Like a surfer surrounded by jellyfish, operators of two surf schools have been stung hard for floating the idea of expanding the hours of their after-school camps immediately north of the Ocean Beach pier. The two concessionaires – Pacific Surf School and San Diego Surf School – pay for the privilege of operating the schools at the city-determined location and want to add one hour to their business day. Currently, they are permitted to offer water instruction between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., but want to extend time in the ocean to 5 p.m. The request, which was recently granted with a shrug for schools operating in Pacific Beach and La Jolla, met stiff opposition Sept. 23 at the monthly public meeting of the Ocean Beach Town Council Board of Directors. The city’s Lifeguard Services, which employs two “ambassadors” who monitor the surf schools and ensure they meet their obligations, has no problem with the schools staying in the water the extra hour, said Lifeguard Lt. James Gartland. “These concessionaires have run safe, clean, good operations. When we’ve had issues, we’ve brought them up, and they’ve come in compliance,” Gartland said. While the city will ultimately decide whether to allow the extra hour, it asked the schools to request a statement of support from the Town Council, Gartland said. But the odds of such a statement went over-the-falls after testimony from three long-time surfers who charged the schools were placing too many “newbies” an area more suited for advanced surfing, crowding out locals in the process. Furthermore, they charged the schools have been endangering their students by neglecting to teach proper surfer etiquette, placing children at risk as they share the ocean with older, more skilled surfers who surf by the pier. Doug Blackwood, who described himself as a 50-year surfer, said he often gives up on a wave rather than collide with students who aren’t taught to be aware of their surroundings. “The only reason (students) aren’t injured out there is the experienced surfers are showing consideration because they don’t want to mow these kids down,” Blackwood said. Albert “Ace” Elliot called on the schools to move to Dog Beach, where he said students would find a more beginner-friendly experience. “There’s more area, more white water rides, an easier break and more parking,” Elliot said. But Gartland said the location is determined by the city’s Real Estate Assets Department, not the schools. Surf school representatives said demand for after-school instruction in Ocean Beach is high. “I’ve spoken to a lot of the customers and parents. A lot of kids can’t arrive by 3 but can make it by 4,” said Jeremy Briggs of Pacific Surf School. Andy Drum of San Diego Surf Schools denied the charge students weren’t learning about proper surf etiquette. “We’re not trying to take waves from anybody,” Drum said. “We’re just asking for the extra time so parents don’t have to rush down there.” But when one school representative suggested opposition could be due to locals wanting to keep a good thing to themselves, Ben Rhynsburger bristled. “It isn’t about localism at all,” Rhynsburger said. “Etiquette is the first thing I teach my kids. Sure, a lot of it is (learned by) surf time. But at these schools, it’s just get out, catch a wave.” When asked for a show of hands by Town Council President Gretchen Newsom, a majority of the five dozen or so in attendance did not favor extending hours. But Newsom said the board wanted more information before taking a vote. If the agreements could be amended to extend business hours, it’s worth asking if a change in location is possible as well, she said. She said she would also ask if moneys paid by the surf schools could be set aside for Ocean Beach instead of going into the city’s general fund. In other news: – Lifeguards say a show of force provided a calming effect and prevented accidents during the three-day Labor Day weekend at Pappy’s Point, where social media has helped skyrocket the number of people cliff-jumping off the formation known as the Arch. San Diego Police and Lifeguard Services combined forces in a pilot program to discourage people from making the illegal 30-foot leap, said Lifeguard Sgt. Lonnie Stephens. Over the three days, the team made 1,100 preventative actions, issued three citations, made 24 rescues and supplied medical aid to three citizens. Thanks to the effort, serious accidents and the kind of expensive, dangerous rescues that often result from cliff-jumping were avoided, Stephens said. – In what may be a first, the September meeting was held “under the stars” when an uncontrollable security alarm drove attendees outdoors and calls to fix the problem proved to be fruitless. After attendees set up tables and chairs to the parking lot, the meeting was further delayed searching for a flag for the Pledge of Allegiance. One citizen had a likeness of Old Glory at the ready on his cell phone just in case. – The next and final public meeting in 2015 of the Town Council Board of Directors will take place Oct. 28 at 7 p.m. at the Point Loma Masonic Lodge 620, 1711 Sunset Cliffs Blvd. The eight board members selected last month by Town Council members in annual elections will be seated for two-year terms. Half of the eight are newcomers: Kameron Coleman, Keith Fink, Melyssa Roark and Mark Winkie. The other four — Jenn Avoledo, Marin Green, Newsom and Rebecca Taylor — are incumbents. The board will also announce its officers for the 2015-16 year, which were selected Oct. 13 at the board’s monthly private meeting. – District 2 San Diego City Councilor Lorie Zapf, whose billing attracted a standing-room-only crowd when she addressed the Town Council in January, was planning to return this month but has been forced to cancel due to a scheduling conflict, aide Conrad Wear said.