Drafting: What are your thoughts, Will it be regulated

[WB_BB]

I wanted to get everyone's opinions on drafting during races. Do you think it will be regulated as it is in many triathlons? Is this something the WPA will look into?

[caRRera]

If the sport continues to increase in popularity, yes. It will be definetely regulated

[1paddle2paddle]

If the conditions qualify as downwind, I don't think drafting is a factor (or even really possible). 

But if racing becomes a safety issue, it will be regulated.

[SEA]

I believe they are talking about the course races around buoys . The announcers at the BOP here in Hawaii were mentioning that it is a good option to conserve energy and pointed out certain racers during the elite race that were taking advantage of this.

I agree it's pretty hard to draft doing down wind distance races , unless it's somewhere like California and the wind and sea is very calm. However it does come into play at times within the surf race corse of the Elite and Open races here in Waikiki. There was definitely drafting going on.

[WB_BB]

Yeah I was thinking more about flat water and buoy type races.

I kind of wish that this would be regulated and not allowed. Just wondering what others thoughts are

[greatdane]

Drafting is only illegal in certain distance triathlons on the bike leg.  Olympic distance races it is usually totally legal. It is also legal in the swim leg.  Not to split hairs.

I agree that drafting gives the "drafter" a pretty serious advantage, but trying to enforce a no-drafting rule could be a bit tedious on the water.

Drafting is always a much-debated subject in the surf ski and OC world.

[PonoBill]

Drafting is a major benefit in downwinders. It's the best way to pass. Tuck in behind someone, swipe their wind, use the smooth water behind their board so you can loaf. I love it. Unless I'm the guy in front. Then it should be banned.

[PT Woody]

How would you ban drafting? Would there be a maximum amount of distance or time that you can sit on someone's tail?

[WB_BB]

How would you ban drafting? Would there be a maximum amount of distance or time that you can sit on someone's tail?

I am not totally sure, I guess it would be a tough thing to regulate, but you could say if you are XXX distant behing someone and do not make a move to pass within XXX seconds. I have not done a ton of races but the races I have done all have had boats in the water who could be on watch for this. Just thoughts, I appreciate the feedback

[DavidJohn]

So.. would I be in trouble for doing this?... 

DJ

[PauHanaTX]

It should be legal.  It adds a ton of strategy into a race besides who's got the biggest set of lungs and heart.  Check out Olympic cross country skiing, a two man (woman) breakaway can jump out in the lead, and instead of that being the end of the race, the drafter can refuse to take his turn on the lead and stay behind the leader and cause a slow down, bringing the pack back into the race (one example).

Drafting makes the Tour De France, NASCAR, stealing wind in America's Cup exciting.

No Draft sports are boring.  Like watching a marathon...yawn.   

[WB_BB]

I appreciate everyone's replies. I was interested in hearing everyone's opinions and it seems that the consensus is drafting is a good thing