# Downwind safety
**URL:** https://forum.progressionproject.com/t/downwind-safety/1640
**Category:** Downwind Foil
**Tags:** safety
**Created:** [March 6, 2023, 6:06pm UTC](https://forum.progressionproject.com/t/downwind-safety/1640 "2023-03-06T18:06:22Z")
**Posts on this page:** 20
**Page:** 4
### Author:  [@Matt](https://forum.progressionproject.com/u/Matt)
#### Post date: [August 13, 2024, 7:56am UTC](https://forum.progressionproject.com/t/downwind-safety/1640/63 "2024-08-13T07:56:46Z")
Thanks for sharing, I didn’t get to the end and missed that
---
### Author:  [@Matt](https://forum.progressionproject.com/u/Matt)
#### Post date: [September 10, 2024, 1:30pm UTC](https://forum.progressionproject.com/t/downwind-safety/1640/64 "2024-09-10T13:30:57Z")
Nice safety survival kit. Probably can also use the para cord line as a Tourniquet [like this](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F83HXDoGvuU)
> **[Sea Survival Kit](https://a3dsport.fr/en/products/sea-survival-kit)**
>
> Soyez prêt à affronter les situations d'urgence en mer avec notre Kit de Survie en Mer. Conçu pour les aventuriers marins et les amateurs de sports nautiques, ce kit compact et imperméable regroupe les éléments essentiels pour assurer votre sécurité...
**On EPIRBS:** I spoke to someone at the UK coastguard and they said that every EPIRB that gets triggered leads to dispatch of a helicopter and they only stand down once the EPIRB is held in hand of the rescue team so they can take the serial number. If you’re still attached to it then they will go to good lengths to find you.
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### Author:  [@Matt](https://forum.progressionproject.com/u/Matt)
#### Post date: [September 26, 2024, 9:13am UTC](https://forum.progressionproject.com/t/downwind-safety/1640/65 "2024-09-26T09:13:56Z")
Downwind foiling offshore at night must be top of the list of ways to get into trouble, seems like an obviously bad and entirely avoidable situation
[https://www.instagram.com/p/DATuPRsIdzS/](https://www.instagram.com/p/DATuPRsIdzS/)
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### Author:  [@Matt](https://forum.progressionproject.com/u/Matt)
#### Post date: [October 19, 2024, 5:30pm UTC](https://forum.progressionproject.com/t/downwind-safety/1640/66 "2024-10-19T17:30:25Z")
Really good idea for safety, especially considering the story of the guy at Hood hitting an artery.
[ ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rNuq_LgoqHU)
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### Author:  [@Matt](https://forum.progressionproject.com/u/Matt)
#### Post date: [October 19, 2024, 5:32pm UTC](https://forum.progressionproject.com/t/downwind-safety/1640/67 "2024-10-19T17:32:55Z")
I’ve got a [list of safety gear](https://www.dwfoil.com/p/safety) going, would you reorder this? Its ordered roughly in order of value vs cost/hassle/necessity but would like to sense check it
> ### Essentials
>
> 1. Leash!
> 2. Wetsuit to spend many hours _(in the water)_
> 3. Phone, waterproof case (iPhone 14+ has emergency SOS via Satellite)
> 4. Tool
> 5. Buoyancy aid with whistle and [tourniquet](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rNuq_LgoqHU)
>
> ### Additions
>
> 1. Tracking app ([SafeTrx](https://www.rya.org.uk/knowledge/safety/keep-in-touch/safetrx) for UK/SA or similar)
> 2. Nutrition (water, energy gels, energy bar)
> 3. [Reflective](https://surfski.info/forum/13-safety/19711-use-lumo-stickers-on-your-paddles.html) tape for paddle and board
> 4. Smart watch (to save battery on the phone when tracking runs)
> 5. [Helmet](https://projectsurfhelmet.com/top-3/)
>
> ### Getting serious
>
> 1. Personal locator beacon (Garmin InReach or EPIRB)
> 2. VHF in a waterproof pouch (with [DSC even better](https://icomuk.co.uk/Everything-you-need-to-know-about-Handheld-DSC-Radios/3995/161))
> 3. Strobe light, flares or some night signalling device
> 4. Signalling mirror or Space blanket (great for signalling too)
---
### Author:  [@Bido11561](https://forum.progressionproject.com/u/Bido11561)
#### Post date: [October 31, 2024, 6:14pm UTC](https://forum.progressionproject.com/t/downwind-safety/1640/68 "2024-10-31T18:14:18Z")
What’s everyone using to carry their phone? Looking for some good waterproof waist pack or just small phone container recommendations
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### Author:  [@sethstaff](https://forum.progressionproject.com/u/sethstaff)
#### Post date: [October 31, 2024, 11:44pm UTC](https://forum.progressionproject.com/t/downwind-safety/1640/69 "2024-10-31T23:44:35Z")
I use these. They start to let a little water in after a couple months but easy enough to replace.
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### Author:  [@Matt](https://forum.progressionproject.com/u/Matt)
#### Post date: [November 1, 2024, 8:38am UTC](https://forum.progressionproject.com/t/downwind-safety/1640/70 "2024-11-01T08:38:41Z")
I use one of these Aquapacs (they have phone versions), 2 seasons and no issues
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### Author:  [@Bonifacio](https://forum.progressionproject.com/u/Bonifacio)
#### Post date: [November 1, 2024, 11:21am UTC](https://forum.progressionproject.com/t/downwind-safety/1640/71 "2024-11-01T11:21:36Z")
Three zip lock bags. Cheapest (and best) solution for phones. You can still use the phone through the bags too. Replace the outermost every few sessions and you have a forever new system.
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### Author:  [@jbwiden](https://forum.progressionproject.com/u/jbwiden)
#### Post date: [November 2, 2024, 7:47am UTC](https://forum.progressionproject.com/t/downwind-safety/1640/72 "2024-11-02T07:47:46Z")
Magnetic closure dry bags have been the only reliable option for me. I also use a heavy duty ziplock style bag for secondary protection but has never needed it.
> **[Amazon.com: FIDLOCK Hermetic Dry Bag Medi - Flexible Magnetic Self-Sealing Bag...](https://www.amazon.com/Fidlock-Hermetic-Medi-Gooper-Technology/dp/B087N1P4X2)**
>
> Amazon.com: FIDLOCK Hermetic Dry Bag Medi - Flexible Magnetic Self-Sealing Bag for Cellphone | 100% Waterproof and Sand Proof - Practical Size with a Large Opening, with Lanyard included - Transparent Blue : Cell Phones & Accessories
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### Author:  [@KP\_Foiler](https://forum.progressionproject.com/u/KP_Foiler)
#### Post date: [November 2, 2024, 10:36am UTC](https://forum.progressionproject.com/t/downwind-safety/1640/73 "2024-11-02T10:36:29Z")
I’ve been disappointed with the pelican pouches. Leak after not too long and have had issues with the plastic clips and lanyard attachment points breaking.
I’ve switched to the nite ize pouch which seems a lot better.
> **[RunOff® Waterproof Phone Pouch](https://niteize.com/runoffr-waterproof-phone-pouch)**
>
> RunOff revolutionizes waterproof protection. Keep your phone protected, secure, and accessible whether at the beach, on the boat, or at the waterpark. Clear, touchscreen friendly material allows use of apps and front/back camera.
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### Author:  [@Hdip](https://forum.progressionproject.com/u/Hdip)
#### Post date: [November 2, 2024, 3:03pm UTC](https://forum.progressionproject.com/t/downwind-safety/1640/74 "2024-11-02T15:03:05Z")
I buy a 5 pack for six dollars and they seem to last about the same amount of time as the more expensive pouches.
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### Author:  [@jondrums](https://forum.progressionproject.com/u/jondrums)
#### Post date: [November 2, 2024, 5:14pm UTC](https://forum.progressionproject.com/t/downwind-safety/1640/75 "2024-11-02T17:14:19Z")
> [@KP\_Foiler](#):
>
> I’ve switched to the nite ize pouch which seems a lot better.
nice try, you almost got me to spend $35 on a f-ing plastic bag. nope
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### Author:  [@silas](https://forum.progressionproject.com/u/silas)
#### Post date: [November 2, 2024, 10:03pm UTC](https://forum.progressionproject.com/t/downwind-safety/1640/76 "2024-11-02T22:03:31Z")
I’m going on 4 years with the Aquapac for larger phones, would happily spend 35 bucks on that plastic bag again. I think it was the 358 model but the model names have changed since then.
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### Author:  [@silas](https://forum.progressionproject.com/u/silas)
#### Post date: [November 2, 2024, 10:12pm UTC](https://forum.progressionproject.com/t/downwind-safety/1640/77 "2024-11-02T22:12:23Z")
I went with the X8T tourniquet as the ratcheting mechanism seems like it will make it a lot easier to get compression applied in a one handed scenario. Not used in anger but a couple of test efforts show that although the design is good, I need a lot more practice to be competent.
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### Author:  [@1to2andfiring](https://forum.progressionproject.com/u/1to2andfiring)
#### Post date: [November 20, 2024, 9:33pm UTC](https://forum.progressionproject.com/t/downwind-safety/1640/78 "2024-11-20T21:33:05Z")
having used a bunch, the FIDLOCK magnetic closure is definitely the best bag. Easiest to get your phone in & out and holds up the best to longer term use. I think if you’re pulling at the plastic seams a lot, it would weaken, but haven’t had an issue after a solid few months of mutli-week use.
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### Author:  [@Matt](https://forum.progressionproject.com/u/Matt)
#### Post date: [January 7, 2025, 2:31pm UTC](https://forum.progressionproject.com/t/downwind-safety/1640/79 "2025-01-07T14:31:34Z")
Related to phone bags and also general safety. It is pretty essential to be able to activate SOS without needing to unlock your phone or use the touch screen at all.
I wasn’t aware of this iOS feature, which I’m sure has equivalents on Android.
If you keep holding the side buttons, it will trigger an SOS with all the related comms.
I feel like as satellite coverage for iPhones is expanding, this is possibly going to become the most relevant safety feature, and worth people becoming familiar with it.
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### Author:  [@Matt](https://forum.progressionproject.com/u/Matt)
#### Post date: [January 20, 2025, 8:48am UTC](https://forum.progressionproject.com/t/downwind-safety/1640/80 "2025-01-20T08:48:44Z")
I had somehow hoped they’d naturally go for the foil not the board…
> **[Un requin mord la planche d'un foileur au large de Nouméa](https://la1ere-francetvinfo-fr.translate.goog/nouvellecaledonie/province-sud/noumea/un-requin-mord-la-planche-d-un-stand-up-paddle-au-large-de-noumea-1552120.html?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-US&_x_tr_pto=wapp)**
>
> Un pratiquant de stand up paddle équipé d'un foil a été attaqué par un requin au large de Nouville, jeudi 9 janvier. Le squale, qui pourrait être un bouledogue, a mordu la planche. Les secours en mer appellent à la vigilance, car la saison chaude est...
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### Author:  [@Matt](https://forum.progressionproject.com/u/Matt)
#### Post date: [January 21, 2025, 11:03am UTC](https://forum.progressionproject.com/t/downwind-safety/1640/81 "2025-01-21T11:03:09Z")
Interesting thread from Josh Ku on their decision to do a 50km send in 50knots, resulting in heli call out. A few search and rescue people chiming in.
[https://www.instagram.com/p/DFEQFAaBMA8/?img\_index=1](https://www.instagram.com/p/DFEQFAaBMA8/?img_index=1)
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### Author:  [@Matt](https://forum.progressionproject.com/u/Matt)
#### Post date: [July 7, 2025, 5:54pm UTC](https://forum.progressionproject.com/t/downwind-safety/1640/82 "2025-07-07T17:54:05Z")
@Dylan had a good podcast on Safety .
Dylan, maybe useful, I have a list of safety things here
> **[Downwind Safety](https://www.dwfoil.com/p/safety)**
>
> This is an evolving part of the sport, but here are some basics.
[ ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g1spXnn6x7U)
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