Another Reason For SUP'ers To Piss Off

[bluesilver]

I'm carrying a measuring tape.

[brdsurf]

They should have just a general county style tax or permit for those of you who dont live near the breaks you want to surf.
And also for shortboarders, kayakers, and well, everyone.

I think their should be a brdsurf tax or permit for whining about every little thing in the world.

As long as you pay it.

[brdsurf]

And besides, my comment wasnt based from a whinning point of view as much as it is from just thinking it is a stupid type of tax or permit system. Much like my post was full of stupid ideas. After all there are surfboards out there over 10', plenty of wind surf boards in the same category. Im wondering if the new rules are based from some kind of "safety" standpoint or just some way to collect more money. It seems stupid that if one did have a board over 10' surf or windsurf, and the surf was flat and one wanted some exercise, you would need a permit to go paddle it in a river? a lake? Estuary? or even the ocean? To me its the same kind of idiotic thing as making a bicycle tax. Why not? They can be dangerous. They are often found in high traffic/danger situations. They are everywhere. They are also used for both recreation and business.

[andyjade]

Yeah, brd, it's been frustration. I was paddling on the Columbia, and got stopped by the county sheriff boat. I was on a 12 foot stock-sized paddleboard, and was pulled over for not wearing a PFD. There was a new law enacted that required all "paddleboarders" to wear one. The law, as I learned, was put forth as a reaction to large numbers of SUPers in the gorge. The Oregon State Marine Board needed a way to regulate their safety, so they created a blanket statement with the term "paddleboards." Granted, I'm only aware of one other Oregonian that owns a prone board, and I can thus understand why they thought that their chosen term only applied to SUP boards. The OSMB boater's handbook even describes paddleboards as surfboards propelled by use of a paddle. I had read said book, and was prepared to explain the syntax to the sheriff. His response: "uh, your hands are your paddle. You're in violation of the law."

In summary, it's been a long battle, and I'm still waiting to hear back from the marine board. I wrote them a detailed explanation of the sport and the absurdity of wearing a PFD whilst laying atop or kneeling upon a board such as these (it's impossible, really). It's one part ignorance of the sport, and one part an attempt to generate funds from un-PFDed SUP paddlers. But as of now, the state requires PFDs on all people paddling surfboard-esque boards unless they are paddling to or from a breaking wave in a "surf zone."

The invasive species permit is a bit more understandable (although I haven't a clue as to where the funds actually go), and has recently been amended in such a way that only the paddler need carry a permit (as opposed to the original rule requiring each vessel (paddleboard, surfboard over 10 feet, or kayak) to be tagged.

I don't mind helping to keep freshwater systems free of invaders, but the PFD law is a joke. Thanks for letting me vent.

[riverjetty]

I don't mind helping to keep freshwater systems free of invaders, but the PFD law is a joke. Thanks for letting me vent.

You're welcome. Now pay the tax. You're obviously rich if you can afford toys like that, and the children need the money for a school book, and the teachers need a sabbatical to disneyworld.

[stinky]

xxx

[brobra]

It does seem somewhat silly to be required to wear a PFD on a SUP. I've never done it, but I would like to own one at some point just for exercise or cruising around (ocean/lake/river) Seems pretty fun. Maybe those thin wakeboard lifejackets could work??? Does anyone know the laws in California or Hawaii regarding SUPs????

[andyjade]

As I understand it, the PFD law is federally mandated. California and Hawaii are under the same jurisdiction. I don't know about the SUP side of things, but traditional paddleboards are more prevelant in those areas. I've heard that people aren't being bothered due to a wiser local populace of Coasties and law enforcement. But legally, both SUP and traditional paddleboard riders are required to wear a PFD regardless of state. It just comes down to a matter of enforcement. The law originated in Oregon, and that also makes the law a bit more vigilant here. If you wanna play by the rules, West Marine makes a type V inflatable PFD that is worn as a fanny pack of sorts. Its the only option for traditional boards, but it seems like it would be fine for SUP use, too.

[scubetubeular]

Brobra that is a very sick avatar of that dude jamming on the Fender Rhodes. He looks like he needs a floatable fanny pack to be legal though.

[brobra]

inflatable fanny pack is sideways. totally legal scube!

[fossilgrom]

Most SUPs these days are sub 10' so no problem. Anyone want to buy a 10'6" SUP - cheap?

Now all you guys that get your rashguard undies in a bundle when an SUP paddles out to the lineup can go running to the man for help - HA.

Hello...Coastguard...ya there is this guy out here and he is like...you know...getting all my waves. Yessir...I think he is on a 10' or over standup paddle board sir. Please send in the marines...

Too Fukkin funny.

[Boss-Surfer]

Thought this would draw you out old man...

[fossilgrom]

Hey - watch that "old man" shite - guess it fits.

Actually thinking I'll get my saw out and lop just over 6" off the end of my 10-6. Now it's a water toy.

I'll bet a few shapers and ding kings can capitalize on this....

[Ceedog]

Typical, some office weinie making blanket rules for everyone. That settles it, my next board is gonna be a 10'6" let the gestapo check my papers.

[speelyei]

First they came for the tow-in surfers, and I did not speak out—because I was not a tow-in surfer

Then they came for the stand up paddlers, and I did not speak out—because I was not a stand up paddler

Then they came for the soft-top renters, and I did not speak out—because I was not a soft top renter

Then they came for the spongers, and I did not speak out—because I was not a sponger

Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak out for me.

with apologies to Martin Niemöller.