Take extra precautions in overhead surf conditions
The autumn has definitely arrived in Europe with strong winds and big sea conditions. With gnarly conditions set to continue for much of October, some of the best days of the year are still ahead of us.
Recently, LiP were in Saunton on the UK North Devon coast to experience some great kitesurfing conditions. The wind was clean, the swell was huge, but it was the wipe-outs that were the most memorable.
After several epic wipeouts in overhead conditions, we wanted to bring attention to some essential tips for wearing your watershades when the surf conditions get big.
Expect the unexpected
Tip 1: When wearing the Typhoon or Surge, make sure you always wear your leash AND necklace retention system. If you go out without your silicone retainer necklace in big conditions, then you might well come out of the water without your watershades. Getting caught inside a strong swell can result in your sunglasses being pulled off your head. The forces involved can be immense. Without your silicone necklace attached to the leash, you are very likely to lose your sunglasses.
Tip 2: Tighten the non-slip leash chord to your head – as tight as it will go before it becomes uncomfortable. If you have a heavy wipeout, any ‘play’ in the leash will lead to an increased chance of the watershades being pulled off your head.
Tip 3: Wearing a snug fitting hooded rashie can help to keep everything in place during a wipeout, but don’t forget to also use your leash and necklace too! The hood alone is unlikely to stop the glasses from being pulled off your head
Tip 4: After every session, and especially after every session in big conditions, make sure you check that the lenses are still securely slotted into the lens grooves of the frame. During harsh wipeouts, it is possible that a lens might become partially dislodged from its groove without popping out completely. If this happens and you haven’t spotted it, then the next time you head out on the water, the next jolt could lead to the lens popping out. The best way to check for a partially dislodged lens is to grab your microfibre bag, place it on the top surface of each lens and apply downward pressure around the lens edges with your thumbs. It will click back into place if it has been dislodged. Then carry out a final visual inspection of the lenses around the rim of the frame to make sure everything is where it should be.
Have fun out there!
