SURFING SAFETY QUESTIONED AFTER BYRON SURFERS WIPED OUT BY ‘LEGGIE-LESS’ BOARDS

By MARGARET DEKKER

The safety of surfing on busy breaks like The Pass or Wategos in Byron Bay, is back in the spotlight after two surfers in Byron Bay in as many months were hospitalised – one critical - after being struck by stray boards in the water.

At The Pass on Friday, March 10, 2023, a surfer was rescued from the water and taken by ambulance to Tweed Hospital in Tweed Heads after he was knocked unconscious by a rogue, riderless surfboard.

A source close to The Northern Rivers Times who was on the beach at the time, said if it weren’t for the quick-thinking actions of others, the outcome may’ve been far worse.

“Lot of water on his lungs, I think he got knocked out by a collision, almost would’ve drowned if the public didn’t get him out,” the source said.

Insp Matt Wood Tweed Police confirmed the incident.

“There was an unfortunate accident in the water where a gentleman was struck with a surfboard, no police investigation per se, the gentleman was taken to Tweed Hospital for observation,”

Inspector Matt Woods, Tweed Byron Police said.

Just over a month ago on February 8, 2023, at Wategos, popular Byron Bay local Mathew Cassidy almost died after he was struck by a stray longboard, its fin gashing his bicep and severing tendons and an artery through to the bone. Bystanders and friends rushed to his aid, applying a critical torniquet until paramedics arrived.

It’s understood a female surfer in the lineup hadn’t been wearing a leg rope – by choice or it had snapped – rendering her long, heavy board effectively a missile in the water, heading toward its innocent and unknowing target, in this case Mat Cassidy.

“Two days ago, I nearly bled out on the beach and nearly lost my arm when someone dropped in on me out 2ft Watego’s without a functioning leg rope.

“After an hour on the beach being held together by some absolutely legendary humans, I was rushed via ambulance then helicopter to GC.” Mat Cassidy posted to social media at the time.

Despite the ongoing danger and collateral damage from surfing without a ‘leggie’/ experiencing the glide.”

At what and whose total forgiveness and compassion as long as you practice safe surf etiquette for the rest of your surfing life.

“I’d ask the community to do the same in regard to her but let’s continue the surf safety conversation this accident has started. We clearly need better education and management in the surf,” Mat Cassidy, injured surfer said.

“If three things can come out of this, I’d wish they be these: 1. I get full use of my arm back so I can surf again. 2. That people look on the inside twice before even paddling for a wave. Kids look both ways before they even step onto a road to cross it, the surf should be boards because they are too egotistical to wear a safety device. Please let’s get this mandated and back it up with strong education.”

“Now I’m going to hug my wife, pat my dog and love my mates,” an unlucky/lucky Mat Cassidy said.

Mat’s accident sparked an outpouring of support online, and sharing of similar harrowing tales of surfing in Byron Bay:

“I truly feel for you, my friend. I just had my nose broken at the pass. Missing my eye by one centimetre ...”

“Risk is ever present in the water; it can be our own board or Bernie’s 12ft mal coming sideways through the line-up ...”

“Could it come to the point of needing a licence to surf?”

Friend Luke Jolly hasn’t got time to wait for authorities to maybe one day legislate mandatory leg rope use in New South Wales, or even Australia. Instead, he wants that unwritten but widely known “Surfers’ Code” to now include, without doubt, the clear message: ‘wear a leg rope.’ leg rope or leash, the practice is gaining popularity with the cool set of surfers for reasons explained by one surf publication:

“Surfing on a leashless board is a question of style, authenticity, and attitude. Paddling out on a cordless surfboard can also be a different way of expense?

Incredibly, Mat Cassidy holds his unwitting offender no malice or blame, but wants to change in the water, starting now.

“I hold you no bad will, I saw your face on the beach and I have no doubt you have learned a lesson. You have my no different. 3. As I’ve stated, I’ll accept that the girl says her leg rope broke but CLEARLY there is a massive issue in our town with people not wearing them ... there’s been a litany of injuries to children, wives, mothers, husbands, partners from people losing their

“Surfers as a community can start doing the right thing and calling out those not using them. I’m not suggesting a witch-hunt, nor am I suggesting open confrontation... but if the culture of the sport is to ALWAYS wear a leg rope, the ones who continue to not wear one will be made to feel uncomfortable and know they are not doing the right thing.”

Before someone is killed out there, by this.