SUP-pin in the NW

tinyE · Since 21 Jan 2006 2004 Posts not really an XTreme Poster

So, a recent run in with the 'water law'
prompted me to do some research.

The SUP is considered a 'vessel' by the
US Coast guard. As such, an operator
must carry a USCG approved flotation
device and a whistle (or other noise maker).

exceptions were surfing, and something else

the ironic thing is, the massive adoption of the
sport in Oregon is what prompted the Coast
Guard to make a ruling on it!

forrest · Mon Aug 03, 09 2:49 pm

Do you have to have a flotation device when you're using it for surfing?

mschulz · Since 29 May 2007 530 Posts Reno, NV Addicted

What is also puzzling, you need a flotation device for wake boarding and water skiing, but not for kite boarding and windsurfing.

If a SUP is a vessile, a pole board also should be included in that.

Not that I am in favor of any more flotation device laws - if you are going to play around the water, you better know what to do when bad things happen.

tinyE · Since 21 Jan 2006 2004 Posts not really an XTreme Poster

Nick · Mon Aug 03, 09 3:46 pm

The Coast Guard has ruled that SUP are vessel and need a PFD and a sound making devise. This rule does not apply in surfing, swimming or bathing areas. Events such as races are also exempt from the rule.

In reality the board itself should be considered a PFD therefore only the sound making devise should be applicable.

DROCK999 · Since 31 May 2007 852 Posts Left Coast Opinionated

[quote="mschulz"]If a SUP is a vessile, a pole board also should be included in that.
quote]
Nope, because years ago windsurfing boards were classified as life saving device instead of a vessel, which is what a SUP board should be considered. mandate a leash law note a life jacket.

mschulz · Since 29 May 2007 530 Posts Reno, NV Addicted

stringy · Since 23 Jun 2006 1736 Posts vancouver XTreme Poster

up in seattle I have been told by the sheriff's department that you are required to wear one when crossing the channel to jetty island.
on the other we are not required to wear one while doing the SUP races on lake union.
I usually wear my dakine impact vest because when I do cross to jetty island, because I have my kiteboard on the SUP deck and have my kite backpack on.

andrewbanandrew · Since 15 Jun 2009 7 Posts Kook

also in WA windsurfing equipment is explicitly defined as a 'toy' -- so that's why you don't need a PFD, because in the eyes of the law it's the same as going into the water with an inner tube or fun noodle

jackZ · Since 13 Apr 2008 355 Posts Devon Alberta ca. Obsessed

Hi all
Well it was not that long ago ........ don't you all remember . SUP found with the life preserver still TIED to the thing and they found a body soon after .
I wear a life preserver while kiting , it's acted as an impact vest at the same time so to me it's worth it .
Have you ever tried to swim a long distance , with gear on ? Most people think they are fit enough until they find out the truth , too late your dead !
All it takes is once , getting separated from your board or whatever and then your family and friends can write wonderful things about you on some forum and then the world continues without Dad or Mom etc.
I'm sorry for this . Here at home we just had a person drown due to no life preserver and it's sad to see his family in the news on the shore waiting for the rescue people to find husband and dad of a few kids . Oh yes it's been 5 days and they have not found him yet !
The worst of it is that there were rescue personnel training in the river and not saying anything to people who would take their lives so lightly . I saw people getting into the river with $1.99 air beds and no life vests ! They were on floats that take several hours and some of these people had liquor too . I wrote a letter to my town council about this not to fine people but just to make them aware of the risk their taking . I mean there were people of all ages as we don't get many 90 degree days here , so everyone was out .
Sorry for the emotional rant but I believe your responsible for not only yourself but your family and friends as well .
Have a good day all .
PS
the whistle thing is fuked . I have a whistle on my life preserver ( yes just like the old days a cowboy hat and a whistle on a string ) and I blew it needing help with no luck as the wind carries the sound away , again thank god for the life vest !

mikeinhoodriver · Since 23 Apr 2009 440 Posts down wind somewhere Obsessed

It definitely looks cool without a jacket, but the reality, you wish you had one when you need it. I am always going to rock one, no matter how good a swimmer I think I am.

Bettyboarder · Mon Aug 10, 09 12:47 pm

bump...

just a reminder to have a life jacket and whistle on the SUP. A friend got a $240 Shocked

ticket yesterday for not having one with her while she was SUP.

DROCK999 · Since 31 May 2007 852 Posts Left Coast Opinionated

kt · Since 16 Mar 2005 763 Posts Portland, Or Opinionated

i was stopped by the CG this past weekend about this. i know that i read last year about the PFD only applying to boards over 10 feet long but, alas, cannot find the link to that law now. anyone? i spent 1/2 an hour on google trying to find it but to no avail.

here is a petition to stop this silly law:

http://letspaddle.org/HPWA_Leash_Petition_to_USCG.pdf

i signed mine and mailed it in.

kt

Gman · Since 11 Feb 2006 4911 Posts Portland Unstrapped

what if you are surfing river swell - i hate life jackets (good for the sinkers out there) Laughing

helmuts are cool tho (sun is the real killer) Thumb's Up

melokitegirl · Since 28 Oct 2008 396 Posts Where the wind blows Obsessed

tautologies · Since 24 Aug 2006 602 Posts Oahu Addicted