AB 2222 - CA teak surfing ban update

AB 2222 is the bill introduced in the CA legislature this year to prohibit teak surfing. The language in the bill raised concerns because it prohibited operation of a boat within 20 feet of someone in the water and had other provisions that looked like they might prohibit wake surfing.

This bill had been amended several times, most recently on April 26th, to focus in on banning just teak surfing. The relevent language is quoted below. Note that this bill hasn't yet been enacted by the legislature and signed by the governor so it's not the law yet. Further, the bill can be amended again so folks should follow it.

If the new language stays, I'm not concerned anymore that my new surfboard will go to waste. I also think other provisions to encourage education on the hazards of teak surfing and carbon monoxide, are good ideas.

"681. (a) It is unlawful to operate a motorized vessel or have the engine of a motorized vessel run idle while an individual is teak surfing, platform dragging, or body surfing behind the motorized vessel.
(b) It is unlawful to operate a motorized vessel or have the engine of a motorized vessel run idle while an individual is occupying or holding onto the swim platform, swim deck, swim step, or swim ladder of the vessel.
(c) Subdivision (b) does not apply when an individual is occupying the swim platform, swim deck, swim step, or swim ladder for a very
brief period of time while assisting with the docking or departure of the vessel, while exiting or entering the vessel, or while the vessel is engaged in law enforcement activity.
(d) "Teak surfing" or "platform dragging" means holding onto the swim platform, swim deck, swim step, swim ladder, or any portion of the exterior of the transom of a motorized vessel for any amount of time while the motorized vessel is underway at any speed.
(e) "Body surfing" means swimming or floating on one's stomach or on one's back on or in the wake directly behind a motorized vessel
that is underway."

Glad to hear it! Thanks to all those who worked hard to keep surfing for us. I know Centurion put a good deal of effort into it.

Mike Schwenne
www.westcoastcamps.com

yea for sure, thanks for th heads up

Does that mean if we're drifting too close to the shore while someone is putting on thier board and need to pull forward while they sit on the transom with their feet strapped to the board, with the board on the swimstep we are in violation, or Not?

NO:
Subdivision (b) does not apply when an individual is occupying the swim platform, swim deck, swim step, or swim ladder for a very
brief period of time while assisting with the docking or departure of the vessel,while exiting or entering the vessel...

Air Besar, great info! Thanks for posting it!

Matt, you're wrong. If you're sitting on the platform and the boat's in gear, you could get ticketed, even if you were just inching out from shore. Sitting on the platform w/ your board on isn't "assisting w/ the docking or departure of the vessel."

(Message edited by dakid on April 29, 2004)

joe, it says something about exiting the vehicle too, not just helping out with docking

although, i guess the term "very brief" could be up for discussion

(Message edited by beerdrnknboardr on April 30, 2004)

Excellent! Thanks to all those that sent letters!