LIHU‘E — The ongoing debate over stand-up paddle boarding has a simple solution: respect.
“The issue isn’t about stand-up paddle boarders, surfers, body boarders, or body surfers, the main issue here is about respect and safety,” said Boating Division Kaua‘i District Manager Joe Borden Wednesday at the informal public discussion held at Chiefess Kamakahelei middle school.
Borden argued the state should not make a law or rule to regulate activities in the ocean, saying, “In the past you have all learned and found ways to resolve similar issues, from long boarding to short boarding, surfing to windsurfing, surfing to body boarding. This is just another sport in the ocean.”
Over 80 people from all corners of the island showed up to listen or to speak on issues of surfing, mainly concerning respect and safety in the ocean, not necessary about SUP’s.
“It’s all about fun, respect, and sharing. I look around this room tonight and all the people who are causing all the problems out in the ocean are not here at this meeting,” said Mitchell Alapa, of the North Shore. “We should come up with a resolution together as a family instead of bumping heads, no one is here to blame.”
Alapa is a surf instructor and believes that those who rent boards should be informed about the rules and regulations before entering the water so they don’t unintentionally cause any type of harm or problem.
Ryan Jimenez represented a group of over 50 members called “The Black Rock Coalition” that agrees regulations made by the state are not necessary or desirable. Jimenez said once regulations come about, they will never end, and said the coalition’s creed is “Compromise and mutual respect. Adherence to established code of conduct discussions and cooperation of all parties.”
Dellick Numazawa, a Westside surfer for over 50 years, said, “As a kid I remember not being allowed to surf with old timers at the good surf breaks until I learned proper etiquette and respect. Nowadays surfing has turned into this aggressive sport with no etiquette or care.”
Brian Tuzoa has also surfed over 50 years on the Westside and believes the problem is based on a poor all-about-me philosophy portrayed by many bumper stickers.
“Instead of having stickers saying ‘Ainokea,’ or ‘Ainofea,’ we should have stickers portraying the aloha spirit. Its all about respect.”
Kalani Vierra, lifeguard supervisor of the island of Kaua‘i, agreed.
“It doesn’t matter what kind of water sport you play, the importance is that you have some type of etiquette and consideration.”
As a life guard in Hanalei for many years, Vierra has seen many surfing accidents and believes that paddle board accidents happen just as much as regular surfing accidents.
