Permitted surf school instructors in Santa Monica claim numerous others operate illegally without a permit. Photo: Santa Monica Surf School
Santa Monica is not the Socal surf idyll. Not by a longshot. Lowers or even First Point Malibu are more like it. Still, for tourists summering in California from non-coastal states across the U.S., Santa Monica is part of the mythology of the Southern California lifestyle. And so, droves of travelers flock to its beaches in summer months to try their hand at surfing, either through a surf school or private lesson.
A recent article published by the Santa Monica Daily Press reveals, though, that many schools and private instructors in Santa Monica are in fact operating illegally.
The city of Santa Monica, reports the local paper, is responsible for permitting surf camps, schools, and instructors to ensure safety – that is to say, Uncle Sam takes a 15 percent cut of gross profits. But, many operators say that the exclusivity of such permits is not being strictly enforced.
“It’s really messed up,” said Patrick Murphy, who has taught lessons for 15 years. “It does become more difficult to operate every year. There’s a lot more competition and these people aren’t paying their permit fees so there’s much less overhead. I doubt they’re paying workers comp … maybe they have insurance.”
According to Santa Monica Daily Press reporting, the city of Santa Monica has granted permits to three surf camps, one school, and nine instructors. All others are operating without a permit.
Santa Monica’s Public Information Officer, Constance Farrell, told the Santa Monica Daily Press that the city takes permitting issues very seriously and that greater enforcement is planned for summer months when surfing activities increase.
“We encourage people to let us know if they have a tip regarding unpermitted surf camps or instructors by calling or emailing,” she said.
Illegal surf camps, schools, and private surfing lessons certainly pale in comparison to other illicit enterprises. But the fact that they exist at all, and that competition among them is mildly cutthroat, defies their image as a safe place for newcomers to have a good time splashing around in the surf. Unfortunately, says another permitted instructor named Sergio Penaloza, “There isn’t much you can do about it unless you can police all the time.”
