not all lifeguards are anti-SUP.

[SURFnTURF]

I was surfing a popular beach-goer spot today with some goat-boater friends and a few boarders,  it was the cleanest spot around.   There were some oversized VERY white people (clearly tourists) out past the sand bar playing in in "traffic" so to speak in about waist deep water.   I bailed or did not take several waves as they were directly in my path.   One wave was too good to not take, even though they were in my path.   I had no problem surfing around them, but did get pretty close.   Not long after that, I hear the lifeguard blowing his whistle and waving his orange floaty thing my way.    I tell my buddies that I'm about to get yelled at and why, then paddle in.    I get 50 feet from shore and he's not Making eye contact with  me.  I get his attention and point to myself; he waves me off and points to the group of swimmers.    He motions for them to come in for being in the surfing zone, out past the sand bar. 
     AWESOME!!!

[Zooport]

Sounds like you proved that they don't have to worry about SUPers being out of control.  I'll agree that clueless people, either tourists or beginner surfers, are the most annoying people to be in your way because they don't understand the rules and rights of way.  When there is over a couple of them around me, I try to get away a bit because it's THEM that are a danger. 

[surfercook]

Here in NJ it's a real challenge to find a legal srf zone. Most beaches are reserved for swimmers and surfing is only allowed at designated surfing beaches and before/after hours (usually b4 10 and after 5). You're sure lucky to have that lifeguard clearing out the srf zone of clueless tourists. By the time 5:00 rolls around I'm usually ready to scare the sh!t outa some tourists w/the biggest sup I have!

[stoneaxe]

All the lifeguards I know personally are SUPpers....makes it much easier.

[PDLSFR]

SURFnTURF that is awesome. Our local break (1st Beach Newport RI) also has a "designated" Surf zone in the summer, but unfortunately we don't get the courtesy of Lifeguards blowing the whistle at the swimmers in our zone (they are very quick to toot their whistle and wave us down the second we venture or ride a wave outside the surf zone). I had words with 2 different lifeguards last year about this situation and they said all they are instructed to do is keep us in the surf zone and not worry about the swimmers.

Oh well, maybe we just need to have some close calls with the swimmers to make them move on their own!

[Ichabod Spoonbill]

I noticed the lifeguards in Truro using both SUP and prone paddleboards. They were always nice to me when I talked to them.


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[stoneaxe]

Not surprised on the Truro lifeguards. One is Danni Schmidt, 404 team rider, another is Jess White....both are longtime CCBC paddlers/racers.  Danni is a cute petite blond, Jess, is a pretty brunette that looks like she could kick my ass (which both she and Danni do in races). If you're there again and see them introduce yourself and let them know your doing the CCBC this year. Both great kids.