In California, carbon monoxide exposure is the main danger in teak surfing and similar water activities.

Fun on the water is one of life’s simple joys. You skim a wake, you feel the spray, and suddenly the day feels a little freer. But when you’re teak surfing, body surfing, or pulling a platform drag, there’s a quiet danger that can creep up without a loud bang. It’s not the splash you need to worry about—it's carbon monoxide, that colorless, odorless gas that does its damage quietly.

What are we talking about, exactly?

Teak surfing, body surfing, and platform dragging are all ways people ride near a boat’s edges or the stern, often while the motor is running or idling. You might be clinging to a platform, riding the boat’s back deck, or letting a buddy tow you along as you hold on and ride the wake. It sounds like a rush, a moment of cool, carefree cruising. And when everything goes right, it is. But the engine produces exhaust that can pool in the area where you’re playing. That exhaust contains carbon monoxide, a gas that your body can’t smell or taste, so you can’t tell when you’re getting a dangerous dose.

Why is carbon monoxide the primary danger here?

Falls, dehydration, and hypothermia are real concerns in any water activity. But carbon monoxide poisoning doesn’t announce itself with a shout. It sneaks in, especially when the boat is idling or moving slowly and ventilation is limited. If you’re near the exhaust outlet or in a spot where exhaust can settle, you’re putting yourself at risk. CO travels with the boat’s wake, and it can accumulate in pockets around the stern, the swim platform, or any place where people cluster near the engine. In other words, you can be right in the heart of the fun and still be sipping on danger you can’t see.

The science behind the risk is simple, even if the gas isn’t. Carbon monoxide binds to hemoglobin in your blood more efficiently than oxygen does. That means your body can get less and less oxygen, even though you’re breathing in air. Early signs are subtle: headaches, dizziness, confusion, and nausea. If exposure continues or concentration is higher, people can lose consciousness or suffer serious harm. The danger is not dramatic; it’s quiet and cumulative. That’s why it’s so important to be aware and to adjust your setup before danger can arrive.

How precisely does exposure happen in these activities?

Think of the engine’s exhaust as a plume that travels with the water and air. When the boat is moving slowly or idling, that plume can linger near the water surface around the stern. If you’re riding a platform, holding onto rails, or standing on a swim deck near that exhaust, you’re in the prime danger zone. Even a short ride can deliver enough gas to cause symptoms, especially if you’re not paying attention to how close you are to the exhaust source or how the wind is blowing. And yes, you can feel fine at first and still be affected later.

Who’s most at risk?

Everyone should be careful, but kids and lighter-weight adults may show symptoms sooner because their bodies handle carbon monoxide differently. People who already have heart or breathing conditions can be especially vulnerable. If you’re on a boat with multiple riders, the risk becomes a collective one—everyone on that side of the vessel should be mindful of how long they’re exposed and how near they are to the exhaust.

What can you do to stay safe without killing the vibe?

Here’s the practical part, the part that helps you keep the fun without turning the day into a safety alarm.

• Keep the engine off when people are riding near the stern or platform. If you’re teetering on the edge, there’s less chance of exhaust sneaking up on you with the engine idling.

• Position riders away from the exhaust outlet. If you can’t see the outlet, you’re probably too close.

• Watch the wind direction. A breeze blowing from the stern toward the riders is a red flag. If the wind shifts, adjust the activity zone.

• Use ventilation or limit the area near the motor. When boats are closed in or engines run for long, CO can accumulate in the cockpit or near the deck.

• Have a lookout. One person should monitor for signs of CO exposure among riders and be ready to move people away from the engine area at the first hint of symptoms.

• Install and check CO detectors on board. They’re not a luxury; they’re smart safety gear, especially on boats used for lively activities where people gather around the engine.

• Wear life jackets and stay hydrated. Staying buoyant and hydrated makes it easier to notice when you’re not feeling right and helps you respond quickly.

• If you feel symptoms, move away from the engine area and take a break. If symptoms persist or worsen, seek medical help promptly.

A few tangents that connect to the main thread

You might wonder about other hazards that show up in boat life. Kids often love the idea of riding “the back deck” or sitting on the platform for a thrill. It’s normal to crave that adrenaline rush, but balance is key. A quick check-in with the captain or boat owner before you go out can prevent a big scare later. And while we’re on the topic, paying attention to weather and water conditions matters too. A calm day can hide a lot of risk if people become complacent. Small changes in wind, engine load, or even a blocked exhaust outlet can tilt safety in a hurry.

People sometimes assume that the quietest days are the safest. That’s a trap. CO doesn’t need a storm to make trouble; it just needs a moment of proximity and a slow engine. A few simple habits can keep that gas from turning a fun activity into an emergency. Think of it like wearing a seat belt: you don’t expect a crash, but you’re glad you’re protected when it happens.

What a smart safety routine looks like in practice

A practical routine blends enjoyability with vigilance. Here’s a lightweight checklist you can tuck into your day on the water.

• Brief everyone before you start: where you’ll ride, where the engine is, and how to recognize CO symptoms.

• Assign roles: one person monitors the wind and exhaust, another looks out for near-by hazards, and a third keeps an eye on life jackets and water bottles (hydration helps, too).

• Start with shorter sessions. If you’re new to teak surfing or platform dragging, ease into it and build up your tolerance slowly while keeping a tight safety radius.

• Keep a clear path to safety. If someone feels off, you want a quick route to the open water and a safe space away from the exhaust plume.

• Maintain your boat. A well-tuned engine isn’t just about performance; clean exhaust and good exhaust routing reduce risk.

A quick note on gear and culture

There’s a culture of fun on the water that’s hard to resist. It’s easy to chase a thrill and forget that the ocean isn’t a playground with an endless supply of safety nets. The right gear makes a real difference: properly fitted life jackets, a working CO detector, and a boat layout that minimizes exposure. If you’re sharing the boat with friends or family, lead by example—snap into your vest, check the detector, and remind everyone to keep a healthy distance from the engine area.

Putting it all together

So, what’s the bottom line? The biggest danger tied to teak surfing, body surfing, and platform dragging is exposure to carbon monoxide. It’s a silent risk that isn’t about a big splash or a dramatic fall; it’s about gradual quiet exposure that can creep up on you in minutes. Other dangers—falls, dehydration, hypothermia—are real, but CO poisoning holds the potential to quiet the whole day with little warning.

If you treat the gas with respect, you’ll treat the water with respect too. The ocean loves our curiosity, and so do the people around us when we make smart choices. Listen to your crew, respect the engine’s plume, and keep safety gear within arm’s reach. The result isn’t a sterile, safety-first day; it’s a balanced, unforgettable time on the water where thrill and responsibility go hand in hand.

A closing heartbeat of wisdom

Water adventures are about connection—the feel of spray on your face, the camaraderie of a shared ride, the glow of a sunlit horizon. But connection isn’t just about sharing laughter; it’s about sharing responsibility. The next time you’re near a boat’s engine while someone’s holding onto a teak platform or riding a wake, pause for a moment. Check the wind. Check the exhaust. Check the detector. And then, if everything looks good, go ahead and enjoy the moment. The boat is a gift when we treat it with care, and carbon monoxide is a reminder that sometimes the quiet risk deserves a bold response.

If you’re curious about other boating safety topics or want to understand how common-sense rules keep everyone safer on California waters, there’s plenty more to explore. Safety isn’t a lecture—it’s a daily habit you can enjoy, share, and pass along. The more we know, the more the coast stays friendly, and the more we can all savor those perfect sunny days on the lake or the bay.