Paddlers Made to Pay to Launch in Santa Cruz Harbor

The sign that gave many paddlers a big surprise.

SANTA CRUZ, California - On Monday November 5, 2012 paddlers who use the Santa Cruz, California public hand-launch platforms near the west side of the harbor were met with a big surprise.  In less than 2 weeks they would all be hit with a $10 launch fee per vehicle for all watercraft, including SUP.

Obviously many paddlers have not been happy about the fee, but the complaints are not just about paying extra money.  They involve multiple concerns including but not limited to the impact this chage will have on the safety of paddlers, congestion of a local neighborhood, and how the change will affect the economy of businesses at the harbor.  For details about these concerns read here: http://saveharboraccess.wordpress.com/

To find out more about why the fee was put into place and how this will affect  local Stand up Paddlers, there will be a meeting held this week.  According to the Santa Cruz Harbor Website, on Thursday, December 13, 2012 from 2:00-3:30 p.m.,

"Port District staff will give a presentation on existing programs and fees for users of Santa Cruz Harbor facilities. Staff will also provide information about current US Coast Guard regulations, California Boating Law and Port District ordinances. Harbor users and other members of the public will have the opportunity to provide input regarding changes to the current fee structure."

The address of the meeting location is: Santa Cruz Harbor Public Meeting Room365A Lake AvenueSanta Cruz, CA 95062

How many of you have had a similar experience when access to a particular SUP location became increasingly difficult?  Please comment below.

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