PFDs now required to SUP in San Diego Bay?

[maxsonic]

Finished short windsurf session with my SUP board on SD Bay and noticed a fellow SUP'r was being dropped 100' offshore by the San Diego Harbor Patrol. Thought it might've been a rescue, but when the fellow comes ashore he asks me, "do you have a PFD?"

I told him no. He said the Harbor Patrol pulled him off the water with a "warning" this time for not wearing a PFD.

This really sucks. Has anyone else run into problems with mandatory PFD requirements?

MAX
http://byseaairland.blogspot.com/

[Weasels wake]

I'll never understand while you are leashed to your board, why they don't consider the board a PFD.

[SUP_Dawg]

Is this just a CA thing requiring a PFD?

[maui wave warrior]

I am guessing their argument would be that you wear a PFD and it will keep you afloat even if you are unconscious whereas the board would not. Say the rider passes out and falls into the water, a PFD might save his life whereas the board would probably do little good. Whats interesting is I believe vessels are required to have PFD's on board but people on board are not required to wear them.  I am wondering if you are only required to carry one while paddling or must you be wearing one? Strand Leper would be a good source for information on this subject. Maybe he will read and comment.

[lucabrasi]

Just like any other watercraft. You have to have one on board. Maybe San Diego Bay has different rules but that is the norm. So if you are wearing an inflatable belt pack and get knocked out, the board you are leashed to is doing more for you than the belt pack you must activate and then put around your neck although you are in compliance by having the belt pack.

[Weasels wake]

And all this risk of knocking yourself out while paddling around in a harbor or bay with glassy water.
Yep, those are really dangerous conditions, helmets will be next (in harbors only).

[CT SUP]

Write the Coast Guard.