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I think what we are talking about, specifically, are annoying booogie boarders who are overly agressive and sit in the best spots continually snaking your waves - they can be aggravating.
I think, however, that the same can be true for some surfers.
Both sports are about community, sharing, friendliness and enjoyment of a pure feeling.
even boogie boarders have to admit that its easy to do. I boogie boarded when I was a kid. then when I realized that the challenge of boogie boarding was completely over with, I got a surfboard. lol.
The film posted earlier in this thread is nuts. I couldn't do what those guys are doing and quite frankly, I wouldn't. Has anyone ever been to the Wedge in Newport or seen videos? Those dudes are CRAZY.
Also, it may not require the exact same skills as surfing, but there is definitely a set of skills needed to boogie board, and I'm definitely not of the belief that boogie boarding as a kid is anywhere in the same ballpark as what pro boogie boarders are doing.
Here is a great example of the two sports and how I see them. I have two good friends both use to bodyboard then committed to surfing now that they are getting older and they wanted to sruf and if they were to ever leaern now is the time (they are both early 30s).
friend "A" was a comepetent sponge rider, spinners going right or left, and the roll things in the white water or whatever. He could definitly ride though, big waves, small waves, stay out all day with me.
Friend "b" was pretty darn good, and rode drop knee the majority of the time, which is much more difficult obviously, he could do cutback style turns, spinners and stuff drop knee, and the typical spinners rolls etc ridding prone.
Friend "A" thought since he is good on his feet (w/a soccer ball and such) and since he could bodyboard OK he was going to "get" surfing quickly. Guy hasnt gone down the line on a board yet. Barely can stay out for an hour and a half before he is just flat exhausted. He is committed to surfing he is never going back he siad. Kudos for that. But catching waves laying there using your leg muscles and flippeers seaems to be a bit easier than paddling into them on a surfboard. This guy has tons of foam on his surfboard, so volume for him isnt an issue.
Friend "B" he is up and able to drive "pump" somewhat down the line do little hits on the lip or mini floats or whatever, but he is already competent on a surfboard.
Anyway bodyboarding prone is one thing, guys that can surf drop knee on a sponge i have much more respect for.
really its all good either way as long as your having fun, and you stay out of my way when i have priority.
the wedge is primarily a bodysurfing/body boarding wave. it can be surfed.. but its not known as a surfing wave when its going full throttle.Quote:
Originally Posted by kielsun
also as a surfer... if someone forced me to go to the wedge and ride it, I would choose boogieboard over my surfboard.
Aww man....here we go. Waves are waves they do not care what you ride. They do not become more difficult due to board size. Good "wave riders" are good not because they can stand on a 6'2''(wow congrats on getting that whole balancing thing). Ocean/wave knowledge, weight distribution, timing and some guts are what makes a person a good surfer. Most sponge bashers are insecure, incompetent surfers looking to build themselves up. I look at these message boards and see that most of you are afraid to surf alone.....and seem haired-out from the bigger swells we had this past fall. I implore those of you who say sponging is easy to submit a video of you, out alone on a 4-6 foot day, on a sponge........lets see how easy it is. Action not words. Is ice hockey the most talent demanding sport because they can balance on ice skates? I sponged at first then starting surfing...because that's the natural 'progression" right ? Was riding down the line by the third session.....turning shortly after that. It was then I realized that I hate looking down at waves and don't like looking over my shoulder going backside. Didn't like squatting for waist high barrels either....lots of squatting going on....Actually sponging is more attuned with the wave....surfing is more just manipulating a longer board. People keep saying that anybody can lie on a sponge, well anyone can stand on a surfboard too. When the weather warms up and most of you computer surfers go back in the water come May......look and see how many people can ride a surfboard.....Wow you're not so unique are you.....
I know you're not talking to me. I surf alone a lot and I surf year round. boogie boarders can indeed to some crazy things on them boards.. but its easier to boogie board then it is to surf. I dont care what anyone says. its not a respect issue. I respect all in the water(boogie boardser, surfers sup guys, surf kayaks...). its just easier by the nature of the beast.Quote:
Originally Posted by SouthjettyBill
i have no problem with them as they never surf the same spots as i do. they like the throwing shorebreak that you don't usually see anyone trying to surf.
why the hell would i sponge on a good 4-6ft day when i can surf? =\Quote:
Originally Posted by SouthjettyBill
There are kooks who try to sponge just like there are kooks on NSP's trying to surf. They're all the same. I think all the sunsations selling sponges to tourists for a $1 has put a bad name to the sport, but an advanced bodyboarder is just as good as an advanced surfer in my books.