First topic is safety. The race is run in open ocean offshore. It is imperative to be able to call for help if you break down 2 miles offshore. PHONES are mandatory to carry so you can contact 911 if you have an emergency. There is no entry fee to the race. Use the money you would have spent for an entry fee on a waterproof cell phone case and better yet buy it from one of our sponsors below. As this is a bit of distance to cover and the possibility of breakdown, fatigue, or injury exists, combined with potential offshore winds, it is strongly encouraged that you carry a cell phone for emergency use. Any charged phone, even without an activated phone plan will be able to call 911 for help, but still needs to go in a cellphone bag so you can use it on the water. There are a variety of secure waterproof bags for carrying cell phones that allow their use in the water without damage to the phone from seawater entry. Please don’t take chances with your safety! Procure a case for your phone and bring it with to the race as there will not be chase boats or anyone but yourself looking after you. With that said, the coast is pretty friendly up and back, and with the exception of most of Fort Lauderdale public beach and a small stretch of Pompano public beach, anywhere along the beach is a landing spot for a rest or adjustment if needed.
It is way too early to tell what the weather will be with any certainty and which day is more likely to run the race yet. Typically no decision until Friday maybe even Friday evening if it’s complicated. I don’t want to not have the race and there be appropriate conditions or vice versa. I find the forecast here: http://weather.noaa.gov/cgi-bin/fmtbltn.pl?file=forecasts/marine/coastal/am/amz651.txt
To be the most accurate and that is my first source. I also look heavily on www,iWindsurf.com for trends for the last few days and my personal experience over the years.
This years sponsors have come through and we have great stuff as prizes, awards, and participation!
- Adventure Sports Miami, Coconut Grove & Fort Lauderdale
- Liquid Surf & Sail
- Next Sports
- Sandy Point Progressive Sports Daytona & Miami
- Nautical Ventures
This year a first! Event t-shirts custom designed by Cody Steward which are printed and provided by Liquid Surf & Sport Fort Lauderdale. Also Adventure Sports – Cabrinha has prizes in the mix along with prizes from our sponsors above. Visit their stores or websites and procure what you need to make sure you can participate safely.
Updates by email and on the event website: http://i-to-i.org/
More to follow!
Ron Kern
(954)565-4154