By Lookout Staff
April 23 -- For the first time, the City of Santa Monica will hire a company to offer surfing lessons at its local beach under a new law officials hope will put an end a free for all that saw surfing schools compete with one-on-one instructors for profits
The City Council on Tuesday is expected to direct staff to negotiate a contract with Surf Academy for a total amount not to exceed $260,000 to offer surf instructions for a fee.
Surf Academy– which was one of seven contractors submitting bids -- must give 20 percent of the registration fee to the City, which handles registration, publicity and oversight.
“Surf Academy was the most affordable and offered a comprehensive menu of surfing activities for all ages,” Community Programs Manager Kathy LePrevost wrote in her report to the council.
“Surf Academy also has the ability to offer surf lessons to the City’s financial assistance participants at no additional charge as well as to participants of Rosie’s Girls, Camp Santa Monica and Sports Experience.”
The contract comes more than a year after the City Council approved an ordinance in January 2008 that limits surf classes, which often conflicted with swimmers and seasoned surfers, by requiring authorization by the City.
Council members worried that the often advertised classes -- which drew large crowds to tents with flying banners -- could pose a safety risk to beachgoers and limit use of the popular beach.
Unlike the County of Los Angeles and California State Parks, which strictly limit all surfing school activities, Santa Monica’s liberal surf instruction policies did not regulate most surfing instruction.
In addition to the contract with Surf Academy, the council is expected to direct staff to negotiate a contract with Socceropolis to run a soccer camp for a total amount not to exceed $207,000.
“Twelve youth camp proposals were received, thoroughly reviewed and evaluated,” staff wrote. “Socceropolis was selected due to its high quality instruction, popularity with residents, willingness to serve financial assistance participants, plus a proven track record with the City.”
