Deregulate Surfing at the Cocoa Beach Pier

To the Brevard County Board of County Commissioners regarding de-regulation of surfing in the mile of beaches directly north and south of the Cocoa Beach Pier.

The undersigned petitioners believe in enhanced water safety for the general population of Brevard County and for all tourists and other visitors to the beaches of Brevard County, and we encourage the establishment of lifeguards at critical areas to support increased safety for swimmers., and in particular at the Cocoa Beach Pier. We also believe in the preservation of historic and traditional surfing spots, which enhance Cocoa Beachs reputation as a surfing destination.

It is a known fact that the most danger to swimmers exists in the closest proximity to the Cocoa Beach Pier itself. At most times there is a strong rip current under the pilings next to the Cocoa Beach Pier, and this is especially true during periods of high (3 or larger) surf. The pilings of the Cocoa Beach Pier themselves are dangerous to the swimmers as the pilings seem to offer a safe hold in the face of the rip current. However, those pilings are covered in barnacles which are razor sharp. The establishment of lifeguards at critical areas such as the Cocoa Beach Pier is essential to the swimmers safety. Lifeguards should direct swimmers away from the Cocoa Beach Pier.

Historically, the Cocoa Beach Pier is linked to the establishment of Brevard County surfers as being the finest in the world. In the 1960s Cocoa Beach surfers Gary Propper, Mike Tabeling, Claudie Codgens and Bruce Valluzzi were rated among the best in the world. Today, Kelley Slater, Damien, and C.J. Hobgood, are in the top ten of professional surfers in the world. The annual Cocoa Beach Easter Surfing Festival has been hosted at the Cocoa Beach Pier now for over 40 years.

Surfers pose no danger to swimmers. There is no history of surfer/swimmer injury at the Cocoa Beach Pier. Almost every surfer is now attached by a leash to his or her surfboard, so loose surfboards are not a danger to swimmers. Surfers are experienced watermen/women, and are capable of dealing with the dangers posed by the currents and waves at the pier. Surfers are not in danger when surfing the Cocoa Beach Pier.

Lifeguards under current regulations have banned surfers from surfing the most desirable portions of the pier surfing area. We are directly requesting by this petition, that the Brevard County Board of County Commissioners establish an ordinance which will protect the right of surfers to utilize the outstanding surf directly adjacent to both the north and south sides of the Cocoa Beach Pier.