A California paddleboarder is expected to stand trial after a confrontation with a surfer reportedly escalated into violence in the ocean near Morro Bay.
According to court testimony, the alleged incident occurred at Morro Strand State Beach while several surfers were in the water. Prosecutors say the paddleboarder was riding waves close to others, which reportedly created tension among the group. It was reported that at some point, the paddleboarder caught a wave from behind the surfer and collided with her, knocking her off her board.
After the alleged collision, the surfer reportedly confronted the paddleboarder and yelled at him about what had happened, saying his actions were unsafe, and the situation intensified. During the disagreement, the paddleboarder allegedly raised his paddle and struck the surfer, though her wetsuit prevented serious cuts.
It was further reported that the paddleboarder grabbed the surfer by the hair and held her underwater. The surfer told the court she feared she might drown during the alleged attack. Prosecutors also alleged that the paddleboarder repeatedly shouted profanities throughout the incident.
The paddleboarder was taken into custody in August 2025. Prosecutors initially reviewed the case for a possible attempted murder charge but later declined to pursue that allegation.
Court records show the paddleboarder was later released after posting a $25,000 bond. He is now facing two felony counts of assault with a deadly weapon. One count alleges force likely to cause serious bodily injury.
The paddleboarder’s attorney reportedly acknowledged an altercation occurred but argued it stemmed from a conflict between surfers and paddleboarders rather than a criminal assault. The case is expected to continue in San Luis Obispo County Superior Court in the coming weeks.
If you or someone you love is suspected of an assault or battery offense, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.