Surfing Jerks??

Question

How is a new surfer supposed to get better when all the other surfers out there are jerks?! I thought the surfing lifestyle was relaxed and loving, but so far I've only gotten jerks! On sunday I was out catching some baby waves, I was already up surfing the wave when this local just dropped in and side swiped me, I fell and opened my knees on the rocks below! Now I know not to get on waves that are already taken, and thats exactly what I did. I was staying out of the way of the better surfers, but it was like they were just gunning for all the KIDS and non-locals. Since when could a beach be "claimed"? Uggh! So after this incident I decided to leave to a more secluded beach, where I could just relax and go at my own pace....but no, I was wrong. The little hidden spot that I know of had ONE surfer, and he was WAAAAY worse than the 40 surfers at the other beach! He would just cut straight in front the the waves that we were about to catch, AND HE WOULDNT EVEN RIDE THEM! I'm so upset!

Answer 1

maybe you are the only one that is in a bad mood out there

Answer 2

Surfing and swimming are two of the most aggressive and competitive sports on the planet. Don't kid yourself.

I've gotten into arguments and a near *fist fight* once but the guy was cutting into my path on purpose.

1) There are jerks in every sport and if it's not the competition it's the localism. Get a stiff upper lip and suck it up.

2) The main reason people try aggressive manuevers is to try to intimidate you into moving and/or leaving. You have to be willing to talk, give them some room, and take turns.

Go really early or really late. Offer to leave for awhile and come back. That's actually worked for me. They'd rather have you do that then stay and share.

3) You thought surfing was about love and peace. It is and it isn't. Newbie's struggle with that because they have no sense of the community as a whole. If I asked you to explain the phrase "Eddie would go" you probably couldn't. That will cost you a lot of respect.

There are people like yourself who just want to have a good time and not take things so seriously. Do a little networking,

meet some locals, and read more about surfing. Expect tension. Acceptance takes time.

4) Surfing is about respect. At any point did you try to talk to these people? Locals always have the right of way.

Answer 3

1. Go in the off season and learn, then you won't be in the way when the waves are good.

2. Get to know the locals. Don't assume they are *******, hang out at the local breaks and shops and meet people. Maybe the guy who dropped in on you didn't see you, was having a bad day or really WAS a jerk, but don't jump to conclusions.

3. Find beginner breaks. Go to uncrowded beaches without a lot of surfers or go when you know there will not be many people out.

4. The guy at your hidden spot was being protective of the "hidden" spot. He was being territorial and frankly I'd do the same to keep people out of my water!

5. Don't give up just because someone ruined your ride. A lot of locals will challenge you, stand up to them. They will be more impressed if you stick it out and hang than if you leave. Keep paddling out and gain the respect you want, don't just demand that people there allow a beginner to slow everything down and steal all the nice swells.

Good luck!

Answer 4

Sounds like your dealing with the "b******e Surfers"... better stay out of their way...

Answer 5

bro been there we all have sometimes its better to just talk watch and learn give the locals there do they've scratched that surf for years and its a very tribal sport if your getting worked by the lineup its simple move down the beach never battle and im sorry you got some aggro out there . we  havent Had much of a swell this winter and surfers are hungry there not letting anything by hope you have a better section next time late

Answer 6

Unfortunately there a-h o l e s everywhere. Next time try to talk to him and if you are friendly to other surfers they usually start to cut you some slack. When learning you are definitely better off than at a crowded break, at least until you don't look like an absolute beginner.