Just got back form Samoa on Monday and things could have been really different on this trip. Might have to add Tsunami to my risk management plan for next time.
The following is from a solo downwinder I did down the coast that was badly affected.

Solo downwinder- Samoa http://www.sessionlogs.com/spot-4199/Savaii-Samoa-session-by-yakernz

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=3207973&l=9a9332b93c&id=530061156

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=3203384&l=65cc20c0fa&id=530061156

Good mission with the downwinder - But solo

Glad you made it back before the wrath of nature hit!!

truely epic.

you are a man of huge kagonies.

i take it you left before the tsunami hit?

i'm attempting to organise the 90 mile beach mission again if your keen.

Yes solo is not without its risks and I am acutely aware of this and not advocating it to anyone. I do carry a VHF, phone, food, water and Spot Messenger satellite tracker. These can mitigate some of the risk to some degree but theres always that nagging thing in the back of your brain that says "don't mess up". Its good physical and head space training for what I have planned. I am looking around for a sponsor to cover petrol for the support boat. I am not saying what the mission is yet unless you have a couple of grand to contribute. It is all dependent on wind..

Yes just got back on Monday so its all a bit fresh and surreal. i do feel for the people on the ground there.

Yep still keen for 90 mile should be fun!

what harness do you use for these long distance missions? seat or waist? i'm presuming seat.

I usually use seat harness as this is the most comfortable and provides better transfer to the board. If I am wanting an abdominal workout I go with the waist harness

The Cabrinha Deluxe seat harness I use is SUPER comfortable and I never have issues with with it from a comfort perspective. I haven't tried the 2010 version yet but I assume it similar 2010 harness I would like something a little lighter but hey its comfortable. Having said that this is story is form a guy who used a light weight harness. Not sure the weight reduction was worth the torture.. (its translated from french)

translate.google.com/translate?prev=hp&a...&history_state0=

Interesting story from a surfer who was out there at the time.

www.stuff.co.nz/world/south-pacific/2923...-giant-tsunami-waves