New rules place limits on big-wave tow-in surfers
By Christie Wilson
Neighbor Island Editor
New rules take effect today for daredevil surfers who partner with thrillcraft operators to catch monster waves in Hawai'i.
The new rules established by the Department of Land and Natural Resources' Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation spell out when and where tow-in surfing can take place. The rules require both the thrillcraft operator and surfer to obtain a certificate from an accredited class on the safe use and operation of a thrillcraft in high surf. In addition, thrillcraft used for tow-in surfing must be registered with the DLNR and must display a special decal. The rules are posted at www.hawaii.gov/dlnr/dbor/rules/
Tow-in surfing classes Four experts in tow-in surfing are offering state-approved certification classes on the three islands. Ken Bradshaw, Jim Howe, Brian Keaulana and Archie Kalepa will run 10-hour classes Sept. 11 and 12 at Maui Community College, Sept. 25 and Oct. 2 at Windward Community College, and on Kaua'i on dates to be announced. Topics include fitness training, in-water etiquette, endangered species laws and cultural issues relating to tow-in surfing. For more information on the classes, call 235-7400 on O'ahu, (808) 984-3401 on Maui, or (808) 245-8311 on Kaua'i.
Many involved in the sport say the rules are necessary because of the increasing popularity of tow-in surfing, in which a surfer on a surfboard equipped with foot straps is towed into waves that can top 60 feet in height.
New rules
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Surfer Buzzy Kerbox of Maui said he has been at Jaws, a world-famous surf break off Peahi, Maui, with 25 thrillcraft in the water, including tow-in pairs, photographers and gawkers. "Things are getting out of control. There are too many people out there," he said. "It's unsafe when you get ski teams jockeying for the waves."
Before the use of thrillcraft, big-wave surfers had to paddle into thundering swells at spots such as Waimea on O'ahu's North Shore, he said. "Tow-in surfing has allowed people with less experience to get out and get on big waves," Kerbox said.
Ed Underwood of the Department of Land and Natural Resources' Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation on O'ahu said his office has registered about 25 thrillcraft for tow-in surfing. The division's Maui office has received several inquiries about the new rules but is waiting for the decals to arrive before it can begin processing requests, an official said.
The rules specify that tow-in surfing may be conducted only during periods of high-surf warning declared by the National Weather Service. For north-facing shores in Hawai'i, that's 25 feet or higher.
Surfers say proper conditions for tow-in surfing occur only about a dozen times a year.
Not everyone is welcoming the new regulations. Dave Kalama of Maui, a tow-in surfing pioneer, said he applauds the intent of the rules, but isn't sure certification will solve all the safety concerns.
He said the required course may be able to teach participants about boating safety and other topics, but it won't necessarily teach them how to surf in big waves or how to make life-or-death decisions in the water.
In fact, he said, it may draw more people into the ocean who shouldn't be there.
"I think you're encouraging people who maybe wouldn't do it on their own, but who take this course and feel as if they're qualified," Kalama said.
"Just because you have a driver's license doesn't mean you can drive Formula One cars."
Kerbox said he had "mixed emotions" about the new rules, and wondered how they will be enforced.
Underwood said enforcement will take place as staffing allows. Fortunately, he noted, there are a limited number of big-surf days. Conservation officers also will be checking for tow-in activities taking place outside the designated areas on O'ahu, Maui and Kaua'i, and on days when it is not allowed.
Reach Christie Wilson at cwilson@honoluluadvertiser.com or (808) 244-4880.
