Surf n' Turf 2007-08?

[sandrat62]

Actually, although they don't enforce it along the waterline, you are are required to have a flag on all vehicles if you venture out into the bowls. If anything do it for safety's sake. Remember your sharing those dune's with kids on quads who might not see you when there coming up the face of a dune, untill its too late..

EQUIPMENT
All vehicles operating in the SVRA (beach and dune area south of Post 2), must be equipped with the following:

An adequate muffler. (Required for vehicle operation in any area.)

An 8' whip with an orange or red flag with a minimum size of 6" x 12".

Except for two-, three-, and four-wheeled cycles, all vehicles shall be equipped with adequate roll bars or roof structures of sufficient strength to support the weight of the vehicle and shall have a secure seat and seat belt for the vehicle operator and each passenger. Seat belts shall be as specified in the California Vehicle Code.

 

[landcrusher909]

Actually, although they don't enforce it along the waterline, you are are required to have a flag on all vehicles if you venture out into the bowls. If anything do it for safety's sake. Remember your sharing those dune's with kids on quads who might not see you when there coming up the face of a dune, untill its too late..

EQUIPMENT
All vehicles operating in the SVRA (beach and dune area south of Post 2), must be equipped with the following:

An adequate muffler. (Required for vehicle operation in any area.)

An 8' whip with an orange or red flag with a minimum size of 6" x 12".

Except for two-, three-, and four-wheeled cycles, all vehicles shall be equipped with adequate roll bars or roof structures of sufficient strength to support the weight of the vehicle and shall have a secure seat and seat belt for the vehicle operator and each passenger. Seat belts shall be as specified in the California Vehicle Code.

Cool Thanks its not that big a deal to hook up a flag see ya next week

 

[pismojim]

This is a good questions that always comes up. It is confusing, especially with the information presented on the SOHVRA website.

The equipment requirements quoted above are aimed at "Off Highway Vehicles", generally, ATVs, motorcycles, golf carts, Rhinos, etc.

Licensed "Street Vehicles" can be operated on the beach and in the back dunes without a sand flag. It's quite common.

There are many strange permutations and complications to the laws which I'll spare you. Common sense is very applicable here.

With that said, I personally recommend sand flags on all vehicles, including the "street" vehicles. However, you can drive your Cruiser around the back dunes without a flag. It's OK.

Keep in mind our Cruisers are at least 6 ft tall by itself and hard to miss. The 8 foot flag is measured from the ground. Still adding a tall flag is even better. So pick up a flag at one of the ATV shops when you enter the dunes.

Flag or not, it can be dangerous in the back dunes and collisions happen. Be alert and cautious. Here's my advice:

1 - don't linger in blind spots or holes. If you stop, park on a high spot or open area with good visibility in 360 degrees. Don't park just beyond the crest of a dune that could become a landing area for someone's jump.

2 - Be alert to other vehicles beyond your immediate area. The ATVs and motorcycles move fast so keep track of who is in your area. This works both ways, by lingering on high ground you allow them more time to see you. Believe me you will get the ATVs attention when they see your Cruiser and they will avoid you for obvious reasons.

3 - Don't drive blindly! This often means circling an area, scoping it out from different angles before heading in. Take your time and plan your routes, just zooming around "assuming" you know what is over the next rise WILL get you into trouble. Been there done that. The dunes are always changing.

4 - Very important - ensure an area is clear and protected and use spotters when jumping. Make sure no one wanders into your landing area.

5 - Be very careful if you get out of your rig and walk around. This doesn't happen often so people aren't expecting people on foot. It's best to "circle the wagons" to form a protective barrier and provide notice to other riders.

In my opinion, one of the most dangerous situations is walking from camp to the bathroom after dark. Personally, I recommend driving even if it's only a couple hundred yards. Certainly take a bright flashlight to shine in the eyes of an approaching rider.

I'm always concerned about safety so if you have any questions please ask. Statistically, the dunes are actually much safer than most people believe. Still accidents happen so common sense will be your best defense.

Be Safe and Have Fun!!!

 

[pismojim]

PissyJim
Will you be giving away a patented Brantley Axe?

I'm having trouble finding suitable "axes" on the beach and dunes. But don't worry, I've got a few more tricks up my sleeve.

 

[calstyl2]

Jim, whats the tides look like for next week?

 

[Snook]

Other side of the world but on the sand dune. I do feel sorry for those nice land crusier rigs but not the drivers.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ODRcBfahnQ

Regards,

 

[e9999]

eh, Jim, they aren't closing the NF up towards Pozo with all this fire thing, are they?

 

[66LV]

It does look like the Los Padres National Forest just issued a closure order that would effect driving the forest service road fom the area near lake lopez over to Pozo. sorry. I 'm sure it will still be in effect next week.

 

[pismojim]

Jim, whats the tides look like for next week?

From my web page FAQ:

What will the tides be like during SNT?
They look pretty mellow this year. Check out (print and bring) this Tide Table.

 

[pismojim]

It does look like the Los Padres National Forest just issued a closure order that would effect driving the forest service road fom the area near lake lopez over to Pozo. sorry. I 'm sure it will still be in effect next week.

It's possible the backroad to Pozo is a County road. It is at least to the National Forest Boundary (and gate). The newspaper article said that State and County roads within the National Forest would remain open to through traffic. I'll have to check.

In any case, it appears the Garcia Ridge and Las Chiches trails would be closed.

I'll try to get an update in a couple days.

 

[2ndGenToyotaFan]

So this year may be "Surf N Jim entertaining everyone sunday afternoon"?

 

[bull]

Who is bringing a 45 or 47 to SNT?

 

[cardinal33]

This is a good questions that always comes up. It is confusing, especially with the information presented on the SOHVRA website.

The equipment requirements quoted above are aimed at "Off Highway Vehicles", generally, ATVs, motorcycles, golf carts, Rhinos, etc.

Licensed "Street Vehicles" can be operated on the beach and in the back dunes without a sand flag. It's quite common.

There are many strange permutations and complications to the laws which I'll spare you. Common sense is very applicable here.

With that said, I personally recommend sand flags on all vehicles, including the "street" vehicles. However, you can drive your Cruiser around the back dunes without a flag. It's OK.

Keep in mind our Cruisers are at least 6 ft tall by itself and hard to miss. The 8 foot flag is measured from the ground. Still adding a tall flag is even better. So pick up a flag at one of the ATV shops when you enter the dunes.

Flag or not, it can be dangerous in the back dunes and collisions happen. Be alert and cautious. Here's my advice:

1 - don't linger in blind spots or holes. If you stop, park on a high spot or open area with good visibility in 360 degrees. Don't park just beyond the crest of a dune that could become a landing area for someone's jump.

2 - Be alert to other vehicles beyond your immediate area. The ATVs and motorcycles move fast so keep track of who is in your area. This works both ways, by lingering on high ground you allow them more time to see you. Believe me you will get the ATVs attention when they see your Cruiser and they will avoid you for obvious reasons.

3 - Don't drive blindly! This often means circling an area, scoping it out from different angles before heading in. Take your time and plan your routes, just zooming around "assuming" you know what is over the next rise WILL get you into trouble. Been there done that. The dunes are always changing.

4 - Very important - ensure an area is clear and protected and use spotters when jumping. Make sure no one wanders into your landing area.

5 - Be very careful if you get out of your rig and walk around. This doesn't happen often so people aren't expecting people on foot. It's best to "circle the wagons" to form a protective barrier and provide notice to other riders.

In my opinion, one of the most dangerous situations is walking from camp to the bathroom after dark. Personally, I recommend driving even if it's only a couple hundred yards. Certainly take a bright flashlight to shine in the eyes of an approaching rider.

I'm always concerned about safety so if you have any questions please ask. Statistically, the dunes are actually much safer than most people believe. Still accidents happen so common sense will be your best defense.

Be Safe and Have Fun!!!

6. Pitch your tent and leave your tools and tire changing jack at camp, before rolling the beads on at least two tires at the bottom of a sand bowl, and remember to not wear a shirt and use a mylar space blanket to sleep in while the rest of the occupants are punching you in your sleep because the mylar blanket makes it sound like there is a mammoth size bag of cheetos with four lions running around inside it. I learned this at the very first S&T. Right mr. Jim?

 

[cardinal33]

A dog? your killing me..........

well it's a dag, I like dags. and shel likes to camp all the time

 

[calstyl2]

well it's a dag, I like dags. and shel likes to camp all the time

so your gonna stay at a hotel? princess................

 

[pismojim]

The humble beginning...

Surf N Turf numero uno

We camped in the back dunes:

The line up wasn't so big:

It didn't start out so nice.
The beach ramp at Pier Avenue on Friday afternoon:

From the trip report:

About one week before Surf n Turf a powerful storm was brewing in the Gulf of Alaska. This is where our weather and surf conditions are born. I found myself glued to the weather forecasts and satellite imagery. It had not rained here for 280 days! Now a huge storm was bearing down on the central coast and Surf n Turf.

Sure enough the unseasonable weather began mid week. Heavy rains and high surf hit the coast as I prepared for the event. It was one of the most intense storms we’ve experienced in a long time. I could only hope it would pass before the start of Surf n Turf.

On Friday the day before the event I went down to the beach to observe the conditions. The beach ramp was CLOSED! The heavy rains, high tides and huge surf were pounding Pismo Beach. The waves were breaking over the entire beach and up onto the street. The beach access ramp was barricaded and there was no way anyone was driving on the beach.

More on the 1st Annual Surf N Turf HERE

Including this tidbit:

One member of our group learned the hazards of solo night driving the hard way and spent a restless night sleeping in the cruiser at the bottom of a steep bowl with a flat tire. Unfortunately, he had unloaded his tools back at camp – a place he could not find in the darkness. It turned out to be a short hike in the morning light but the nicely pitched tent at camp went unused that night.

These guys, wrapped up in the silver space blankets, looked like human sized bar burritos when I fond them in the morning:

 

[desertdude]

What a crew, some from as far as BC

 

[woooody]

Haven't seen this knucklehead since the time he put a bottle of gas on his hood to get home (bad pump)

 

[pismojim]

What a crew, some from as far as BC

Actually in that picture, BC, Alberta, PHILIPPINES and SWITZERLAND!!!

Every year Surf N Turf is an international event! This year will be no exception.

 

[pismojim]

Haven't seen this knucklehead since the time he put a bottle of gas on his hood to get home (bad pump)

The knuckleheads are what make SNT great. Glad you're coming Woooody.

I think the "Dog House" was put out of commission after that Saturday night at SNT. Although, it is important to note that Jimmy fixed it enough to DRIVE it back to the bay area on Sunday!!!