Encinitas Considers New Restrictions for Surf Schools,Raising Concerns Over business Viability
ENCINITAS,Calif. – A proposal to limit class sizes for permitted surf schools operating on Encinitas beaches is facing pushback from instructors and parks commissioners, who worry the changes could negatively impact businesses and access to lessons. The city is considering reducing the maximum class size from 12 to six students for some schools, sparking debate over beach access, revenue, and fair permitting practices.
The proposed changes come as Encinitas reviews its surf school permit system, which has been in place as 2009 and currently supports nine commercial operators.city revenue from the permits ranges from $23,000 to $41,000 annually, based on a $5 per student, per day fee. While city officials aim to balance recreational use of the beaches, surf school owners argue the restrictions would significantly hinder their ability to operate profitably.
Progressive Surf Academy founder Christian Marcher, who holds a permit for Beacons Beach, expressed concern that a six-student limit wouldn’t be financially sustainable. “That’s typically a two or three-hour period in the mornings, and six students in a two-hour period isn’t going to make for a financially prosperous business,” he said. Maui Surf Academy Owner and Head Instructor Matthew Allen also operates under the city’s permit system.
During a recent Parks and Recreation Commission meeting, commissioners echoed concerns about the potential impact of the changes, requesting further review of permit request procedures and a deeper assessment of how the limits would affect student access. Commissioner Bridget Kimball suggested a public workshop to address the growing discussion surrounding the issue, noting, “There’s a lot of energy around this.”
The commission voted to continue the discussion to next month’s meeting, seeking more time for public comment and a complete review of the proposed changes. The city staff report indicates the current permit system allows surf schools to utilize beach areas for much of the day, tho optimal teaching conditions are limited to a specific window each morning.