California Stand Up Paddle Board Laws

Sup stand up paddle board boarding is the fastest growing water activity around the world.

California stand up paddle board laws.

There are so many benefits to enjoy while paddle boarding. Adults must have one onboard. The united states coast guard uscg has officially classified stand up paddleboards sup as a vessel. Everything you need to know about pfd regulations the life jacket or pfd the uscg regulations state that each paddler over the age of 12 must have a uscg approved type i ii iii or appropriate type v life jacket.

A child 12 years old or younger must wear their uscg approved life jacket. Check out what we have available at california board company. In general all the information on kayaking laws below pertains to kayaks canoes and stand up paddle boards. Note for people 16 years old and older who can swim and are comfortable in the water a good choice is an inflatable lifejacket.

Pfss must be coast guard approved and either type i ii or iii. The included state links point to some seriously arduous and painstaking research we did into how boating laws are interpreted and applied to kayaking. Each paddler 13 years of age or older must have a uscg approved type i ii iii or appropriate type v see below life jacket. Most states now consider them all to be vessels and subject to boating laws.

With the rapid growth of sup in recent years on the west and east coast of the united states the coast guard recently classified paddleboards meaning sup s as vessels. Unless the paddleboard is being used within a swimming surfing or bathing area the paddleboard must have a uscg approved life jacket for each person and a sound producing device on board while on the water. As with any outdoor activity stand up paddle board safety is crucial to enjoying your time on the water. They are less cumbersome and come in suspender style and belt pack style.

California kayak registration vessels propelled solely by oars or paddles do not have to be registered in california. Sup the newly classified vessels must comply with federal navigation rules and carriage requirements when operated beyond the limits of a swimming surfing or bathing area. California kayak law california considers kayaks and canoes to be vessels propelled solely by oars or paddles. It doesn t have to be worn although that s certainly the wisest plan and one which we strongly recommend.

Improve your fitness goals find a tranquil retreat connect with nature.