Coastal recreation: designated state surfing reserves.

Assembly Member Irwin's proposal to establish state surfing reserves along California's coastline creates a formal designation process managed by the State Coastal Conservancy. Under the legislation, local governments may apply to designate coastal areas as surfing reserves after adopting formal resolutions.

The Conservancy must develop designation criteria by July 2026, considering factors such as wave quality, surf culture, environmental characteristics, and management priorities. Applications from city councils or county boards of supervisors must detail the proposed reserve's geographic location, coastal access, and cultural, historical, ecological, and economic value. Upon approval, the Conservancy will partner with local governments to publicize reserves and install signage, contingent on legislative appropriation. The agency may accept donations to support these activities and retains authority to revoke designations if areas no longer meet established criteria.

The measure connects to California's broader coastal conservation efforts by requiring the Conservancy to notify the Ocean Protection Council when reserves are approved, allowing their inclusion toward the state's goal of protecting 30 percent of coastal waters by 2030. This builds upon existing protections in the California Coastal Act of 1976 for oceanfront recreational areas and the 2018 designation of surfing as California's official state sport.