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MALIBU SURF AND SPORTS FESTIVAL
Location: Zuma Beach Tower 4.
30050 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA.

July 23rd - 25th
MALIBU BEACH, CALIFORNIA

The Malibu Surf and Sports Festival is a popular three day event filled with action. Elite athletes from around the country will converge to take part in celebrating the majestic beauty of the Malibu. The main stage area will have a display that will be honoring our troops and the many world class athletes who are the heroic first responders in the beach communities.
The events takes place on the popular Zuma and Malibu Surfrider beaches. Activities include a myriad of surf events including craft racing, lifeguard competitions, beach volleyball, surf contest.

Malibu Surf & Sport Festival Lifeguard Races
10 a.m. Sunday, 25, 2010

Approximate Marshaling Times:
10:00 AM: "THE JAKE" SURFBOAT RACE National Doryman's 3 lap Race.

11:00 AM: Surf Lifesaving Ironman Relay-1 Swimmer, 1 Paddleboard, 1 surfski, 1 Surfboat crew, 1 runner

12:00 p.m. Tom Zahn Memorial Waterman's Race USSUPA Open Paddleboard and SUP race

Tom Zahn Waterman's Race is 8.5 miles


Start offshore at the Zuma Lifeguard Tower 4 buoy, Paddle around Point Dume, Finish on the beach between the Malibu Pier and Malibu Lifeguard Tower 1.

(Refreshments provided for all participants at the Malibu finish line.)

Divisions:
Unlimited Paddleboard, 14' Paddleboard, 12' Paddleboard, (Unlimited) Stand Up Paddleboard, 14' Stand Up Paddleboard, 12' 6" Stand Up Paddleboard
(Unlimited Surfski) ( Lifeguard Spec. Surfski)
OC-1, Surfboat

Must be a minimum of 6 entrants in each division for awards

On Site registration -

you are safe from any"vessel" designation restrictions in most of the US coasts surf zones,
but be cool and spread aloha
it is only the local municipality that can legislate restrictions on SUPs in the surf zone

Since October 2008 the USCG has indicated that when offshore and amongst other vessel traffic a PFD is required, just as it is and has been required on all Paddlecraft-Canoes, Outrigger Canoes, Surfskis, Kayaks, and most rowing craft.... See More

I bought a West Marine CO2 fanny pack style years ago for my surfski, works even better for standup, as I can also store the ipod inside, and carry water too plus a whistle, pencil flare, and signal mirror.

If you paddle in navigable and patrolled areas with a 'heavy" law enforcement presence you better have a PFD,
or a good alibi

KEY MESSAGES from the California's 11 US Coast Guard District Boating Safety Division office :
The Coast Guard has determined that beyond the narrow limits of a swimming, surfing or bathing area, the device known as a "paddleboard" is a vessel under 46 U.S.C. § 2101, and therefore subject to applicable regulations administered by the U.S. Coast Guard and its Office of Auxiliary and Boating Safety, unless specifically exempted or excepted.

BACKGROUND
Paddleboarding has been gaining popularity. Traditionally they were used to surf in the ocean, but are now being used in the ocean beyond surfing areas and in lakes and rivers. State law enforcement agencies have asked the Coast Guard what laws and regulations apply to this device.
This determination has created concerns and questions with paddleboarders and surfers. This segment of the recreational community is seeking clarification regarding use and requirements.

•The operator of a paddleboard propels the craft through the use of a paddle. To a large extent the operating range is limited to the physical endurance of the operator, although because of its stability, the paddleboard could easily drift with the wind and water current. This potential physical endurance limitation requires higher levels of physical capability.

•Paddleboards would provide a minimal level of safety to operators if they or the device became disabled. Thus, the operator may no longer be safe in the water if the operator became fatigued or disabled, or if the device became disabled.

•1 U.S.C. § 3 states that the word vessel includes every description of watercraft or other artificial contrivance used, or capable of being used, as a means of transportation on water. Based on the U.S. Code, when utilized beyond the narrow limits of swimming, surfing, or bathing area, a paddleboard is a vessel subject to regulations administered by the U.S. Coast Guard.

POTENTIAL QUESTIONS AND PROPOSED RESPONSES:
Q1. Do I need to wear a life jacket when surfing on my paddleboard?

A1. Not when surfing within a surfing area. However, when used beyond the narrow limits of a swimming, surfing, or bathing area, no person may use a paddleboard unless a Coast Guard approved, wearable life jacket for each person is on board and readily accessible. The U.S. Coast Guard does encourage boaters to always wear a life jacket though. Additional information may be found in 33 CFR 175.11.

Q2. Now that Paddleboards are considered vessels, there are other regulatory issues, such as inspecting the manufacturing facilities, hull/serial numbers required for commercially produced vessels. Do these craft now fall into that realm/category?

A2. The U.S. Coast Guard has the authority to exempt certain vessels from some or all of its manufacturing standards. The U.S. Coast Guard's intent is to exempt all paddleboards from this federal requirement.

Q3. Will we be required to carry documentation and registration papers on board and available?

A3. No, federal law only requires that vessels equipped with propulsion machinery must be numbered in the state of principal use. (33 CFR 173) Note: Some state laws vary and may apply.

Q4. Will paddleboards need to comply with navigation rules?

A4. When used as a vessel, paddleboards will need to comply with all applicable navigation rules. This falls under Rule three, applicability by vessel definition.

Q5. Do paddleboards need to carry visual distress signals (VDS)?

A5. VDS are required to be carried onboard vessels operating on the Great Lakes, High Seas, and Territorial Seas and connecting waters seaward of a point where the entrance exceeds two nautical miles. Manually propelled vessels (Paddleboards), or vessels less than 16 feet in length, will generally be exempt from carrying night time VDS when operating during daylight hours, (sunrise to sunset). They must however carry nighttime devices when operated between sunset and sunrise. VDS requirements are extensive, specific information can be found in 33 CFR 175.

Q6. If I have an accident on a paddleboard, will I need to report it?

A6. Yes, if any of the below circumstances exist, the operator of a vessel shall submit the casualty or accident report prescribed in 33 CFR 173.57 to the reporting authority when, as a result of an occurrence that involves the vessel or its equipment if:
(1) A person dies;
(2) A person is injured and requires medical treatment beyond first aid;
(3) Damage to vessels and other property totals $2,000 or more or there is a complete loss of any vessel;
(4) A person disappears from the vessel under circumstances that indicate death or injury.

Curious what you are hoping to achieve by this very arduous venture delving into the arcane bureaucracy and minutiae of the Code of Federal Regulations and going head to head with tthe US Coast Guard Boating Safety Office?

Be careful of what you wish for as it could undermine the opportunity to SUP at many venues.

Certain Lakes, Rivers, Waterways, and Harbors throughout the country are by regulation restricted to use by only "vessels",
and by the USCG's official pronouncement of a SUP as a vessel it allowed their use where they were previously banned.

I can tell you  that by definition a SUP is a vessel,
and it will be next to impossible to say that it is not.

Per the US Code of Federal Regulations:
The word "vessel " includes every description of watercraft,
or other artificial contrivance used,
or capable of being used, as a means of transportation on water."

Pretty much sums up Stand Up Paddleboarding.

The designation was initiated to protect public safety and  designed to reduce the chance for fatal accidents and prevent the loss of life,
and I'm relatively sure it was also to reduce the liability of a municipality if the loss, damages or accident  occured due to a persons disregard for safety rules and regulations or disregard for navigation rules.

A lot of folks hated helmet and seatbelt laws when they were first enforced.

I have been Stand Up Paddleboarding since 2004,
racing paddleboards, surfskis and surf dories since 1983,
and see mostly benefits since the designation was made.

I've had a lot of dialogue with the USCG both in California at the 11th District HQ and in Washington DC since the designation came out in Oct. 2008

Clipping a waist pack CO2 activated or orally inflated pfd on when you are paddling offshore or in navigable waters is really minor
and something we are used to as they are also required in offshore surfski and outrigger canoe races.

[Malibu Stand Up Surf Slalom]

Malibu Surf & Sport Festival-
Malibu Stand Up Surf Slalom
4 p.m. Saturday, June 20, 2009 

Malibu Pier
23000 Pacific Coast Highway   Malibu, CA

Entry Fees: $30
(or $50 for both the Tom Zahn Waterman's Race and the Malibu Stand Up Surf Slalom)
Registration form:
http://ussupa.com/Events%20_files/Stand%20up%20full%20info%20_1.pdf

4:00 p.m. MALIBU STAND UP PADDLEBOARD SURF SLALOM - 3 miles total distance.

Three 1 nautical mile laps of Stand Up Paddleboard racing at Malibu Pier

Lap 1-
Beach Start, Paddle to buoys offshore from Malibu Pier, right turn and paddle up to the Buoy off of Malibu Third Point, right turn and paddle downwind back towards the base of Malibu Pier along the First Point surf, right turn around the West Pier buoy

Lap2-
after rounding the West Pier buoy, Paddle through the Pier and right turn around the East Pier buoy and right turn around the end of the Pier and back up to the Third Point buoy, right turn and paddle downwind back towards the base of Malibu Pier along the First Point surf, right turn around the West Pier buoy

Lap 3-
after rounding the West Pier buoy, Paddle through the Pier and right turn around the East Pier buoy and right turn around the end of the Pier and back up to the Third Point buoy, right turn round the Third Point b uoy and paddle downwind along the First Point surf back towards Malibu Lifeguard Tower #1 for a beach funnel finish

Divisions:
14' SUP fixed fin,
12'6" SUP fixed fin
* Battle of the Paddle Elite invite qualifiers for 1st-3rd Men & Women in the 12'6" class

*No Open class SUPs in the Malibu Stand Up Surf Slalom

More info at the sites below:

http://ussupa.com/Events .html

http://beachsport.org/2009/malibu_surf_sports_festival.html

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid6487840260

[Tom Zahn Memorial Waterman's Race]

Malibu Surf & Sport Festival-
Tom Zahn Memorial Waterman's Race

12:30 p.m. Saturday, June 20, 2009 

Zuma Beach
30050 Pacific Coast Highway   Malibu, CA

Entry Fees:
$30 (or $50 for both the Tom Zahn Race and the Malibu Stand Up Surf Slalom)

Entry Forms: http://ussupa.com/Events%20_files/Stand%20up%20full%20info%20.pdf

The Tom Zahn Waterman's Race is 8.5 nautical miles long from Zuma Beach Lifeguard Tower #4 to Malibu Pier


12:30 p.m. Start offshore at the Zuma Lifeguard Tower 4 buoy
Paddle around Pt Dume & around Malibu Pier;             
Finish on the beach below the Beachcomber Restaurant.

Refreshments for all participants at the finish line.

Divisions:
Unlimited Paddleboard,
14' Paddleboard,
12' Paddleboard,
Open Stand Up Paddleboard,
14' Stand Up Paddleboard,
12' 6 Stand Up Paddleboard 
*1st - 3rd in the Men's and Women's 12' 6 class earns an invite to the Battle of the Paddle Elite Race

Unlimited Surfski,
Lifeguard Spec. surfski,
Dory


For More info:

http://ussupa.com

http://beachsport.org/2009/malibu_surf_sports_festival.html

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid6487840260

[2009 Malibu Surf & Sport Festival Schedule:]

Mark your race calendar for June 20, 2009 when the 2009 Malibu Surf & Sport Festival presented by Bud Light will hit the water at Zuma Beach and Malibu Surfrider Beach.

The Malibu Surf and Sports Festival is a great two event day filled with action, food, and creative expressions. Over 2,000 participants from around the country will converge to take part in celebrating the majestic beauty of the Malibu.

Our main staging area will feature a Summer Solstice Chumash blessing honoring the many world class athletes.

Activities include a myriad of surf events including paddleboard and surfcraft racing, lifeguard competitions, a California Beach Volleyball Association (CBVA) tournament, a bicycle race, the Call to the Wall surf contest, art show, Surfboard Water Polo, and a Film Presentation on the World Famous Malibu Pier.

Paddleboarders and Stand Up Paddlers from up and down the coast of California and all points on the watery globe will converge on Zuma Beach in Malibu, to compete for the coveted Tom Zahn Memorial Waterman's Race title, and the inaugural Malibu Stand Up Surf Slalom at famed Surfrider at the Malibu Pier.


Winners of several of the Ocean events get their names on the new Malibu Perpetual Trophy hot curl redwood board.

The best paddlers in the country come here to brave the waters of the Malibu Coastline and test their paddling skills against a field of top competitors and to enjoy the unique setting that only the famous Malibu Coast can provide. They also come to pay their respects to surfing star, Paddleboard icon, and Lifeguard legend Rescue Boat Captain Tom Zahn. "THE ROLEX OF LIFEGUARDS AND WATERMAN"

The level of competition for the 8.5 nautical mile Tom Zahn race seems to increase year after year. The new 3 mile Stand Up Surf Slalom race is a great opportunity for beginning paddlers who aren't quite ready to spend two hours giving it all they've got on the 8.5 mile course. Advanced Stand Up paddlers will also enjoy the 3 downwind surfing laps of the Surf Slalom course as well as the top finishers earn an invite to the Elite race at the 2009 Battle of the Paddle.

The Tom Zahn Memorial Waterman's Race is an open-ocean, near-shore race. Baywatch Rescue boats and lifeguard jet skis will be in the water for your safety. All Zahn Race competitors will be fed at the finish line. First 100 registered competitors will receive a Malibu Surf & Sport Festival Patagonia Race jersey. All registered competitors receive an event T-shirts. Oakley sunglasses for the top OVERALL finishers in the Tom Zahn Memorial Waterman's Race and the Malibu Stand Up Surf Slalom.


Visit www.ussupa.com for course maps and detailed registration information.

2009 Malibu Surf & Sport Festival Schedule:
Approximate event times:
Zuma Beach Tower 4
8:00 AM "THE JAKE" National Doryman's Association SURFBOAT RACE
9:00 AM ZUMA 1/2 MILE ROUGH WATER SWIM
9:30 AM SURFSKI RACE-Men
9:40 AM SURFSKI RACE-Women
9:50 AM RUN-SWIM-RUN-Men
10:00 AM RUN-SWIM-RUN -Women
10:10 AM 10'6" PADDLEBOARD RACE-Men
10:20 AM 10'6" PADDLEBOARD RACE-Women
10:30 AM Kids BEACH FLAGS
10:45 AM BOARD RESCUE-Men
11:00 AM BOARD RESCUE -Women
11:15 AM NDA 3 LAP SURFBOAT RACE
11:30 AM 10' 6" PADDLEBOARD RELAY-3 Males
11:45 AM 10' 6" PADDLEBOARD RELAY-3 Females

12:30 PM Tom Zahn Memorial Waterman's Race-(8.5 nautical miles Zuma to Malibu Pier)

4:00 PM Malibu Stand Up Surf Slalom-(3 x 1 mile laps at Malibu Surfider )

5:00 PM Surfboard Water Polo (Malibu Pier)

5:00 PM Malibu Surf and Sport Summer Solstice Hookilau Party on Malibu Pier-Music, Food, Drink and performance art by Norton Wisdom

Pier Party ends 10 p.m.

See you on the Beach!


Race Sponsors:
Bud Light, Ford, Patagonia, Michelob Ultra, Anheuser Busch, Oakley, Spalding, 180 Energy Drink,
Becker, US Stand Up Association, California Bech Volleyball Association, Malibu Boardriders Club

About US Stand Up Paddleboard Association:
US SUPA s a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting stand up paddleboard racing and training and putting on quality events that benefit the sport, fostering stewardship of the local environment, and to share the stoke by providing an energetic vehicle to mesh the Stand Up Surf culture with other community groups.

About Beachsport.org:
Beachsport.org is your company's one stop access to the West Coast's most popular and heavily attended beaches. Beachsport was created as an Event Marketing arm for Scott Hubbell Productions. Incorporated in 1985, SHP inc. has an extensive experience in the fields of beach marketing, event promotions, and ocean sport competitions, with a diversified track record of providing production services for the film and television industry


More info at the sites below:

http://beachsport.org/2009/malibu_surf_sports_festival.html

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid6487840260

The 14' Bark you guys paddled looks to be the identical template to the Surftech Bark 14' Expedition
-that is a Coastal Cruiser model and not really the racing model.
It has a flip nose like a short board.
For racing you want more of a keel entry to part the seas and minimize pearling,
just like in an unlimited paddleboard,
the nose you want can be seen on the barkocean.com site-on his prone boards like the Molokai models.

Below you can see the 12'6 Bark nose we all used at the 2008 BOP. My 14', 18', 18'6" and 19' all have the same nose and all surf, run, and glide unreal.

Have has my 86" XPR for over a month & love it.

Very light swing weight, solid bite, nice flex on the stroke and a smooth release.

Blade is smaller than I usually use, been racing with a 9 1/2" blade in flat conditions like the Colorado River Race but I've grown use to the 8 1/2 width as the efficiency of this paddle makes up for the smaller bite.

Nice photo of Joe and I comparing some of boards he whipped up for the BOP while Aaron Napoleon and Noah Shimabukuro paddle offshore,
it was 4 days before the race and we are trying to see which boards we want to paddle-too bad the conditions were  so brutal-those boards almost paddle themselves on a normal day.

Actually the "Stock" class for Stand Up racing boards is  14 feet,
anything shorter is really just a surfboard...

The 12'6" class was created as a "Surfboard" class to allow all the newbies to race and to increase participation by anybody with a stand up board.
The 12 foot 6 inch overall length was neccesitated due to the fact that the most prevalent long stand up board available at the time was the 12'1" Surftech Ron House Laird board.

The choice of 12'6" for the BOP was forced on the elites by the race organizer probably due to short shaping rooms that wouldn't allow mass production of enough 14' boards in the short time before the event. Almost every one of the elite starters would prefer to be on at least a 14' board.


But why wear workboots to run a 10K? Why paddle a slower boat?
Unlimited class is where it's at,  especially when you're 220 lb 46 year old... I love my 18' Bark

As Guy Pere puts it:
"12'6 as a stock class is stupid. That is a terrilble size to build a racing board. It's just bad for the sport.
If the surfboard class were 12'6, then the stock class could be up to 14ft, and the open class from there.
That would be simple, and we could all just move on.
I'll tell you a few more feet of board with the conditions at the Rainbow sandals race would of been really nice. "

The stock division for paddleboard racing is derived from the old Lifeguard stock paddleboard specifications of 12 foot maximum length and 20 pounds minimum weight.

SUP OPEN CLASS:
Length - No Length Restriction. ( may be less than 14' ft. )
Board Weight - No Weight Restriction.
Board Design - No Design Restrictions, Twin Hulls (catamaran) are allowed.
Fin(s) are allowed.
Rudder(s) are allowed.
Foil(s) are allowed.

SUP 14 CLASS:
Length - 14' ft maximum (426.72 cm)
Board Weight - No Weight Restriction.
Fins shall be fixed in place.
Board Design is Open, except Twin Hulls (catamaran) are not allowed.
Rudder(s) are not allowed.
Foil(s) are not allowed.

SUP 12.6 CLASS:
Length - 12'6" ft maximum ( 381.0 cm )
Board Weight - No Weight Restriction.
Fins shall be fixed in place.
Board Design is Open, except Twin Hulls (catamaran) are not allowed.
Rudder(s) are not allowed.
Foil(s) are not allowed.


Feel the glide

[$170]

Just back from Kauai with my 10'C-4.
Double bagged and foam blocks on nose and tail.
Traveled with one checked bag and my stand Up board.
No dings or dents from United.

United at LAX charged me $80.00 from LAX-Lihue-stoked!

Then United at the airport in Kauai charged me $170 to bring the board home from Lihue-LAX
Where's the Aloha?