Are there laws that would prevent me and buddies to anchor a boat outside of surfing beach, surf all day, then pull anchor and motor away? I haven't seen many people, where I live in the northeast, doing this. It's not that we can't get to the beach via car but it lends itself to more adventure and more fun. Plus if the waves suck we could go fishing easliy. The only downside I can think of is the boat would be unmanned during surf session.
I have anchored up a few times at an undisclosed spot here in NJ. We did lose anchor once but luckily we had someone on board who didnt surf. I recommend bringing someone who can stay on the boat. But to answer your question, legally you should be ok...go for it!
Where do you live? There are boat only spots in a lot of places, that allow you to anchor and surf in a perfect setting. I believe that most east coast beaches have motor craft laws that prohibit you from being in close enough to anchor. Depends on where you are I guess.
If it is blowing hard offshore and the bottom is sand, you may want to rotate one of the crew to stay on the boat for a spell. Unless you like to chase the boat a couple of miles once you are done surfing. It happened to me once where there was only two of us, and it was really going off perfect DOH and neither of us wanted to sit in the boat. It gets old really fast having to paddle out to sea to go fetch your boat in between sets, especially after paddling out through the impact zone. Conversely, if it is blowing hard onshore, you really want someone on the boat, or you will get swamped. Probably better off doing it on days with big waves and no wind.
Yeah, you can go from Hilton Head to Hunting Island and do it, but from what I understand you cant bring a vessel anywhere near the altantic coast side of things on Hilton Head Island. Could be wrong, but I have never seen one. Metard: isnt mase the only place you can do that around there though? Cause you can't get that close in WB or CB can you?
if your in NJ... Im sure some of the lifegaurds would have a problem with it... just the way it is...
Definitely need someone in the boat. There's always a What if. Like it turns crappy and you you can't make it back out. I've see shuttles at Fisherman's Island. It was giant S hurricane swell and hard NE winds. Primero for F I. I watch a dot shred a 3 inch wave (I was stopped on the CBBT far away), from the point to under the bridge. out came a Boston whaler from under taking the guy back. It was prolly Wes Lane and crowd.
If you're talking lifeguarded beach, the guards have jurisdiction for some distance beyond the line up, not sure how far though. They're not going to be happy to have a boat in their space. If you're willing to drop the hook far enough off and paddle in you should be OK but make sure you've got a good anchor and enough line, 6-7X depth and not some little 5lber. The best idea would be to rotate someone onboard, but if not I'd set a bridle.
In NY you have to be 50' away from any swimming beach. I've done it and never had an issue. Like Stoked said your line should be out 7x the depth. That's the mistake most make, not enough line out. I always use 2 anchors. The further out the better, just be aware of the current and what it's going to be when you paddle back.
