Kneeboard Surfing USA Community Forum

I saw a guy riding a SUP this morning, early at Mission Beach in San Diego. He was paddling it prone. This guy had an incredible range, sat way outside and could catch anything. He could also beat almost any section. I was amazed at what a great paddler / paddle board set-up.

Then, he paddled by me, and I heard his MOTOR and could see the JET wash. Later I heard him bitch that his motor was out, likely fouled by kelp. He had a box strapped on his arm, which was the wireless
control unit.

Hopefully, this is not legal. Anybody know State of California law? Certainly vessels are not allowed in the surf line up. Is this set-up classified as a vessel? This vessel lacked a CF number. I’m going to alert the lifeguards next time at 8am. This guy was out from 6:30a till about 8a.

Bill, here's a place to start anyway, it appears they come under classification of PWC. From: 2010 California Code of Harbors and Navigation Code. Article.1 Section 651.S "Personal watercraft means a vessel 13 feet in length or less, propelled by machinery, that is designed to be operated by a person sitting, standing, or kneeling on the vessel, rather than in the conventional manner of sitting or standing inside the vessel." Maybe you can ask the lifeguards if PWCs are allowed in the surf.

Thanks Ken, good info.