Re: [Paddlewise] THE CAPTAINS BLOG: Paddleboards are Vessels - Coast Guard.

On Sun, Jun 14, 2009 at 9:44 PM, James Farrelly <JFarrelly5_at_comcast.net>wrote:

> Let me throw this up on the beach only because we have been slow lately.
>
> http://savannahcanoeandkayak.blogspot.com/2009/06/paddleboards-are-
> vessels-coast-guard.html


This is interesting but not unexpected. Even more interesting because they
actually made a ruling on it. I notice that they exempt paddleboards from
the rules if they are used in the narrow confines of a swimming, surfing or
bathing area. I can see that this broad categorization will lead to
inevitable debates about whether the entire harbor at Naples, CA (for
instance) is a bathing/swimming area or is it only the immediate environs of
the swim beaches themselves.

For those who are not familiar with Naples, it is an enclosed harbor (with a
narrow connection to the ocean) which consists of canals and lagoons lined
with houses, businesses, marinas, private docks and public swimming beaches.
It's quite common to have a lot of paddleboard traffic along with battery
powered launches (very much the *in* thing), kayaks, swimmers, and pleasure
boats of all sizes. Nothing like an eclectic mix like that to create income
for attorneys.

It was last year that a kayaker was accused by a powerboater of violating
Rule 9 (Narrow Channels). Apparently the kayak was in his way as he
attempted to leave his slip. I would have argued that on the grounds that if
the powerboat can simply stop and wait until the path is clear then it is
not "restricted in its ability to maneuver". Maneuvering includes stopping.
I would also have demanded that the powerboat make the sound signal for
getting underway and if it had not, then it was in violation of Rule 34g
(one prolonged blast). At any rate, it's clear that the people there protect
their turf.

See how much FUN you can have with the Rules.  :P


> My son came with me and took a basic whitewater course on the
> Hiawassee. He seemed to really like it. His typical teenage attitude
> was temporarily erased and replaced with a wonderfully adult and
> outgoing attitude. Nothing like a weekend of personal growth to max
> out ourselves.
>
> Nothing like the realization that if - for once - you don't pay attention
you could die to jar a teen out of that self-centered attitude. With my son
it was gliders at age 14.


Craig Jungers
Moses Lake, WA
www.nwkayaking.net
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