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STAND UP AND BE COUNTED?
Stand-up paddleboards classified as 'vessels' by US Coast Guard; surf zone not affected
By:
Evan Fontaine
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October 21, 2008
27168 views | 154 comments
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Stand-up paddleboards (SUP) are now no different than vessels in the eyes of the U.S. Coast Guard.
This new classification means that SUP users --when outside surf or swim zones or bathing areas -- are required to carry a lifejacket, or Personal Floatation Device (PFD), a whistle and, if out after dark, a flashlight to give fair warning to other boaters that they're in the area.
So, why the sudden need to officially recognize SUP as a vessel? |
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Paul Newman, the Recreational Boating Safety Program Manager for the 11th Coast Guard District (which encompasses California, Arizona, Nevada and Utah) explains. "The Coast Guard was responding to a query from the Director of the Oregon Marine Board about the status of 'paddleboards.' Apparently, there's been a huge influx of SUPs on Oregon's rivers and inland waterways. This was causing a safety concern because of the mix of boats on the water. Oregon law enforcement officers wanted to know whether SUPs were subject to boating regulations. The current determination does not apply to racing paddleboards like Jaime Mitchell might use in the Molokai race. Those paddleboards are hand-paddled in a kneeling or prone position. "If you operate on flat water, outside a swimming or bathing area you become just like a kayak. That means the operator has to carry a Coast Guard approved lifejacket and a whistle or other sound-producing device to warn other boaters of his or her presence. You're also required to follow the navigation rules. If you're on a SUP after sunset you also need a flashlight to warn other boaters. I was in Channel Islands Harbor last week after sunset and there were several SUPs paddling around. You could hardly see them from our boat. "The Coast Guard waived the usual requirement for a manufacturer to put a Hull ID Number (HIN) on the 'vessel,' so no new requirements for manufacturers." Nate Burgoyne, editor of Stand-up Paddle Surfing magazine, thinks, surprisingly, that the SUP community should thank the U.S. Coast Guard for its recent measure. "Although the sport has extensive history, the explosive growth has taken place for about a year now," Burgoyne said. "For the Coast Guard to already recognize Stand-up Paddling and take action toward defining the rules is definitely a credit to them. We need to remember that they're on our side doing their best to create a safe and clean maritime environment." The most problematic aspect of this new classification for surfers is that there is a perceived gray area where the surf zone ends and Coast Guard enforcement of regulation on SUPs begins.
Clay Feeter, publisher of Standup Surf & Sail Journal, says he hopes that in the future, SUP participants will be seen in the same light as windsurfers. "Windsurfers are not required to wear PFDs because years ago the Coast Guard determined when the windsurf sail drops, the board or rig becomes a sea anchor," Feeter said. "So the hope is that we can wear a leash to get around the ruling." Burgoyne's vision, at least regarding PFDs, is similar. "A foam core paddleboard should qualify as a PFD," Burgoyne said. "Almost all SUPs are built with closed cell foam and are extremely durable. Hey, if a seat cushion on a boat or airplane can qualify, why not a stand up paddleboard? Maybe they could just require a leash or tether for those paddling a half-mile off shore." Obviously the new regulations for SUPs are centered squarely around issues of safety. "The sport has exploded and you not only have lots of SUPs on the water but you have rental agencies in places far removed from the ocean renting to people who might have no boating experience," Newman said. "That's a dangerous situation whether it's a SUP or any watercraft." And that's why a PFD, the major sticking point in SUP circles regarding this new classification (and a possible deterrent for prospective SUP users) is now required. Though it's only required to be carried, not worn. Newman points out that if you're over 16 years old, an inflatable lifejacket might be a better performance-based alternative than the bulkier versions worn by tow surfers and wakeboarders. "They come in suspender style or belt-pack style," Newman said. "The belt-pack is no bigger than a fanny pack, worn around your waist. When you need it you just pull a short lanyard and it inflates, just like on an airplane; pull it over your head and you're done. I'd recommend these for hot climates. It also solves the 'Where to put it?' question. Just wear it." Because the vessel classification extends only to a SUP outside surf, swim or bathing areas, and SUPs are used primarily for surfing in coastal regions, the most problematic aspect of this new classification for surfers is that there is a perceived gray area where the surf zone ends and Coast Guard enforcement of regulation on SUPs begins. "Regarding how far offshore, there is no single measurement of distance here," said Newman, a surfer since 1966 and former San Diego County Lifeguard. "It's either outside the surf line, whatever that might be in your area, or outside a locally designated surfing, swimming or bathing area. Certainly if you're paddling to Catalina or Molokai you're going to be offshore. I saw a guy fishing off a SUP outside at Swami's in the kelp beds. He was there among other commercial fishing boats. That would require a PFD and whistle." Newman stresses that the Coast Guard will not push for any bans of SUPs in surf or swim zones or bathing areas, though he points out that states, counties and cities can pursue more restrictive initiatives should they so choose. "If a local agency wants to separate SUPs and surfers, they have the authority to do that," Newman said. With anti-SUP sentiment coming to a head in lineups in places like Los Angeles County, the exclusion of SUPs from surfing areas may be an increasingly more realistic option. Clay Feeter acknowledges that this threat could eventually become a reality in any number of local lineups. "Many municipalities view anything with a paddle as something that should not be allowed in a swim or even, in some cases, a surf zone," Feeter said. "So the question that needs to be answered is, 'Is this a surfboard or is this a kayak-type craft?' Unfortunately the paddles may bust us. The other reason may be because of the occasional SUP guy or woman who doesn't know the rules or simply does not share the aloha spirit in the lineup." Any proposed ban on SUPs in surf zones, however, is entirely unrelated to the U.S. Coast Guard's new vessel classification of SUPs. The Coast Guard has made one point crystal clear: SUPs in surf zones will not be affected by this new classification. In other words: in surf zones, nothing has changed. And for surfers, whether pro- or anti-SUP, that's the one piece of information that actually matters. MORE SURF NEWS SURFLINE HOME PAGE |
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Comments: (154)
10/23/2008 03:05 PM
Living in miami, its tough to lead a surfing lifestyle. Standup paddle boards have given a lot of us the chance to pursue a more active lifestyle in the water, while still tapping into our love for the ocean and surf. We can surf super small waves and enjoy every second of it. Why is there so much hate? One love people, one love
Hurder 10/23/2008 02:46 PM
Its pretty simple, Just stop taking all the waves people wouldn't be so angry then. Go have fun get ur exercise and go to places where there are not surfers. As for the snowboarding comment boarders didnt come out and take over the lift lines or backcountry they got stuck in the flats and got heckelled by skiers, stop making excuses and face the reality that the majority of surfers on this world dont want it in the line up. In human history when the majority is angry thats when revolutions start
Jerry S Hernandez 10/23/2008 02:43 PM
SUP please go away...p-lease.. stop thinking your cool because you paddle by looking down at us short boards. while you paddle from 500 feet to snake a set wave.. go away..
philip chandler 10/23/2008 02:34 PM * PREMIUM MEMBER - Real Name
thank god you dont like paddleboards...though getting run over by a sup is not high on my list of dangers,just another piece of flotsam in the water.think it's funny though you can get rousted by the terminator o.c.s.d. answer to affirmative action replete with man size boilermaker just don't call her sir!
DJ 10/23/2008 02:24 PM
"Gerry Lopez, Dave Kalama, Rob Machado, Bonga Perkins, Ikaika Kalama, Dino Miranda, Aaron Napoleon, Chuck Patterson, Laird Hamilton, Kala Alexander, Jamie Sterling, Mickey Munoz, Garrett McNamara, Titus Kinimaka, Mel Pu'u, Brian Keaulana, Tom Carroll, Brock Little, Mark Healey, Crystal Dzigas, Shane Beschen, Darrick Doerner, Kekoa Uemura, Kealii Mamala, Raimana, Kainoa McGee, Archie Kalepa, Buzzy Kerbox, Noah Shimabukuro, Taj Burrow. . . all stand up paddlers and would you call them Kooks?
Greg Jay 10/23/2008 01:45 PM * PREMIUM MEMBER - Real Name
If SUP's are now considered vessels and must obey the "sea" rules-of-the-road why then are they exempt when in surf/swim zones. Last time I checked, any declared vessel is not allowed to enter within 200 yards of a surf/swim zone. That includes kayaks, boats and now SUP's. I'm just sayin'.
Southbay Alika 10/23/2008 01:23 PM
The point of SUP is to continue the surfing journey. These angry flamers journey I am guessing has ended on a 6'2'' shortboard. Expand your mind and your surfing possibilities. The anger of not being able to surf most days becuase of your equipment does not happen to me anymore. In case your wondering, I do not SUP even half the time, but it has made me a better and more well rounded surfer, and I repeat surfer. Stop hating and wasting your time with angry rants. Get stoked all over again.
Max Van Horowitzenbergenstein. 10/23/2008 01:17 PM
They are not boaters! They are the janitors! Get it straight would ya!
GLEN GREMILLION 10/23/2008 12:43 PM * PREMIUM MEMBER - Real Name
These vessels are heavier and more dangerous than the average surfboard.They WILL hurt more surfers and bathers than a normal surfboard. Its simple physics. They are dangerous. Oh and they always hog the set waves.
8o8 10/23/2008 12:37 PM
it's a shame that so many people have had bad experiences with SUP surfers. I always show aloha when I'm surfing with any one else. yes, I shortboard, longboard and SUP and yes, I think many of you are embarrassed to try it cause you'll be THAT kook in the water. don't knock it til you try it...
Tim 10/23/2008 12:35 PM
I hate actually surfing my SUP. If there are waves big enough to surf then I ride a real SURFboard not a PADDLEboard. Let's just paddle on our SUP's and get a good workout on those flat days. Who wants to surf with a big stick in their hand anyways! I don't know about you guys but I'm all about bringing back the fanny pack with that sweet inflatable lifevest mentioned above...heck ya!
jetsurfer 10/23/2008 11:36 AM
SUP is the lamest excuse for getting on the water.
Might as well be in a kayak.
Easy Rider 10/23/2008 11:28 AM
Sup's on Lakes and rivers are a great way yo get around and enjoy the water. Just like a sailboard there is no need for a pfd. The board is more than good enough for that.
point dume 10/23/2008 11:19 AM
SUP's have further commercialized our sport. Shame on Laird for a creating a method that allows people with no water etiquette or skills to dominate the line up and down our coast crating dangerous situatins. They teach their classes with no real emphasis on line up etiquette. Just get as many people in the water as possible sell them a $2000 board and a $400 dollar paddle. Shame on laird and the rest of Surf industries for their greed. Lets hope they ban them from all line ups in so cal ASAP.
jeff logan 10/23/2008 11:15 AM
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Comments are closed on this story.
sup's are for rich guys with too much money, body builders with too much weight and not enough balance, and people who tried surfing but never got the hang of it. have fun wearing your floaties nerds
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