Surfing is NOT a Crime!

SURFING IS NOT A CRIME!
THE MONTAUK 8 ARE FREE!

East Hampton, New York – May 8, 2008 – The Surfrider Foundation, Eastern Long Island Chapter realized an important victory today in their campaign to legalize surfing in Montauk Point State Park, and all ocean front parks in the State. East Hampton Town Justice Catherine A. Cahill dismissed the case against eight surfers who were ticketed last year while surfing within Montauk Point State Park. The judge ruled that the law cited on the tickets does not apply to surfing, thereby clarifying that the prohibition of swimming at the site does not extend to surfing. Surfrider Foundation activist, attorney Joe Giannini, who has been representing ‘The Montauk 8’, has been making the argument all along that there is no legal restriction banning surfing in New York State.

The Surfrider Foundation chapter has been negotiating unsuccessfully with New York State Parks for years to open up surf access throughout Montauk Point State Park. The chapter now calls upon State Parks to remove the “Surfboarding Prohibited” signs immediately from Montauk Point State Park and any other State Park where surfers have been unjustly denied the right to access and enjoy our oceans.

If you are still ticketed (or kicked out), please let us know

GET INVOLVED:

Government And State Park Contact Information - We Still Need Your Help!

The Surfrider Foundation is a non-profit grassroots organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of our world’s oceans, waves and beaches. Founded in 1984 by a handful of visionary surfers in Malibu, California, the Surfrider Foundation now maintains over 50,000 members and 80 chapters worldwide.
For more information on the Surfrider Foundation, or to become a member, call 800-743-SURF or go to www.surfrider.org. Memberships start at $15 per year for students and senior citizens.