From our experiences in St. Pete, having several people approach the rider is the best way to talk him out of it.

We try, if possible, to always (we have done this maybe 10 times in 2 years) approach in a group of 3 and at first ask the rider to stop or reconsider politely, and show genuine concern to the rider's safety and our local spot, stating our concerns plainly and rationally in about 30 seconds or so. Most of the time this works. Some times this doesn't work and it has to go to the next level.

The next level becomes necessary, imo, when the risk to bystanders, the rider or losing the spot seems obvious (new guy attempting to launch 16m in 30 knots, instructor giving a lesson in 30 knots only 50 yards from shore, etc).
Some scenarios are just unacceptable and as such, "no" isn't a viable answer from the "offender".
The next level is usually entails just increasing the strain in your voice and body language/gestures to get the idea across. The other guys (assuming you have help) can just stand there showing support. Their support is invaluable.

I wouldn't recommend just giving up if you feel in your heart the situation has a high chance of turning out bad. If it's obvious, it's obvious, right?
If you make it clear you won't leave the guy until he changes his mind, he will change his mind.

It has never come to a fight here, but has become moderately heated a few times if the rider is blowing someone off and poses an obvious threat to himself and/or others. The rider has always backed down, btw.
I can't honestly see the opposite outcome if you have support and it is obvious the person is in the wrong.

Some areas are more gray. That's where it gets tricky, for sure. But we are talking "Clear and Present Danger".

It's obviously never fun to do this, but imo, most people want someone to speak up in the situation and will have your back.
This just happened today, actually.

Later in the day today, when the wind picked up, two riders asked me (I am only 150 pounds) to initiate a conversation. The guys that asked were 190 and 205 and could kick my butt in a heartbeat.
A couple of things stood out at that moment to me.

1) It's always best to have an agreement among riders prior to approaching someone. There is definitely power in numbers and it's wise to alert a few people to your intentions, and/or ask for help.

2) From what I have seen, no one wants to be "that guy" that took the initiative in one of this instances, no matter how bad ass they are. They most likely don't fear getting in a fight, they just hate the confrontation.
No one wants to confront someone, it's not fun.

3) Most will back you up, no questions asked, if need be. Also, most riders want to see the "right thing" happen, but again, don't like the idea of confrontation.

Hope this answer made sense. I would ask for help from another rider you trust and then approach with good intentions, is my recommendation. Sometimes (oddly enough) good intentions end up turning into yelling at a guy to not kill himself after he doesn't respond to rational thought and signs of concern. Sad, but true.




Good luck.