Editor's note:  We ran across the following on the CT DEEP website and thought it would be worth passing along. Quite honestly I was not aware of this practice and have a hard time believing anyone would participate in it.

Teak surfing is now illegal in all units of the National Park System and several states, including California, Nevada, Oregon, Pennsylvania and Washington. While it is not specifically prohibited by Connecticut's boating regulations, or those of many other states, the argument could be made that the practice falls under the definition of "reckless or careless operation of a vessel". The USCG advises against teak surfing and is urging responsible boaters to help spread this safety message.

Make no mistake, although not illegal, many have died teak surfing. Some were children, and some children died while the boat was captained by a parent. I can't imagine the devastating loss those parents feel and can only assume that had they known of the dangers, they would have never been involved in it.

We feel this activity is about as dangerous as it gets. If you know of anyone engaged in it, please pass this information along to them and ask them to stop. Your thoughtfulness just might save someone's life.

Teak Surfing and Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

"Teak surfing" is a new water "sport" where swimmers hanging on to a powerboat's swim platform (often made of teak) get towed through the water. In one variation, the "surfer" will let go and body surf on the stern wake. This is usually done without a life jacket because jackets can be uncomfortable.

In addition to the very obvious danger of swimmers being near moving propellers, there is a less obvious danger of carbon monoxide poisoning. A moving boat can pull a suction behind it which traps exhaust fumes behind the boat.

Carbon monoxide (CO) itself is tasteless and odorless. The major symptoms of CO poisoning are headaches, dizziness, nausea, seizures, and sleepiness, which inevitably lead to unconsciousness and death if the victim is not removed from its source to fresh air. The symptoms can often be mistaken for seasickness or flu. Many victims who survive have permanent brain damage. Anyone in the water without a PFD who is rendered unconscious will drown immediately.

CO poisoning is not restricted to swimmers behind a boat. It can happen whenever air currents pull the exhaust back into the cockpit or cabin of the boat or below decks when there is a faulty exhaust system. One of Connecticut's boating fatalities in 2001 was attributed to CO poisoning while the victim was teak surfing. Please make sure that everyone you know is aware of how dangerous it can be!