What is a winch and how can you surf with it?
A winch is a device that allows you to pull something with the help of a rope. The rope is pulled (usually by muscle power or a motor) by winding it, for example, on a rotating cylindrical drum (winch). This is probably the simplest and most accurate description of a winch. Mostly used on cars, construction sites or even rescue helicopters, the winch has now also found its way to surfing. However, not every winch or also called "Winch" is suitable for surfing. The pulling force to pull the surfer out of the water must be perfectly matched with the speed, so that the surfer is not immediately torn away when he rises from the water. Below we present you some models that can be used for surfing.
What kind of Winches are there?
There are many different winches, but not all of them are suitable for surfing. Why this is so, has to do with many different factors and would fill a separate article. Therefore, we present below some models that have already been tested and work perfectly for surfing in the river or on a still water.
Gasoline powered Winch
A gasoline-powered winch for surfing weighs on average around the 50 kg and reaches top speeds of up to 60 km/h. Due to the already heavy weight of the winch, this must be secured only minimally and can be put into operation very quickly. Due to the fact that it is gasoline-powered, you can surf all day without any problems, without the battery weakening. Minus points are the operating noise, which can be up to 70 dB loud, and the Co2 emissions that are emitted.
One of the most famous producers of gasoline-powered winches is the Kawinch company from Germany. Also new in the game are 2 young entrepreneurs from the company Getvints, also from Germany. Below you can get an impression of it yourself.
Electric Winch
An electric winch for surfing weighs an average of 20kg and reaches top speeds of up to 80 km/h. The light weight makes this winch ideal to take anywhere and can be installed virtually anywhere. The electronic motors also create much less operating noise than a winch with gasoline and can therefore also be installed near the city. Minus points are the limitation of the surf time by the batteries and the greater effort to secure the winch, although this is also very small with such a winch.
Arguably the best electric winch comes from Portugal and is manufactured by Rewinch. Rewinch impresses with unique specifications and excellent customer support. With only 15 kilograms, this winch is a "must have" for mobile surfers. Only recently on the market but already busy promoting are the guys from Motowinch from California. With a built-in control system on the handle, the surfer can decide for himself when and how fast he wants to surf. However, this is rather in the more expensive range and meanwhile Rewinch has the same function in the offer.
Homemade Winch
Of course, there are also various homemade winches. There are no limits to the inventive spirit. From a converted rear wheel of a car to a motor scooter that rolls up the rope, we have seen it all. Especially these, quite simply created methods for surfing with a rope, inspire us, because it shows that it does not take much to have fun on the water.
Effort to set up
Setting up a winch takes between 5 and 15 minutes. Tends to take a little longer to install an electric winch, however, this can be installed almost anywhere due to its light weight. Through attachment loops, the winch can be attached both to the bridge, to a tree or through pegs, even in the ground. A gasoline-powered winch only needs to be attached to a reasonably stable point. Due to its own weight, this is only minimally pulled in the direction of the surfer. However, the application possibilities are limited because the 50 kg heavy winch must first be brought to the place of use.
WHERE can I Surf with a winch?
Still waters like a lake are best for practicing surfing with a winch. You have enough time to place your feet optimally and to be able to stand up easily. Even in a wipeout, the winch can be stopped and you can reach the handle again in no time. In the river, you will be forcibly washed away and you will have to walk up the land. However, this is again the advantage when paddling, as the river pushes you down and you don't have to make any effort.
When choosing the right location in the river, it is worthwhile to go along the river already in winter, as it is not very deep in winter. You will immediately see where there are dangerous stones and trees and where you should be careful in summer. You can surf everywhere where the river is at least waist high and 5-10 meters wide. The best way to surf is to paddle along the river and stretch your legs towards the bottom from time to time. This way you will feel if the river is deep enough.
This is what you have to pay attention to when river surfing with a winch!
Due to the long distance that can be surfed with a winch, you have to be especially attentive and look out for your colleagues. It is also advisable to make certain hand signals, so that you can see immediately over the long distance if something is wrong. It is also advisable to organize a waterproof headset so that you are in constant contact with each other. In the river, everything must happen 3 times faster than in a still body of water.
Another point to consider is other river users. Always try to find a location where there are few swimmers or boats or where you can see them from a distance. Also, the rope should be stretched as close as possible to the shore and should only be surfed when there are no other river users nearby.
In the next chapter you will find many more useful tips and tricks for surfing with a winch.
