Why Is it???

[yourdirtymomma]

Why is it that when there is a new guy learning no one in the line up saids anything to help them learn? Ive notice this all around the east coast obx south nc all over in nj. Its like everybody is to cocky to help isnt surfing peaceful and relaxing and brotherhood. Why does this happen?

I understand and feel the same way. I guess I had it a little better because of being a chic and all.....single surfers were kind of eager to surf with me, help me learn.....but it's was only when I met them out of the water first.

I don't understand the "every man for himself" vibe in the water either.....O' I hear the reasons, but I don't understand. Whenever I see someone who could benefit from what I already know, I tell them, I help them. And whenever I see someone who inspires me, I let them know that I admire them.

You can come surf by me usmcchristian12.

[wallysurfr]

any time I have ever tried to help someone in the water i feel like the guy in the gym who's giving workout advice to the fat guy. I just don't feel good about it afterwards.

[aka pumpmaster]

your first mistake is assuming that surfing is a 'peaceful relaxing brotherhood'. very bad assumption.

[Earl of Funk/Duke of Cool]

When a beginner needs to be talked to, I will talk to them, when they need to be yelled at, I will yell at them, if they nod and say good morning, I will nod and say it back. I COMMUNICATE whether in a negative or positive context. I am old, big, mean, and mean looking. I get the point across. The key to a safe session is to communicate through talking, through body language and through your surfing. When I see other locals ignoring the other people in the lineup (shoobs, bennies, Massholes, beginners, what have you) it creates a dangerous situation. Guide them, don't treat em like speed bumps. if you are really the overseer of the break, then oversee it.

[fupafest]

"Earl of Funk/Duke of Cool
When a beginner needs to be talked to, I will talk to them, when they need to be yelled at, I will yell at them, if they nod and say good morning, I will nod and say it back. I COMMUNICATE whether in a negative or positive context. I am old, big, mean, and mean looking. I get the point across. The key to a safe session is to communicate through talking, through body language and through your surfing. When I see other locals ignoring the other people in the lineup (shoobs, bennies, Massholes, beginners, what have you) it creates a dangerous situation. Guide them, don't treat em like speed bumps. if you are really the overseer of the break, then oversee it."


What is with this Localism!?! A talking too? I understand saying something to keep others at the break safe is required but everything else is just playing into your ego. Your big, old, mean, and mean looking but for the most part are just an AVERAGE!!!, surfer just like the rest of us. You want to communicate to make yourself feel important at your local break...thats just plain lame! Locals are super lame on the east coast. If you call yourself a Local of any break you are a loser because there are so many other great waves on any given swell. Travel and explore. I'm sorry I just have a big gripe with this style because your not actually getting your point across. Dont get me wrong, I will let someone know too but only if it is required. And rather than trying to intimidate them (which never works anyways) have a conversation and TEACH not speak at them. It only takes 30 seconds to explain bad manners and why it is dangerous to us all. Simple, keep that lame A*S localism at your mediocre east coast beach break.

To the kid who started the thread...if you want advice...ASK!!!! A Closed mouth does not get fed! There are plenty of people who are willing to help, they just need a little push not to be scumbags. Shaka

[McLovin]

They don't need my help, most beginners already think they're better than me the moment they dip their feet into the water

[LBshredneck]

Everything is up to individuality. If the kook is a **** head he\SHE needs to be taught a saftey lesson. If the kid asks for help be responsive. Like the admin says..."Be a leader". Treat people how you want to be treated even if you dont get it back. It's good karma and a good way to live.

[Juliaep]

Knock on wood but people have been pretty nice to me in the water and I'm still learning. I get some pretty good advice and mostly encouragement. I'm a woman though so maybe that's why I don't have to deal with the agros so much. Plus, I try to stay out of the way. People usually make conversation which is nice as well, except when you have a hood on and can't hear a damn thing..................

[Earl of Funk/Duke of Cool]

Fupafest,
Never used the words talking to. I said it depends upon how the beginner is acting. Like I said, I reciprocate what gets thrown at me. Say good morning, I say it back. Respect me you get respect back. I never claimed to be more than an average surfer either. Just trying to keep where I surf safe. Safe for me, for beginners, for my kids, for everyone. No need to be a douche bag. I'm not big on localism either. I said above that locals need to be more responsible. Read what I wrote before you make assumptions

[aka pumpmaster]

if you are really the overseer of the break, then oversee it.

We need WAY more of this around here. You don't need to be some aggro enforcer type (although sometimes that IS needed) to keep things sane at a good break. a lot of what we are seeing nowadays is related to the overseer/enforcer being absent.

to the OP, one of the biggest things that will get you vibed right off the bat is showing up to an empty break with a few guys out and paddling out where they are. Most people don't wnat you surfing with them competing for waves when there are empty peaks all up and down the beach.