April 15, 2020
As closures of public, state, and federal lands increase, one group has been particularly at odds with authorities: surfers. All across California, beaches have been closed or facing severe restrictions. As with most outdoor recreational spaces, rules vary; while many beaches have banned surfing altogether, some are still allowing the sport provided that surfers stay six feet apart in the water. Some surfers have already received citations, while others have argued that the sport is necessary for their wellbeing. The clash mirrors those in many outdoor areas, where governments and local officials continue to seek a balance between the mental and physical health of their citizens.
Source: Rogers, John. 2020, April 12. To surf or not to surf? Wave riders ponder pandemic rules. Associated Press.