The Surf Blog Spot

Wow!  The California Coastal Commission, NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association), and the MBNMS (Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary)  finally made their decision this past week.  They made a decision that will likely disappoint a lot of surfers and a lot of people involved in the surfing industry.  Personal Water Craft (or PWC) use is now restricted in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.  This means PWC surfing for Ghost Tree and Moss Landing are off limits.  The ban will take place in early 2009 in all areas of the sanctuary, with the exception of 4 pre-existing zones near boat harbors, as well as a seasonal fifth zone designated specifically for tow-in surfing at Mavericks.  Read more…

I think this ban will only keep out the honest weekend warriors, but will not keep out the pro tow-in surfer teams.  I found the current punishment for violating the ban pretty interesting.  The current penalty for PWCs breaking the MBNMS law is only $500 for first-time offenders and a higher amount for repeat offenders.  This is just pocket change for any pro-surfer or any other surfer making the cover of SURFER Mag or Surfing Mag.  Think about it……$500 fine vs. +$50,000 for making the SURFER mag cover, XXL biggest wave competition check, potential sponsorship.  I think the advantages definitely outweigh the disadvantages of paying a fine for your shot at an epic Ghost Tree swell.

Ghost Tree is located off of Pescadero Point along the famous Pebble Beach 17-mile drive.  Pebble Beach is located on the western side of the Monterey Bay Peninsula.

Ghost Tree Monterey Bay Peninsula

More information:

http://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/jointplan/

http://documents.coastal.ca.gov/reports/2007/8/F4c-8-2007.pdf