Foil Santa Cruz

Official response from the Santa Cruz City :

NOAA has recently (2024) adopted federal regulations that prohibit e-foils as “MPWCs” at Cowell’s and virtually everywhere in the City with the exception of a designated area outside of the Santa Cruz Harbor. Our understanding is that NOAA’s regulations do apply to Cowell’s as part of the Marine Sanctuary. 

We have had discussions with NOAA/Monterey Bay NMS, Santa Cruz Harbor, and of course internally among Parks and Fire Departments. One step that we are exploring is adopting a City ordinance that would mirror the existing federal regulations and would give support to law enforcement agencies efforts at Cowell’s and elsewhere.

This issue broadens and becomes very complicated to the extent that it includes manual hydrofoils, SUPs, kayaks, or other watercraft. We are not seeking to ban these uses, however with the risk of e-foils and NOAA’s newly adopted regulatory position, this is one that we are seeking to mimic for consistency and public safety.

Santa Cruz City Regulations (Map of 5 MPH zone below): 

1. The City of Santa Cruz, by ordinance, requires that boats or crafts operate at least 300 yards from shore, within the city boundaries (west harbor jetty to Natural Bridges State Beach). 
2. The Marine Mammal Protection Act protects mammals from harassment with a minimum $10,000 fine and/or jail term. 
3. The Harbors and Navigation Code prohibits the operation of vessels in a reckless or negligent manner, or while under the influence of alcohol or illegal substances. 
4. The Harbors and Navigation Code limits does not allow for operation of motorized vessels within 200’ of a swimming area throughout the State of California. Surfing areas are considered swimming areas. 
5. By county ordinance, “personal watercraft” (i.e. Jet Skis) may not be operated within 300 yards of shore.  A designated operating zone is described in the “Motorized Personal Watercraft” brochure by N.O.A.A.  Personal watercraft vessels may only be launched at the harbor launch ramp.

What this all means?

If it’s motorized, it’s illegal in the surf zone. The excuse that you only use the motor to assist you catching the wave is not a loop-hole to get around the new regulations.

Don’t risk a total foil ban by being anywhere near the 5 MPH zone with a motorized foil. There are plenty of spots where you can e-foil south or north of Santa Cruz where law enforcement will probably not have an issue with it. You can only foil Cowells under human power (paddling).