Blocking in Bali-TSJ article

The subject of the story definately falls in the category of making surfing less cool...its about as uncool as it can possibly get. Kind of reminds me (in a smaller way) of mountain climbing - i.e. people with lots of money paying others to help them get summits they have no business being on and putting lots of lives at risk in the process. These guys allow their client a shot at getting a wave they would have no chance of bagging left to their own devices.

 

they've been doing this at Manasquan Inlet for ages.

 

Yeah but they locals block for locals there. Surfers work the Squan side and spongers work Jenks. This situation is completely different dude....

 

Let me tell youz a little secret aboutz the infamous Belmar...Barrel Waster Surf Jocks... 80% of the dudes who claim that place as there local break....Back on topic...These guyz should be ashamed of them selves a complete disgrace to culture

 

Nope there just a local crew! You'll know when you see em'

 

Angga and Ari don’t abide by traditional surf etiquette, but they have created their own set of surf ethics in the lineup

So, they are like the summer benny's?

 

Yeah and imagine how the other locals feel! I have a feeling these antics won't last too long without some serious beef hashing out...

 

I wish the 70s would come back. The problem is that it is never going to get really ugly in the water because of how much more litigious we are as Murrikans. However, the growing obesity rates are going to confine people to their couches and leave the waves to the in-shape people.

I hope

 

Or those who have a wallet, wavejet, and a blocker

 

so true , I am laughing my asss off right now

 

in my neck of the woods the locals get theirs as anywhere in the world.

as far as the article goes...... I look at it this way- the locals are piss poor and they need to make a decent living somehow. what they are doing is hecka lame but it's their turf so they're gonna do it no matter what the outcome is. in other words: don't go to Bali. the place is pretty much ruined anyway. I was there 20 years ago and it was crowded then sans blockers. its become way over developed since then and the mystical charm of the place has been replaced with commercialism and exploitation. too many other places in the world with good waves and good vibes.

 

Words of wisdom. Confession: We used to block for our kids and our buddies kids. Now they give us (sometimes when they are surfed out) set waves in our old age. Karma. The benefits of community.

 

You see vagus there's good reason behind these guys who block at these spots. Your a nice guy vagus so I'm sure you've been there on day when it's firing and there's about 100 people all trying to hug the jetty. You know it goes beyond ensuring waves for locals it also regulates safety.
I totally agree with you Mr Archy but regardless it's still a ****ty move.
Ps my auto correct tells me it's spelled vagus...

 

In '99 I spent 2 weeks in Bali and there were "blockers" back then. At several of the popular spots, you could tip a local $20ish usd who would then garuntee you X amount of waves (depending on the negotiations). A guy who I was with partook and he scored some set waves, but he still gets **** for it to this day.

 

that.
the issue is a double-edged sword.
also, it raises the possibility of mischief perpetrated on the blocker by an experienced surfer.....
why? well, they asked for it.

some old and experienced surfers have a set of tricks uniquely their own
which only come out of the bag when the situation demands such.

kinda like liam neeson on 'taken'....a certain set of talents...learned over a series of years......