Cat Uden is On a Mission to Update to Paddle Board Ordinance 

Cat Uden is on a mission: to paddle board.

Yet, her options are limited due to a City of Hollywood ordinance that prohibits stand up paddle boarding except for designated locations.

The locations  — between Franklin and Meade Streets, and Georgia Street and Azalea Terrace — are at opposite ends of the beach. Paddleboarders are also able to go out away from the shore in an area known as the dark blue water — but this is about 300 yards from shore.

“I would like to see more space for stand up paddle boarding,” Uden said.

In total, Hollywood Beach has about 24,300 feet of space, and only 2,200 feet of that space can be used for stand up paddleboarding.

Uden believes the ordinance is outdated since when it was created years ago, it was geared toward surfers who were riding waves. Most stand up paddle boarding takes place on calmer water.

Under the ordinance, though, paddle boarding can be allowed in other areas of the beach if there are few swimmers around.

But Uden has found that even when there are few swimmers in the area, the paddle boarders can be asked to leave the water or return to the restricted areas. She has been told by beach safety personnel to leave areas of the beach where paddle boarding is not allowed.

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Picture of Author: Amanda Jones
Author: Amanda Jones

Amanda Jones specializes in content marketing. She holds a Master's degree in Marketing Management from the University of Florida and a Content Manager Professional Certificate from the University of Miami.

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