SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ― Recreational watercraft uses – boats, kayaks, standup paddleboards (SUP) – are common activities at any given public harbor or recreational marina. However uses of human powered vessels, especially SUPs, in Southern California waterways continue to come under scrutiny by policymakers. Concerned constituents are often urging their local...
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This excerpt, from a March 16th. article in the Log, pretty much sums up what needs to be a uniform regulation for SUPs, kayaks, and other human powered watercraft using our harbors. The Oceanside Code of Ordinances currently states “all human powered vessels authorized in the harbor…shall give way, yield the right of way, and keep completely clear of all other non-human powered vessels, including both sail and powerboats.” I even had a person, obviously drunk and very obnoxious, attempt to cut me off with his paddle boat. I had to quickly reverse to prevent hitting him. Then, when I asked him what he thought he was doing he had the unmitigated gall to yell out that he “had the right of way”. This could have evolved into a ‘water rage’ but we decided to just let the moron go his way.
The ocean and harbors are multi-use arenas that are utilized by many different types of people and craft. Any multi use area needs rules/laws to make sure people using the area are safe. Boating law, including human powered vessels, is well established and has been around for decades. The trick is getting everyone to learn, know and follow the rules, including the boaters. There are always instances when someone “gets in the way”, including, but not limited to SUPs, kayaks, canoes, power vessels (big and small), sailboats, crew teams and their escort boats, ferries, swimmers, PWCs, outriggers, rental boats, electric boats, etc. The article is focused on SUPs and I think everyone would agree that stand up paddling has become extremely popular over the last few years and thus the number of people participating in the sport has increased dramatically. SUP rentals are a big factor, but they are not the only part of the equation. Many boaters do not know the rules or think they are exempt due to the size and expense of their yachts and sometimes have the misconception that “this is my harbor” because they live on the water or belong to the thisandthat yacht club. The most dangerous (truly dangerous) situations I have seen on the water almost always includes a motor vessel that has a prop. Add some alcohol and we are talking real danger. You can put 10,000 human powered vessels out on the water by themselves and if all 10,000 people wear PFDs, there would be little “true” danger. Take all those human powered vessels away and replace them with 10,000 motor vessels and sailboats and let the mayhem begin. Now, mix in all of the above and what are we going to do? I am not on one side or the other, but would rather advocate for a safe multi use experience. Education (and then following the law) is the key to safety on the water. Go ahead and make up some new rules. Or, you can follow the rules that are already in place. Make up some laminated cards and pass them out. Just make sure to pass them out to everybody that uses the harbor. Have fun out there and be safe!
Most owners of powered and larger sailboats do understand the rules and, practice safe boating. It is obvious that too many users of human powered and small sailboats do not. Quite the contrary, many are blatantly offensive and believe they have the right-a-way—regardless of the fact they will always lose if they cause a collision with a powerboat. This mindset is magnified when in a group and the “pack mentality” comes into play. Lack of strict rules and enforcement will only lead to “water rage” and serious accidents.