www.nbr.co.nz/article/lifejackets-compulsory-paddle-boarders-top-surf-spots-gb-142178
It seems some areas of NZ have just made PFD's compulsory for a SUP... thats right ALL SUP, surfing included.
How long till we see some stupid rule like that here?
man that is some dumb s*$t, hopefully they get a smarter ruling and have it squashed.
Typical council paperwork monkeys. 
Select to expand quotebeerssup said..
There must be a heap of shortboarders on that council
You'd hope not. The next step would be for surfers, or one more step is swimmings to wear life jackets
If you look at risk of drowning. Most at risk are swimmers, then body boarders, next surfers then 666's due to the fact that you have a bigger craft with you to get yourself in in in trouble..
I can see if your paddling long distances of shore maybe
Edit: Just read it and basically if you have an extra flotation devise (ie Paddle) you must therefor also have a PFD
That is really stupid..
Not that I go up that way very often but this Kiwi won't be wearing one they can faaaak off . 
Select to expand quotetowball said..
Not that I go up that way very often but this Kiwi won't be wearing one they can faaaak off .
I'll 2nd that they can take a flying leap. It's not as if anyone has ever drowned whilst Supping ,maybe we will all shud have to wear helmets when we drive and install roll cages in our cars for fark's sake. Council officers have no powers of arrest so they can't enforce it ,so write me a ticket but I can't be made to give my details as they don't have authority to pursue that either. Just another piece of draconian legislation that hopefully the newly incorporated NZ Sup society will have overturned shortly.I am not fully opposed to PFD,s in distance and offshore events as I do own and wear one but having surfed for over 40 yrs there is def no place for this in a surf zone.
And I'll third that. PFDs are required for SUPs in Wellington harbour. Harbourmaster a bit coy about surf, but we think thats prob OK. Yes apparently SUP NZ is on to it. We had a stoush with the Regional Council some years ago about PFDs for pole surfers. Thats when having an association of like minded individuals is really powerful, being able to speak to these guys with one strong voice.
Just as a matter of interest I'm in the Motor Caravan Assn I think I remember reading about this Council getting heavy handed over freedom camping in a news letter .I just find it a bit ironic this comes out now
This nearly happened over here in Vicco but thanks to some vigorous lobbying by PT Woody and others our marine safety regs as regards SUP ended up being pretty sensible. Strength to your collective arm Kiwis, looks like you have some work ahead.
Select to expand quotet457118 said..
And I'll third that. PFDs are required for SUPs in Wellington harbour. Harbourmaster a bit coy about surf, but we think thats prob OK. Yes apparently SUP NZ is on to it. We had a stoush with the Regional Council some years ago about PFDs for pole surfers. Thats when having an association of like minded individuals is really powerful, being able to speak to these guys with one strong voice.
what??? so if you were wanting to paddle from Petone wharf to Soames Island you'd need a PFD?! I wonder if an impact vest fits the bill seeing as it has some flotation characteristics. Not that I live there anymore but when I do come home was hoping to do some paddling and surfing.
They obviously have no idea what they are talking about. Very clearly pointed out by the fact that the rules state you "must" wear and PFD and have phone on you.... But wearing a lease is "recommended"
I would like to do a poll to see who thinks it is more dangerous to surf without a leash or surf without a PFD...Dangerous for yourself and others obviously.
If you stay out in the waves, I suppose they will have to swim out to fine you..
Select to expand quoteChris_M said..
Ha ha cant wait to tell the cop to go f u c k himself!
I wouldnt worry, they will struggle to enforce it.
I've got a hbbfd homebrew belly flotation device an y hot female kiwi coppers are welcome to test its flotation!
This has been on the cards for a while. There was a fairly pragmatic response from the authorities for a while, but the increase of SUP activity on the harbours and popular coastal areas over the last couple of years, has resulted in a hard line being taken.
Maritime NZ insist that SUP is far more dangerous for the user, in EVERY paddling environment, when compared to the high speed/impact sports of surfing, kiteboarding and windsurfing, (which benefit from a pragmatic exemption from pfd rules). They also believe that non-compliance is worthy of a $200 infringement. To offer a perspective on their efforts to keep us safe, riding a motorcycle without a crash helmet will set you back only $150. Running through a red light, $150. Throw the paddle away, and your SUP board magically becomes a surfboard,(likewise exempt from these regs) which can then be prone paddled anywhere you like, with or without added personal flotation.
Maritime NZ, and the Regional Authorities appear to be taking the position of "knowing what's best", while showing little interest in their own statistics, let alone canvassing qualified advice from experienced operators, industry representatives and recreational paddlers alike. The newly formed NZ SUP Association is working hard to lobby the authorities to evaluate their perceived risks, and modify regulation away from outdated "paddlecraft" pfd laws that SUP finds itself tied to by default.
Had 1 SUP riding bureaucrat been involved with 'the other side' of this misguided process, the issue may have been resolved overnight. Join www.nzsup.org/ to follow the efforts being undertaken by the association to amend these regulations to far better fit the sport.
As most of us riding SUP boards have matured to a level that we respect authority, perhaps it is time to bring back the rebel attitude and disregard the establishment. I'm knee-deep in it now, heavily involved in the SLSA but I HATED them with a passion when I tried to surf in a typhoon.
Nannas are taking over the world. Bureaucrats holed up in air conditioned offices with no idea about interacting with the natural world are calling the shots. What a complete and utter joke. Tell em to #$@% OFF!
Sorted already 
. Updated rules are:
www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/Services/Regional-services/Navigation-safety/Rules-and-Safety/Stand-Up-Paddle-Boarding/
Rules
?You must wear a lifejacket at all times.
?You must carry at least one form of waterproof communications with you, this could be a cellphone in a drybag.
Exceptions to the rules
?Stand up paddle boards in the surf are exempt from carry communications or wearing a lifejacket (or PFD).
Guidelines
?Consider using a leash, this will keep you and your board together.
?Avoid areas with heavy boat traffic, strong currents, and dangerous outcroppings.
?Keep a safe distance from swimmers.
?Get a lesson from a professional paddleboard instructor/school.
?Always let someone know where you are going and when you'll be back.
?Check the weather and tides before heading out.
?Learn the basics in flat, calm water.
?Stay safe and paddle with a mate.
Select to expand quotestandupper said..
Sorted already . Updated rules are:
www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/Services/Regional-services/Navigation-safety/Rules-and-Safety/Stand-Up-Paddle-Boarding/
Rules
?You must wear a lifejacket at all times.
?You must carry at least one form of waterproof communications with you, this could be a cellphone in a drybag.
Exceptions to the rules
?Stand up paddle boards in the surf are exempt from carry communications or wearing a lifejacket (or PFD).
Guidelines
?Consider using a leash, this will keep you and your board together.
?Avoid areas with heavy boat traffic, strong currents, and dangerous outcroppings.
?Keep a safe distance from swimmers.
?Get a lesson from a professional paddleboard instructor/school.
?Always let someone know where you are going and when you'll be back.
?Check the weather and tides before heading out.
?Learn the basics in flat, calm water.
?Stay safe and paddle with a mate.
Well half right any way glad to see some sense prevailing.Now just need to follow US coast guard recent ruling for flat water stating that if a leash is worn no PFD is required as your board is a personnel flotation device.
