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Boats vs. surfboards: What does the law say?

Boats in the lineup: rules vary from country to country and even within the United States | Photo: Carniato/Creative Commons

Many people think that in navigation rules, one boat automatically gets a "right of way" over another, like cars at an intersection. That's not actually true at sea.

Instead, the rules talk about two roles:

  • The "give-way" vessel, which must move or change course to avoid a collision;
  • The "stand-on" vessel, which is supposed to keep its course and speed steady so the give-way vessel can predict its movement and steer safely;

But "stand on" does not mean you get to do whatever you want or that you own the water.

It's an obligation, not a privilege.

In fact, if the give-way vessel isn't taking action quickly enough and a collision looks likely, the standing vessel must also take action to avoid an accident.

And sometimes there isn't even a stand-on vessel at all.

For example, if two powerboats are heading straight toward each other, both are give-way vessels - they both have to change course to avoid crashing.

Neither has "right of way."

These are some of the general International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea determined by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

However, for obvious reasons, boats and surfboards aren't on the same level field. And that changes everything.

Surf zone: in California, vessels must stay at least 200 feet away from swimmers/surf areas and under 5 miles per hour when close to shore | Photo: Shutterstock

Boats in the Lineup

Common sense is the foundation of rules, guidelines, laws, and legislation.

A surfer or swimmer has way less maneuverability and is way more fragile than, for instance, a speed boat or a fishing boat.

So, there are limitations, no-go areas, and prohibited actions and practices for motor-powered watercraft sailing close to the shore, where swimmers, and non-motorized watercraft (kayaks, canoes, stand-up paddleboards, surfboards, rowboats) are present.

The same applies to non-motorized, wind-powered watercraft (dinghies, catamarans, kites, windsurfers, wing foilers) in relation to swimmers, surfers, and non-motorized watercraft.

There's even a right-of-way rule among windsurfers and kiteboarders, despite both being non-motorized, sail-powered watercraft.

Why? Because vessels and sailboats can more easily change course and avoid collisions.

It's common sense, right? Well, it should be, but it's not always like that.

In September 2025, a man drove a boat at high speed through the Lower Trestles lineup on a crowded day.

At some point, surfers had to paddle for their lives to avoid being run over by the motor-powered craft.

This is an example of a clear violation of State boating laws.

Uma publicação partilhada por Surfline (@surfline)

The Near-Shore Boating Limits

Interestingly, rules for boating speed limits and operating areas vary from country to country and even within the United States.

In California, for instance, several state laws, federal rules, and local ordinances govern boats (motorized and non-motorized) operating in the surf zone and near-shore areas where swimmers and surfers are present.

The good news is that there seems to be a convergence in the letter and spirit of the law.

The general agreement among the California Harbors and Navigation Code (HNC), the US Coast Guard, the lifeguards, and the California State Parks includes the following rules:

  • Boat operators must keep a proper lookout and take precautions to avoid collisions or endangerment;
  • Power-driven vessels must give way to non-powered vessels, as they're considered more vulnerable;
  • Motorized vessels are typically prohibited in designated surf and swim zones;
  • Launching or landing motorboats and personal watercraft/jet skis is often restricted to designated corridors only;
  • In surf zones, only rescue and emergency vessels are generally allowed;

Ultimately, and despite subtle variations in the local ordinances, State law is very clear.

Vessels must stay at least 200 feet (60 meters) away from swimmers/surf areas and under 5 miles per hour (8 kilometers per hour) when close to shore.


Words by Luís MP | Founder of SurferToday.com



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