by Morro Bay, California — A violent confrontation in the waters off California’s Central Coast has led to felony charges against a paddleboarder accused of attacking a female surfer in the middle of the ocean, holding her underwater and striking her with his paddle, according to prosecutors.
The alleged incident occurred at Morro Strand State Beach, where surfers and paddleboarders had gathered when the encounter turned dangerous.
Victim says she feared for her life
During a recent preliminary hearing, surfer Haylee Red-Van Rooyen told the court she believed she was going to die during the alleged attack.
“I thought I was going to die,” — Haylee Red-Van Rooyen, testifying in court
Prosecutors say Andrew Gustafson, 60, is charged with two felony counts of assault with a deadly weapon, with the weapon identified as his paddle. One of the charges includes assault with force likely to produce great bodily injury.
Alleged attack unfolded during shared surf session
Red-Van Rooyen testified that she was surfing with a group when Gustafson, who was paddleboarding, began taking waves directly through the middle of the lineup.
“I was way down the line,” she told the court, explaining she was positioned far ahead on her longboard
According to her testimony, Gustafson allegedly dropped in on a wave behind her, rammed into her board, and knocked her into the water.
Prosecutors say the collision was unnecessary and dangerous, given the spacing between surfers
Confrontation escalated in the water
After being hit, Red-Van Rooyen admitted she confronted Gustafson verbally, questioning his actions and telling him the behavior was unacceptable.
“I didn’t want it to happen to anyone else,” she said, explaining why she spoke up
Prosecutors allege Gustafson responded by becoming violent.
“He grabbed my hair and held me underwater,” — Red-Van Rooyen testified
She told the court she did not know if she would be able to surface and described feeling overwhelming fear as Gustafson allegedly cursed at her repeatedly.
Paddle allegedly used as a weapon
Red-Van Rooyen testified that Gustafson raised his paddle, signaling to her that he was about to strike.
“At that point, I knew he was going to hit me,” she said.
Prosecutors say Gustafson struck her with the paddle. Her wetsuit reportedly prevented her from suffering cuts, but authorities maintain the attack posed a serious risk of bodily harm or death, particularly given the ocean conditions.
The paddle was treated as a deadly weapon due to the force and circumstances, prosecutors argued
Defense seeks reduced charges
Gustafson’s attorney acknowledged that an incident occurred but characterized it as a common conflict between surfers and paddleboarders.
The defense requested that the felony charges be reduced to misdemeanors, arguing the situation had been overstated.
Judge finds sufficient cause for felony charges
A judge with the San Luis Obispo County Superior Court rejected the defense request, ruling there was enough evidence to proceed on the felony counts.
“It does appear to me that the offenses in the complaint have been committed,” — Judge, during the preliminary hearing
Gustafson was initially arrested in August 2025 and had originally faced an attempted murder charge, which the district attorney’s office later declined to pursue.
Bond, court date, and next steps
Court records show Gustafson was released on a $25,000 bond and is scheduled to return to court for his arraignment on March 2.
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The San Luis Obispo County District Attorney’s Office is expected to move forward with the felony assault case.
Authorities have not indicated whether additional witnesses from the surf lineup will testify as the case progresses.
Incident raises safety concerns in shared ocean spaces
The case has drawn attention to tensions between surfers and paddleboarders, particularly in crowded coastal areas where equipment size and speed can increase the risk of injury.
Ocean safety experts stress that shared lineups require heightened awareness and restraint, especially when multiple types of boards are present
For Red-Van Rooyen, the case is about accountability and safety.
“There was no reason for that,” she told the court, referring to the initial collision and what followed
As the trial approaches, the incident serves as a stark reminder that conflicts in recreational spaces can escalate quickly — with potentially life-threatening consequences.
Do you think stronger enforcement is needed to prevent violent confrontations in shared surf zones? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
