President’s Message — 2023

California is often referred to as the “golden state” for more reasons than one. One surely is because of the breathtaking blue color of its sky and sea, which California has abundance of because of its expansive shorelines and magnificent coastlines. California has an 1100 mile coast bordering the Pacific Ocean as well as 4000 linear miles of shoreline along the state’s system of navigable lakes and rivers.

Californians see their state’s waterways as gateways to experience the beauty and serenity of our state by recreating on California’s navigable waters. California has approximately two million boaters who find refuge on these waters using their vessel of choice — including kayaks, canoes, sailboats, power boats and yachts, to name a few.

Recreational Boaters of California (RBOC) was formed in 1968 as a boaters nonprofit advocacy organization that works to protect and enhance the interests of the state's recreational boaters before state and local government. It’s board of 18 volunteer boating officers and directors from both Northern and Southern California continue the work of its founders to protect recreational boater’s interests in safely and freely boating on California’s navigable waters. These directors, along with our paid professional advocate, Desmond and Desmond, review state and federal legislation that may impose constraints on California boaters ability to recreate. Directors meet with state legislators and other organizations that have similar interests to make sure that boater’s interests are protected.

As a child learning how to swim, and as a young adult learning how to snorkel, scuba dive and sail our Sun Yacht sailboat, I have found refuge in recreating on California’s waterways. This gift is one that I cherish and desire to make sure it is available for all Californians to enjoy. I am proud to represent you in protecting our “gold.”

Below is the list of RBOC board members that represent your interests. We encourage you to get to know the board member assigned to your region, and inform them of any boating issues that could be addressed legislatively by RBOC.

Wishing you fair winds and following seas,

Debrenia Madison Smith

President

925 L Street, Suite 260 Sacramento, CA 95814