The state of California has once again put into effect stand-up paddle board permit laws which require to register any SUP’s which are used at public beaches. This law was put into effect today after a press conference from Sacramento where The Governor announced his plan to use the surfing community to help the state climb out of a deficit.
The Governor has been working to find a solution to California’s $6 Billion deficit since the start of the year. Along with the state senate, many new approaches have been taken including the recent round of layoffs in thte school districts. This new plan targets the coast line of the state, taxing recreational users of surfboards.
An Example Permit On Surfboard
The concept of SUP permits is nothing new. In the early 1900’s many beaches around the state required boards to be marked with a permit. This would show that the surfer had registered the board and payed the necessary fees to operate the vessel in a state waterway. The permit idea is very similar to that of a boat permit you would get for a fishing boat or sail boat.
With an estimated one million SUPs in California, many of whom have more than one board, this new law can stand to generate between $500-700 Million in 2014 alone.
How Much Will Permits Cost?:
The permit cost is dependent on the size of the board. A permit for a board under 9’6" will cost $100 for the year while anything between 9’6" and 10’ will run $200. The largest fee, that for boards greater than 10’ tall will cost $500 per year as these are classified by the state as commercial vessels. The Governor commented, “A board of that size seems completely unnecessary. You could fit a whole crew on it. Heck, I saw a guy out there on one working last week. He was sweeping.”
Upon hearing the news, wholesale distributor, Costco, announced they will be making a deal with the state to preregister all of their boards. Since most of the people riding them do not take the time to learn anything about the sport, customs, safety or anything else, the state of California has agreed to the deal. A representative commented that most of the boards will just sit in a garage not being used anyway. They are just kooks anyway. Wave hogs with no respect for others around them.
The Department of Boats & Waterways
When Does The Policy Start?:
The new policy will go into effect on June 1, 2014, just in time for summer. All boards must be registered by then or the rider riding it will risk a citation and confiscation of their board. More information can be found at the website of the California Department of Boating & Waterways.
Once the permits are in effect, they will be checked by lifeguards periodically. This will require all SUP’s to stop what they are doing and go back to the beach showing the permit.
