Kneeboard Surfing USA Community Forum

This is worth monitoring... post found on E's blog 3/23

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Here's the latest news in the Pleasure Point surf contest debate, by onfitness mag editor Joseph Grassadonia: Some new rules have come out by the Santa Cruz County Parks and Recreation Department who supervises and provides permits for surf contests. What these new rules mean is any surf contest promoter, organizer, or contestant that attempts to block or keep free surfers out of any wave lineup -- and that includes the contest lineup itself -- is in violation of Santa Cruz County rules and regulations pertaining to surf permits and contests and can and will have their permit revoked. We have received the counties pledge that they will hold the line on surf contests at Pleasure Point. Our recommendation is a maximum of three (3) contests per year that only promote fun for everyone and the Aloha Spirit of Pleasure Point. No out of town clothing companies trying to make a buck on the backs of free surfers. Please take it somewhere else. Pleasure Point is for everybody and not to be sold out! Also, here is a hotline number you can call to complain if you have been bullied or harassed by contest participants or promoters: 831-454-7954 ask for Mary Pat Music

I really wish the C&C of Honolulu would do something similar with Pipe. That's what Pipe needs more Aloha Spirit. Dream on.

Locals in the lineup was probably the only blemish on an otherwise perfect KSUSA Titles last year. This is a tough issue - because everyone has a home break and nobody is excited to pull up and find a bunch of contest guys taking over. Contest organizers need to be sensitive to the situation at each break. However, you can't run a US (or World) Titles at a location where local guys are snaking or just getting in the way. We need to give this a lot of consideration before making plans. Personally, I'd rather surf a lesser break with no hassles than try to make it work where we're unwelcome. At the same time, we're probably doing a disservice to the sport holding events at weak breaks that don't allow guys to really cut loose.

Bit of a Catch 22 isnt it..

You dont want to have a contest at a lesser break, yet the best breaks are usually the most crowded, which makes it even harder to keep locals out of the lineup.

At the Bendalong contest there were a few times where the contest director had to get on the mic and yell at people in the lineup. Usually this works fine, sometimes not.

However, more times than not, if the waves are crappy, you will have no troubles with people getting in the way.

So there you have it, if what Bob says is true, good luck getting another contest in SC County. Pleasure Point has received all contest with no protest until now and it looks like they have reached the saturation point. Its like every place you go, to much of a good thing finally catches up. I'm calling we look into the Lane as a site. I have been against it for a long time but now if we can't even have a mellow time at PP why not talk to the city of SC and find out there policy. If we get the worlds there at least once that would be great. Now how about that great place up the coast called Ocean Beach? It could be the most incredible event or it could be the most incredible event I never wanted to attend. Seriously let's get talking about a change of venue.

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Jon Manss wrote: I'm calling we look into the Lane as a site.

I would be careful calling that one... remember, kneeboarding is at a point where we could really have a very bright future, some would say that taking over the lane would be a bad idea. For what I have heard, buttboarders (wave-kayaks, or whatever you want to call them) have a contest there every year, and they are increasingly disliked in that community. I think that if we do take over the Lane for the worlds, the end result would be very likely giving the locals the right to hate kneeboarders in general.

That would not be good.

Interesting... but lets think about this

Beeline wrote:Blacks

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Logistically this one is a nightmare... getting all the gear down there every day (i.e. tents, chairs, PA equipment, etc.), clearing the lineup would be nearly impossible, and the masses will not be very happy about having to do the walk there and back day after day after day (World titles have been known to run as long as 14 straight days).

Beeline wrote:Ocean Beach,

Again, an interesting option if you mean the Ocean beach in San Francisco. Problem is what to do when it gets 20 foot for days on end and only a handful of people can get even out the back, not to mention the fact that it would take them over 30 minutes to clear the impact zone. Logistically its not a bad option, however mother nature would have to deliver big time to make this option viable. Also, the masses will demand a point break (which is what they have at Pleasure Point), which neither Ocean beach (San Francisco or San Diego) has.

Beeline wrote:Moss Landing or

Never been there, someone else may want to comment on this option.

Beeline wrote:Silver Strand(aka Hollywood by the
Sea ) .

Crowds would probably be a problem here too, isnt localism a real problem here? If memory serves, wasnt there a guy that beat up a kid a few years ago and got sent to jail for 9 months over it? Accomodation around this area could make it economically infeasible for some people. I have never surfed there so I dont know what that place is like, but I have heard rumors on what its like.

Beeline wrote:...would get my attention.

Are you planning on being there? (i.e. Is getting your attention the purpose of the world titles?)

Can you image showing up to your local beach and kneelo's have taking over for a 14 day contest? I don't think thats a good idea for the kneelo's. Already trippy vibes with surfers. I say let Australia hold the Worlds, seems like the kneelo has more support there. Do we really want a scene like that in California? How many people could even cut loose from work or life for that long? The 2 or 3 day event is better for California. Please don't bring extended Kneelo contest here.

Mike

Ler wrote:
I say let Australia hold the Worlds, seems like the kneelo has more support there.

but Mike..

would that mean you would come?

I want to see a greater representation of surfers other than Australians

hart

I would not be in attendence.

Mike

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For basketball playoffs they have different venues. Could that concept be used here. Say the first couple of early rounds be held at somewhat nearby breaks on different days say at Moss, OB, PP or even 4 mile, then the Quarters through finals would be held at the lane. That could be interesting. Maybe not so realistic but it sure would be fun and add variety to the contest.

hart wrote:
I want to see a greater representation of surfers other than Australians

hart

Me too...