Kayak diving in Monterey

[Kayak Diver]

I don't get why divers have to be off the beach by 11:30.
Why do they have the right to discriminate?
I thought public beaches were open to all citizens to enjoy their water sport of choice.

ZKY

Same here. I checked out Chuck's site and glazed over the leagal jargon...didn't see any reason for the curfew, but I didn't read it all. Maybe it's something like...getting a ticket in Laguna for not having a snorkel.

 

[Chuck Tribolet]

Above some line (low tide or high tide or something), it's not ocean, it's land, and
the City of PG gets to make the rules.

I suspect the rules have something to do with some diver kicking sand on some PG
Councel Person's daughter catching rays or some such.

Net: Them's the rules. If you violate them, tell it to the judge. Changing them will be
a long, drawn-out, process.

 

[Eric Sedletzky]

Above some line (low tide or high tide or something), it's not ocean, it's land, and
the City of PG gets to make the rules.

I suspect the rules have something to do with some diver kicking sand on some PG
Councel Person's daughter catching rays or some such.

Net: Them's the rules. If you violate them, tell it to the judge. Changing them will be
a long, drawn-out, process.

I'll bet if someone came in with enough money and a really good attorney they could have that rule overthrown. Problem is, it's not a big enough issue so no one's challenged it. But it seems flimsy and discriminatory so I'll bet if someone pushed the issue hard enough they could get it changed. Are there some REALLY expensive homes right along there? I'll bet the homeowners in the area have something to do with it.

ZKY

 

[Kayak Diver]

So what's up with Stillwater Cove? Is that a good place to launch a kayak? I read that they only allow 10 divers per day there, and that you need some kind of reservation. Does that include kayak divers? Are there any other launches in the area?

 

[Chuck Tribolet]

There is limited public parking at Stillwater, so you need a reservation. Details on
launching a boat there is at http://www.garlic.com/~triblet/ba_diving/launching_at_stillwater.html
I think they increased the public parking when they built the parking stucture there a
couple of years ago. That was part of the deal with the Coastal Commission.

Or you can join the Beach and Tennis Club. $$$$$

 

[Kayak Diver]

There is limited public parking at Stillwater, so you need a reservation. Details on
launching a boat there is at http://www.garlic.com/~triblet/ba_diving/launching_at_stillwater.html
I think they increased the public parking when they built the parking stucture there a
couple of years ago. That was part of the deal with the Coastal Commission.

Or you can join the Beach and Tennis Club. $$$$$

Thanks Chuck. I gave those guys a call today to find out what the reservation is all about. They said that I can park in the 17th fairway...wherever that is...??? Guess I'll find out when I get there. They said that I don't need a reservation, but parking is limited. Guess there's a beach access from the parking area, where people launch kayaks.

 

[rabbithill]

I'll bet if someone came in with enough money and a really good attorney they could have that rule overthrown. Problem is, it's not a big enough issue so no one's challenged it. But it seems flimsy and discriminatory so I'll bet if someone pushed the issue hard enough they could get it changed. Are there some REALLY expensive homes right along there? I'll bet the homeowners in the area have something to do with it.

ZKY

I am sure that has a huge amount to do with it as I can't imagine they want to look out their picture window to see divers changing in front of their house (regardless of what might be posted).

 

[Chuck Tribolet]

Actually, there aren't a lot of houses there. They are on the other
side of the golf course. The whole 17 mile drive area is private
property and private roads. The only reason we have access is that
the Coastal Commission required it in order for them to build.

If you go to Google Earth, you can see the layout of things.
The small complex with swimming pools to the left of the foot
of the pier is the beach and tennis club. The small complex to
the NW with two blue roofs is, I think, the new parking stucture.
The public parking is the row of diagonal parking just SE of the
parking structure. The parking immediately around the B&T club
is for members only.

IIRC, initial membership fee for the B&T club is $20K. Plus annual
dues. Justification for higher education. ;-)

 

[Eric Sedletzky]

Actually, there aren't a lot of houses there. They are on the other
side of the golf course. The whole 17 mile drive area is private
property and private roads. The only reason we have access is that
the Coastal Commission required it in order for them to build.

If you go to Google Earth, you can see the layout of things.
The small complex with swimming pools to the left of the foot
of the pier is the beach and tennis club. The small complex to
the NW with two blue roofs is, I think, the new parking stucture.
The public parking is the row of diagonal parking just SE of the
parking structure. The parking immediately around the B&T club
is for members only.

IIRC, initial membership fee for the B&T club is $20K. Plus annual
dues. Justification for higher education. ;-)

I had the spot all wrong. I thought it was closer to Monterey. Never mind.
But as far as the privitization of lands, thank god for the coastal commission. If it weren't for the commission most of California would have no coastal access for ordinary citizens. Some people may not want to, or have the energy, or the know how regardless of their educational status to become filthy rich to become part of the private society that eats up all the premium coastal land.
One of these days I'm gonna cover up my CF numbers and go along that whole stretch of coastline
and give 'em all a good view of my butt crack.
What do you think of that!!!

 

[Chuck Tribolet]

ZKY: were you talking about Stillwater or Lovers? I was talking about Stillwater in
the most recent couple of posts.