well, you know how it is. somebody complains, kayak mfgrs., canoe mfgrs., insurance people, lawyers. then they have to make a call.

That's why I have to wear a seatbelt when driving 35 mph up and down A1A. I don't have the right to use my own judgement any more. That decision has been made for me, as I'm too stupid to think for myself...no, it's just an insurance lobby to save them money, really. I can ride my motorcycle without a helmet, though! why? abate lobby. maybe we need an s.u.p. lobbyist org.?

You're right about personal freedoms. Can't stop the lawyers, though. My solution? Never leave the beachside unless absolutely necessary!

ron ferrer 226 days ago

I take my SUP out in the gulf for a paddle every once and a while.  The fish cops love to make sure I'm wearing a PDF and have a whistle for my own protection.  This world is getting to complicated anymore.

Ron, it's funny you should mention about motorcyclists not being required to wear helmets.  I live near a bike trail and it's a county ordinance that all bicyclists must wear a helmet.  Go figure.

 

Boco-Rio 226 days ago

theres a move in the UK to classify surfboards in the same class as powered watercraft... big implications for insurance if it comes to anything - a right royal PIA and common sense goes out the window

Mike Skinner 226 days ago

Imagine paddeling into the lineup with all of that gear on your utility belt and your navigations lights flashing!

Is that two long blasts on the horn when entering the lineup and one short blast when dropping in, or do I have that reversed?

Squalyboy 225 days ago

Apparently when we vote politicians in to office our judgement is excellent, but as soon as they are in power they assume that we have no sense at all and need to have our every mov regulated. It's a very poor show, and no doubt will spread to New Zealand as our politicians subscribe to the 'world leader ' and copycat every move.

Roy Stewart 225 days ago

the solution must be to surf somewhere cold - if theres anyone else out in the firing line they're obviously mental and unaware of their actions, m'lud!

 

Mike Skinner 225 days ago

Mike I find that a good solution is to surf waves which others describe with four letter words, but which have the same underlying beauty and power as the more obviouly perfect ones if one has the equipment and the inclination to find it ( Short answer: Onshore shifting beachbreaks )

Roy Stewart 224 days ago

That's good advise.  I use to surf close to the pier in Flagler Beach.  Now I surf at beach break secret spots along a 7 mile long stretch that's mostly uninhabited area.  It's great, no crowdes, no lifeguards and it's a more natural setting.

 

Boco-Rio 224 days ago

Ridiculous rule. Good thing we don't make "paddleboards". We make _________________ (fill in the blank with whatever term works). "Paddle board? I'm afraid I've never heard that term sir. This is my SSP, Swim Safety Platform. Or my PBD, Personal Bathing Device. Any other suggestions? That way if we get "pulled over" at least we can have a laugh.

rich 224 days ago

Roy and Boco - just my exact thoughts - we've a huge beach break a mile or so away (a two mile sweeping bay one way and another 5 miler the other) that barely get used and look interesting depending on what the sand is up to - I get nervous somewhere busy for a few reasons (namely wanting to learn in peace, not wanting to hit someone, wanting space and wanting the place to ourselves) - people love the boards when they see them but I'd hate to be cracked on the head by one!

Mike Skinner 224 days ago

Ah the great untapped resource of shifting beachbeaks !  They are  very challenging and interesting to ride, tand  are also good training for the 'name' breaks.

Roy Stewart 223 days ago

yeah, being able to enjoy yourself without some control freak- who can't have fun and doesn't want anyone else to- trying to bum you out is the best! my spot gets pretty busy by 10 am in good weather, as the orlando and ocala people show up. but I'll be done surfing by 9 most days anyway, and it's within walking distance. they're building that new park at old ormond pier site, so that spot's going to be pretty busy soon- but it might take a little pressure off rennick. I'm looking forward to surfing with you up the road, even if I do have to travel a couple miles. bought a shorty wetsuit yesterday, by the way. will be in the water next week! woohoo!

ron ferrer 223 days ago

Sounds good.  I wish I lived closer to you, that's a beautiful area.  I never did surf at Rennick.  Usually there are too many guys out when the waves are decent.  It's so much better to drive up A1A a little ways and not have to deal with that.  Glad to hear you got a shorty.  Now that the threat of snow and freezing weather has passed the water should warm up a little. 

 

Boco-Rio 223 days ago

yeah, gets busy there as day goes on. I got the luxury of walking over at daybreak, I'm spoiled! wonder if night surfing's any fun? there are so many places along north peninsula s.p. that are uncrowded that I wouldn't bother with rennick myself if I was driving to beach, but like I say, It's too convenient for me!

if you other guys wanna see what we're talking about, here's a video, rennick is at 4 min. mark, you can see some waves along the stretch, too. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ykiq6NzjSUU&feature=related

I'm looking forward to seeing the noserider in action, I'll probably build a longboard after the big fish. always wanted one, but didn't want it to be my only board, now that I've gone nuts and started building boards I'll probably have one of each... I got like 10 planes, depends on my mood/wind. looks like I'm gonna be the same way with surfboards!

ron ferrer 223 days ago