If this can happen to top Japanese ripper Yu Tonbi Sumitomo then it’s only matter of time some gumbo hits a grom?
Anglet, France has banned any hydrofoiling 5km stretch of surrounding beaches in what they believe is a preemptive move to reduce the risk of injury to other bathers.
Source magazine (who speak French better than what we do) report
“The city of Anglet in SW France has released a local ordinance on 29th May, banning any hydrofoiling activity on its 5 KM stretch of beaches. No accident related to foiling has been reported yet, but nonetheless Anglet’s Town Hall put an emphasis on the risks bathers are facing due to the proximity of foiling enthusiasts, whether they are kiteboarders, surfers or SUPers. Any trespassers will face penal action.”
Local waterman and big wave charger Stephane Iralour isn’t happy with the mayor’s decision stated “there’s a lot of delusion surrounding foiling, although accidents are no more frequent than with [regular] surfboards”, adding the ban sends an awkward message for a town boasting its ‘ville de surf’ label.”
However having seen the damage done and the warnings given by surfers like Jamie Mitchell, we’d have to say its a good idea. Things are lethal the wrong hands. Given the average level of SUP’ing we witness on a daily basis here in the in UK surf, and the likelihood of someone with low board skills strapping a foil on the bottom, surely it’s only a matter of time the ban reaches other countries? I mean if this can happen to top Japanese ripper Yu Tonbi Sumitomo then it’s only matter of time.
Read Jamies warning here
