Paddle boards

J

jmeirhofer

Active member
Member
Joined
Jan 3, 2009
RO Number
30972
Messages
2,127
Read an article yesterday that the coast guard now requires a life preserver to be on those stand up paddle boards. What next? ...

To see the rest of this post please visit NBR as I do not want to offend anyone. Thank you.
 
In the bath tub is my guess.

But it doesn't look like you have to be wearing one. And depending on where you are paddle boarding the rules may not even apply.

"WASHINGTON - The U.S. Coast Guard in a decisional memo dated Oct.3, classified paddleboards as vessels in accordance with Title 1 United States Code, Section 3.

This classification means that when used beyond the narrow limits of a swimming, surfing, or bathing area, no person may use a paddleboard unless in compliance with the Navigation Rules, and applicable carriage requirements for this type of vessel.

This may include a Coast Guard approved life jacket for each person on board, a sound producing device, visual distress signals, and proper navigation lights. A police-type whistle and a flashlight comply with these requirements."

At least they say "may include" not must.
 
A paddleboard is nothing more than a stable surfboard propelled by a paddle. The board cannot sink even when broken in half. Paddleboarders like surfboarders leash the board to their ankle so they cannot lose it when they fall. The idea that people will need to wear or carry a pdf on a surfboard is too much. I have surfed but never paddleboarded. I don't know how these rules can be challenged but I hope those affected can challenge and change this. From what I have heard paddleboarding is the fastest growing watersport in the world.
http://www.ratlines.com/SUBSpaddleboards.htm
I find this part of the rule amusing
"It is important to note that paddleboards in the surf-zone will not be affected by the decision and that the Coast Guard does not define the limits of surf zones."
 
Helmets for surfers are probably being discussed somewhere. But maybe to be worn only within the undefined limits of the surf zone.
 
The article in Bay and Delta Yachtsman said that all law enforement agencies where enforcing the new rule all over the delta. They did not say what the fine is or what the result of paddling without a life preserver would be. I wonder if this means they will start to register them like they would any other "boat".
 
More governnment mission creep. Regulate enough and people will stop and do something else. They've started a similar rule on a lake here on the island. A LAKE!
Now, the few small businesses that catered to the paddlers are worse off, since they've gone somewhere else to paddle.
Most people who've done stand up paddling for any amount of time could probably swim better than any of the "enforcers."
Buzz
 
Originally posted by adru

Helmets for surfers are probably being discussed somewhere. /quote]

This is such a good idea, as it may greatly reduce the use of words like Dude and yo. [;D]
Click to expand...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top