Only in the US.. well maybe not.. I wonder if this will happen here?

I think for about $50 a year is worth it if not only for the peace of mind.

SupVic... www.supvic.com/join-sup-vic/

DJ

There is a proposal for a new law at the Hawaii State Legislature regarding absolute liability for SUPs in the case of collision with a swimmer. In other words, if you are on a SUP and collide with anyone swimming, you will be liable, even if it's the swimmer's fault. The house bill passed first reading and was referred to committee.

I see a couple problems with the proposed law as drafted. First, it's not clear what happens if you are on a SUP without a paddle -- arguably you are still absolutely liable. Second, the law singles out anyone using a board (or kayak) designed to be used with a paddle and arguably omits anyone SUPing, for example, on a 12 foot windsurfer or tandem board. Text for House Bill NO. 2648 is as follows:


A BILL FOR AN ACT
relating to ocean recreation.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. Chapter 663, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"?663- Liability of persons using standup paddleboards. (a) Any person using a standup paddleboard in state waters that are regularly used for swimming, who proximately causes personal injury to any person swimming by colliding into them, shall be absolutely liable for the injury to the swimmer.

(b) As used in this section, "standup paddleboard" means a surfboard, kayak, or similar device designed to float and carry a person who is standing, that is used in conjunction with a paddle."

SECTION 2. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

Link: http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2010/searchstatus.asp?query=paddle&currpage=1

Interesting stuff DJ,

Ok, so what about the 20 foot sea kayak that comes tearing through the crowd sideways: The way I read that legislation, part (b) says they aren't liable cause they are sitting down?????

Stand Up Paddlers are copping a rough deal when there are plenty of other craft out there just as big (or bigger) with much less control.

The only thing I can think of is that maybe over there they have designated 'swimming' and 'surfcraft' beaches and this law will only apply on swimming beaches? ie 'state waters that are regularly used for swimming'???? That's the only way you could possibly be 'liable' when it is not even your fault.

I sure hope our media don't get hold of this???
Mel

Hopefully this menas that all the cluubie boats will pay more attention when they crash through the pack

Waterhorse said...

From
Marine Safety Victoria
What is a PWC?

PWC describes an aquascooter, jet bike, jet ski, wave runner, ski free, motorised surfboard and any similar vessel that has an engine used for propulsion. They are also known as ‘powerskis’.

Cheers for that. Seems like we are perfectly within our rights to paddle all the way through Docklands.