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November 21, 2007 -

Official Ban on Towel Changes?

After an exchange of e-mails based on a comment made to another post, I received reader Jason’s permission to post the following:

I have been changing into my suit with a towel for YEARS! I own a hull maintenance company and do this 5 days a week. This time I was working off my boat, and I was back at the truck and trailer in the boat ramp parking lot. I was taking my suit off and getting ready to put the boat back on the trailer. NOBODY around. I own a Chevy 2500 4 door and had both doors open to shield the view. I had a towel around me. Harbor patrol pulled up into the parking spot next to me. His comment was “Use a bathroom”. Read on…

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November 20, 2006 -

Ongoing Research Request

Used to have this request in the now defunct forums, but reviewing the search engine referrals (california surfers wetsuits law nudity to be specific) this morning reminded me it hasn’t been here in too long. As part of an article I’m trying to finish, I’m interested in any first-person (or otherwise verifiable) accounts of law enforcement action taken in California against people changing on the beach, especially in and out of wetsuits.   

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February 9, 2006 -

Research question

Everyone’s heard stories, and I think some of them are on the verge of urban legend status, but as part of the research for an article I’m trying to finish, can anyone share any first-person reports of dress code enforcement by lifeguards or others at California beaches?  Swim suit too small or too low? Towel slippage while changing into or out of a wetsuit?  Citations, warnings or a good stern lecture?  Appreciate any help either in the comments or via e-mail, and will use no names without permission.

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Interesting Sites

70 Percent Good site focusing on reporting and documenting break conditions for waveriders
Coastal Marine Resource Center Non-profit from the New York-New Jersey Harbor Bight
Free PB Opposition to additional beach regulations at San Diego’s Pacific Beach
Race for the Oceans A forum for swimmers and swimming fans to dive in to ocean conservation.
Surfrider Foundation Activities and campaigns for clean water, beach access, beach preservation and protecting special places.
Wave Ride Net Surfing and surf spots