The U.S. Coast Guard requires all Standup Paddleboarders to have a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) attached to their Standup Paddleboard (SUP).  The only problem with this is that it implies saftey to the user without actually providing any.  If the user falls from their board with any wind or current, whether they injure themselves or not, their board will drift away from them with their PFD and leave them floating with absolutely no help.  

The surfing industry for the past 20+ years has used what is known as a "leash" to attach it's users to their boards.  These leashes keep the board from floating more than a few feet from the user and are trusted in surf up to 20+ ft. high.  If surfers can use leashes to attach themselves to their surfboards in heavy surf, why are paddleboarders forced to purchase lifejackets that provide no actual safety?

I was just issued a $470 ticket from the Department of Natural Resources for not having a lifejacket on my paddleboard, even though I was attached with a leash rated to withstand large surf.  I was also wearing a pack that contained a first aid kit, a high powered flashlight, a snake bite kit, a knife, a whistle and a cell phone.  If we are going to enforce any laws on paddleboarders, it should require them to wear a leash over simply having a life jacket attached to their board.

The board is a flotation device...

My court date is in August and I'm going to appeal to take this as far as I can.  Sign my petition and help me fight the laws that imply more safety than they provide.  Last time I checked this was supposed to be a free America. Let's keep it that way.

Sincerely,

Trenton J. Ventura

Carolina Paddle Company, LLC. - Owner

3937 Mega Drive, Unit 78

Myrtle Beach, SC 29588

Trent@CarolinaPaddleCompany.com