe on the Big island and he is a HSCA member. You can go to www.hsca.biz and send an email, we can then put you in contact with him.
Nice job Tugguy for posting what you did. Atleast people are talking about tug-boats and safety.
If you want to see what Butch is talking about and the speed the sailing canoes get up to, you can watch our show now on-line at www.oceanpaddler.tv.
The new episode is now airing on OC-16, the segments this episode are the one man races and a cultural segment on Trevor.
A hui hou and I hope everyone is having a fun and safe weekend.
Terry G
Ocean Paddler TV
Director Sales and Marketing
www.oceanpaddler.tv
#46 Sat, 06/07/2008 - 2:18pm
kdk
Trying to tell us something or just running up the post count?
#47 Mon, 06/09/2008 - 4:42am
he's trying to tell us that Timmy fell into the well and that a tug boat is about to wipe him out!
#48 Mon, 06/09/2008 - 6:19am
Tug Guy is right on the mark. As far as being a dick, he is just keeping it real. If you are such a kook that you would put yourself in that position you deserve to be run over. Think about it its Darwinism at work.......Survival of the fittest.........and smartest! I think Tugguy's posts have probably saved a few lives that would have otherwise been eliminated through Darwinism...
Most of us probably surf so in the surfing context....would you try to make over the shoulder with some tandem surfers flying down the line on a 12ft board. I dunno about everyone here but I know what my choice would be...
As the tandem surfer, I would be more worried about my vessel and my precious cargo (fine wahine) than some donkey....Thanks for the wake up call Tugguy
Aloha
#49 Mon, 06/09/2008 - 7:42pm
KEIZO and TUGGUY are correct.
2 years ago when I was with a club. As a board of director they asked me to attend a seminar with other clubs. Included was one of my bosses who is a harbor pilot. Ship, tugs, and other motored vessels cannot stop on a dime. I was also in the USCG and well I don't know how many times a sail boat thought they could make it between the tug and barge. What those idiots don't know is the wire hangs just below the surface slackend ready to pop as the tug and barge surge. Your going to end up DEAD... Just stay the hell away from anything that is larger then you are. Your not that fast a paddler I don't care who you are. In Honolulu harbor we have those knuckle head parachute guys that are going to KILL some tourist one day. because they insist on playing chicken with a Frighter/tug and barge combo. Just paddle with common sense. Life is not a video game.
Paddle with Strength, PONO and ALOHA
#50 Tue, 06/10/2008 - 10:29am
If in doubt, just remember the rule of gross tonnage (if its bigger than you stay out of the way) and all will fine.
Mahalo All
#51 Wed, 06/11/2008 - 12:24pm