"unauthorized" buoys

I'd like to train some slalom racing, but have no buoys to practice against. Am considering making some "unauthorized" ones - there's no way I could get permission from coast guard/lifeguard.

I considered using an empty detergent bottle tied down with cheap line to an exercise weight, but this would be kind of dangerous if struck. I certainly don't want to endanger somebody.

Any suggestions for something cheap, quick and safe - that's visible from water, but not too visible from shore that it would attract lifeguards? We get plenty of trash in water - I just want something that looks like trash, but somehow doesn't keep on drifting

Sailing in open ocean off a sandy beach. Not sure what the depth is, but it's nothing extreme.

[SeanAUS120]

Use the biggest plastic bottle you can find (the more visibility, the safer it is for others) and then tie it to a brick (or exercise weight around 5-8kg). Make the rope line about 2m long. It won't hit the bottom probably, but that's enough length that you can manage carrying it yourself on your board when you sail out...

It will drift, because the weight isn't that heavy, but at that weight you can pull it out yourself at the end of your session each time so you're not leaving it there forever and it won't move too much, depending on the tide at your beach. That's what I usually do ....

S.

[mark h]

My windsurf buddy is always dropping his gybes, I just use him as a buoy. Works best if you shout "who's the daddy" each time you go round him )

Thanks Mark and Sean.... I'll try drifting water jug first... Maybe disguise it with a clump of kelp?? May have to enlist a covert SUP action though... the freakin' lifeguard station is right there on top of the beach, and wouldn't want the buoy to interfere with marine mammals or some such nonsense