SurfingSports Standup Paddle Surf & Standup Paddling BLOG

The latest BUZZ in new standup paddle surfing sports gear.

We showcase the best standup paddle boards, standup paddles, standup paddle accessories with news and views.

StandUp Paddle Sports has the largest, and best, selection of SUP's in the UNIVERSE at our store in Santa Barbara, CA.

Over 150 standup paddle boards currently in stock. New SUP's arriving monthly.

(Best selection...Best value...Best service...Mahalo)

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Santa Barbara Harbor SUP Paddling & PFD's

In cooperation with the fine folks at Santa Barbara Harbor Operations, we are posting
an article appearing in the next "Docklines", the Santa Barbara City Waterfront Department Newsletter...regarding the required use of PFD's in and around their jurisdiction of Santa Barbara Harbor waters...

We appreciate their service and will educate our clients to comply with the new regs that allow us to paddle inside the harbor now...we consider this a privilege and allows us to recreate in an area more protected from winds and inclement weather...

We have the Coast Guard approved fanny pack style inflatable type PFD's in stock for standup paddlers to purchase...

Paddleboards Now Classified as Vessels

From Oregon to Mexico, the sport of stand-up paddling has grown
considerably over the past few years. Responding to a request for legal
interpretation, the Coast Guard recently classified "paddleboards",
meaning Stand-Up Paddleboards (SUPs), as "vessels." The newly
classified vessels must comply with federal Navigation Rules and
"carriage" requirements when operated beyond the narrow limits of a
swimming, surfing or bathing area. Stand-up paddlers need a
USCG-approved life jacket for each person, a sound signaling device
(whistle), visual distress signals and navigation lights (flashlight).

The same requirements apply to kayaks and other manually propelled
vessels of similar size. Stand-up paddleboards are exempt from hull
identification number and registration requirements. Enjoy your SUP in
Santa Barbara, but please do so safely and responsibly. Harbor Patrol
will continue to educate and encourage stand-up paddlers to comply with
these new rules.

SOURCE: "Docklines" Santa Barbara City Waterfront Department Newsletter

If you have any questions they can be directed to:

Mick Kronman
Harbor Operations Manager
City of Santa Barbara
805-897-2587

Labels: Santa Barbara Harbor SUP regulations, Santa Barbara standup paddle sports, SUP PFD