Shooting Surfers: Understanding the Laws and Regulations

As a surfer, there's nothing quite like catching a gnarly wave and freezing it on camera. But before you grab your gear and hit the beach, make sure you're aware of the laws and regulations surrounding surfing photography and videography.

Let's take a scenario as an example. Imagine you're surfing at Pipeline, one of the most iconic breakers in Hawaii. You've spent countless hours mastering your pop-up and getting to know the waves. But today, you decide to capture some stunning footage for your Instagram feed.

As you paddle out, you notice that the local surf spot is surrounded by a large national park. The park is closed to surfers during certain times of the year, and there are warning signs posted all over the area. You're not sure what the rules are or if it's even allowed to film in protected areas.

The Law: In Hawaii, surfing photography and videography are subject to various laws and regulations. According to state law (Hawaii Revised Statutes 134-9), any person who wants to capture images of surfers on a public beach must obtain permission from the landowner or operator of the beach. This includes photographers and videographers.

If you're not the landowner, you may be subject to fines or other penalties for taking photos or videos that are deemed "abuse" (Hawaii Revised Statutes 134-10). This means that even if you're just doing a quick shot for social media, you could still get in trouble.

Protected Areas: Another important aspect of surfing photography and videography is understanding protected areas. In Hawaii, many beaches are closed to surfers during certain times of the year due to coral bleaching, riptides, or other safety concerns.

The National Park Service (NPS) has specific rules for filming in national parks, including restrictions on camera equipment, lighting, and movement. You'll need to obtain special permits and follow guidelines set by the park rangers to ensure that your film doesn't disrupt the environment or pose a risk to visitors.

Filming in Protected Areas: If you're planning to film in protected areas, it's essential to research the specific rules and regulations before heading out. You can visit the NPS website or contact local park rangers for more information.

In Hawaii, there are several protected areas where filming is strictly prohibited, including:

• National Parks
• State Wildlife Refuges
• Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)
• Private property with landowner permission

National Parks: If you're planning to film in national parks, be aware that the rules can vary depending on the park and time of year. For example, during the peak tourist season, many parks are closed to filming due to high visitor numbers.

However, some parks have designated areas for photography and videography, such as:

• Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: Offers guided tours and photography permits for specific areas.
• Haleakala National Park: Allows camera use with a permit, but only during daylight hours.

National Parks in Hawaii:

1. Haleakala National Park: Offers guided tours and photography permits for specific areas ( Permit required).
2. Koolau Mountains: Open to photography and videography (No permit required).
3. Waimea Canyon: Closed to filming due to high visitor numbers.
4. Lanai Island: Private property, requires landowner permission.

Conclusion:

Shooting surfers and water sports is a thrill that requires respect for the environment and other people's property. By understanding the laws and regulations surrounding surfing photography and videography, you can help preserve Hawaii's natural beauty for future generations.

As you continue to capture stunning footage of the ocean, remember to always be mindful of your surroundings, follow rules and guidelines, and never compromise the safety of yourself or others.

Stay salty, and happy shooting! Surfing Photography Laws and Regulations

Protected Areas:

• National Parks
  • Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
  • Haleakala National Park
• State Wildlife Refuges
  • None specified
• Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)
  • None specified
• Private property with landowner permission
  • Lanai Island

Filming in Protected Areas:

• National Parks
  • Research and obtain special permits for specific areas (e.g. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park)
• Lanai Island: Private property, requires landowner permission

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