Here is an update from the Surfrider Foundation after their meeting last night:
"On very quick notice, the local saltwater sports community came out for the Surfrider-hosted public meeting to discuss the alarming issue of banned watersports on most of Miami Beach. Thanks to the crowd of concerned, hard-core locals who participated and helped nail our strategy.
Surfrider will communicate the below talk points to the City of Miami Beach Mayor and Commissioners tomorrow at 12:15 pm in the 3rd Floor Commission Chamber at 1700 Convention Center Drive.
YOUR PARTICIPATION is welcome and needed. During the 12:30 Citizen forum session, anyone can have three minutes to speak up to reinforce our points and/or speak your mind about the issue.
Talking Points on Surfing and Stand-Up Paddling Rules on Miami Beach
The recent prohibition of surfboards, stand up paddle boards, and kiteboards has created a huge uproar and has taken away basic rights to beach access.
1. The current code is outdated and disregards the growing popularity of many watersports.
a. Surfing and stand up paddling (SUPing) are enjoyed by many residents on Miami Beach. In fact, in recent years the number of surfers and SUPers has increased substantially.
b. A few blocks of beach near Government Cut is not adequate space for those who currently enjoy these activities. This presents an extreme safety hazard.
c. Due to the growing tourism for these sports, it is very important for Miami Beach to have a proactive policy in place that provides sufficient access for surfers and works to protect the safety of surfers and beach patrons in general.
d. US Open of SUP was held on Miami Beach in Sept 2011 with $35,000 in prize money and international participants. Orange Bowl of SUP.
2. The differences in various water sports are important for making decisions about where they are allowed. This is critical for the safety of all water sports enthusiasts.
a. SUPs move slowly , and on flat water do not present a significant hazard to bathers/swimmers. We are not aware of any accidents/harm to bathers caused by an SUP on flat water.
b. It is desirable that kiteboarding be done away from surfers and SUPers – not in the same few block stretch of beach as surfers.
c. A paddled surfboard is not intended as a means of transportation. It is intended to ride waves.
d. It is dangerous to relegate SUPs and kiteboards to “channels” that are used by jet skis and other motorized vessels.
3. We urge the City, in the short term, to clarify which code it is using. "
CONTINUED AT http://www.miamisurfrider.org/2012/0...port/#more-864