As I approached the water, I ran into Ian Zamora carrying his 4GF and his fins. What's this? Matting at Malibu? And the lifeguards didn't say anything? WTF? As I sat on my surfboard getting more and more pissed at the horrible conditions, I started thinking I should just go to the car and get my mat. The next thing I knew, Ian had grabbed another mat and fins for a friend. Then there were two mats in the water! Finally, I couldn't take it anymore. I wasn't catching anything on a board. Ian and Jonny were the only people out there smiling. Right! I'm getting my mat!
Of course, as soon as the lifeguard spied three mats on the sand, he started lecturing. It was something to the effect of him only allowing one mat at a time. Ian had to leave. Jonny was getting out anyway. That left me.
So what happened? The boss came and I was unceremoniously told to come out of the water. (Sigh) It's because I'm black, isn't it? LOL! Just kidding. I got back on my board.
This was the first time I'd ever seen more than one mat in the water. I've seen Pranaglider in the water while I was surfing. That was one. Today there were two mats in the water. I tried to make it three. Oh well.
Ian
Jonny
Surfsis
16 comments:
Ho ho.The USA,land of the free...try wrapping a towel round the mat to disguise its deadly form.
Is there a law against swimming in LA?
Try swimming out from the top of the point with the mat deflated and rolled up, they probably won't notice you until you've inflated and caught a few waves.
They'll notice at Malibu. It's a small space really. That's one reason why there's so much chaos when it's crowded.
I can mat at other beaches. I just didn't know anyone had ever gotten away with it at Malibu.
And even if I can hide the mat, I can't hide me. I stand out like a sore thumb.
Put on a bucket hat, spring suit, and booties and you'll fit right in.....
Tell them your working for US Military, secret stuff. Give them a blaggy number and ask them to speak to John Smith or Templeton Peck if they need to ;-)
Yup. You lot sure have it regulated over there. Crazy stuff.
Simple answer, dawnies at quiet spots?
Maybe that's not a simple answer at all...
Piskian, we're missing you mate! :)
G
The lifeguards are not there early. Occasionally body boarders will ride Malibu early....usually 3rd point. If anyone says anything negative...give em my usual 2 word messsage and it aint good morning!
rogelio
Ha ha!! I love it. The only catch is that I've got to get the kid to school. I drop him off at 7:30 and then head to the beach. However, if someone is willing to meet me for a DP mat session, I'll have the spouse do morning duties and I'll head to the beach. Generally, though, Mom is expected to get the child up and out in the morning.
I thought that this had all been sorted out?
Does Malibu have different rules to the rest of LA county?
Maybe you guys in CA need to get some sort of official letter-headed note from local government with the following printed on it....
or organise a mass mat meet and do the whole civil-disobediance thing...
LACC 17.12.460 Inflated equipment--Use restrictions.
A person shall not use in the Pacific Ocean opposite any beach regulated by this Part 3 any inflated equipment of any kind except:
A. A standard surfmat which is:
1. Constructed of a durable material with a nonslippery surface;
2. So constructed that when inflated for use it will not fold in any direction;
3. Not smaller than 24 inches by 40 inches;
4. Not larger than 30 inches by 60 inches;
5. Equipped with a safety rope;
B. Coast Guard approved inflatable equipment launched for lifesaving purposes from a sinking or burning vessel or a vessel that is hazardous to the crew’s continued occupancy. (Ord. 85-0206 § 7, 1985: Ord. 9767 Art. 3 § 59, 1969.)
I'm now signed in under my Surfsister account. "Surfwithdreads" is me too, by the way.
The sticking point here in L.A. County is "5. Equipped with a safety rope". I don't know why. No one has ever been able to tell me why the rope/tether/leash is necessary. I don't even think the lifeguards know why. Why is it I can surf leashless (thus endangering everyone within a 200 yard radius when I don't feel like holding onto my board) but can't mat leashless?
Ian said it all. For the land of the free you lot are regulated out of your arses!!! Stupid rules made by stupid people.
G
Now the sun has just gone over the yardarm,I have had my customary snifter,and had a great idea.How about you wear a climbing harness,with rope generous enough to be belayed to the Lifeguard chair?Safety first!A Bungee cord would proveeven more effective...
The ONLY reason that this rule works is that it keeps hoards of people trying to get their 'mat on' away from a normally crowded break. "Ooooo! Let's all get mats and go to 1st!" I guess that would boost an increase in sales. Flat mats everywhere from constant collisions with out of control longboarders. It was a treat for a while having 1st as my first mat experience. I think I'll go to LEO CARILLO next time, I read that it's the place to go for 'matting'.
Unfortunately the lifeguards just chose who to notice. Ive seen a bu regular and very active club member get booted off by the lifeguards while some "star" gets to go out since the lifeguards didnt "see" them.. Its a bunch of crap. Pick the guards, when the boss is up there forget it.
As someone that frequents 1st point Thats the LAST place you want to take a mat unless you want guaranteed trip to the urgent care.
There are ways to get around the system :)
SurfSis when things settle down Ill take you to a place perfect for these things!
Ian < found the loopholes for matting the bu. :)
Post a Comment