By Paul Goldfinger, MD, Blogfinger.net. 2/15/25: You Tube video from August 21, 2024 in Belmar. NJ.com 2/15/25
Belmar Police arrest surfer for not having a beach badge 8/24. He was going surfing. See video above. NJ.com
Those looking to access the “wet sandy beach below the mean high tide line … for the exclusive purpose of surfing or fishing” would not have to buy a beach badge, according to the bill introduced earlier this month by Assemblywoman Margie Donlon (D-Monmouth.)
The bill described above was just passed, Feb 14, 2025, in Trenton, by one vote:
SYNOPSIS
Prohibits requirement for beach tag for surfers and fishermen for access to beach below mean high tide line.
The issue of who needs to pay for beach badges made headlines last summer when a 28-year-old surfer was thrown to the ground and arrested by Belmar police in 2024 after he refused to provide a beach badge when initially asked.
I have contacted our Assemblywoman for more information. Assemblywoman Margie Donlon, MD, is our rep. from District 11.
However some people believe that a ocean beaches should be free to everyone including fishermen and surfers. NJ is the only state that requires paid admission to public beaches.
The State of New Jersey had ruled, many years ago, that towns could charge admission by buying a badge.
And something else to ponder: Why do beachgoers have to pay while surfers and fishermen do not? Is this not a form of bias?
As it is OG has a special free beach for surfers. They say it is a safety issue, but that can be dealt with as we do with bikes on the boards. And the folks could enjoy more room on the open swimming beaches.
Ocean Grove has too much of that sort of thing. Consider the illegal re-development zoning at the North End and the efforts to bypass HPC by certain influential developers. Or the recent conversion of a precious historic home from single family to 4 condos.
Maybe we can get DOGE to send over a few of their young geniuses to look around the Grove and find out why We-The People are often ignored while permission is given for giant flea markets and other unnecessary events that clog our town and close our streets during prime seasons.
And now an unsavory parking petition is being used to negatively influence the Township Committee’s plans for permit parking to the detriment of most Grover tax paying citizens.
BEACH BOYS: