I went out in Belmar today (19th Ave) after looking at Surfline's forecast and shared the waves with about 40+ surfers. I'm a newbie, so I spend most of the time having waves pass me by... but there were a LOT of rude surfers (mostly much older men) on the waves today. A lot of people cutting people off and etc. I had to bail on 2 waves today because of people snaking them. Kinda annoying because it takes me a lot more time and effort to catch them than most surfers out in the water. I was really surprised because I've surfed other spots along the Shore and people have been more courteous and accepting of newbies. Does anyone have any suggestions for spots to go where I can learn without having to worry about getting cut off nonstop?
The problem is that there are designated surfing areas so that is why there was 40+ people. Your best bet is to try and get out before and after the lifeguards on duty so you can surf where ever you want and not have to deal with those people.
Thats called... Paying dues. We all went through it, just keep at it and don't let anyone ruin your session. Rule #1 of learning to surf is to stay out of the way, do that and you'll be fine. Weekend afternoons in the summer are always going to be prime time and super packed and alot of frustration in the water no matter where it is. Surf during the week, in the rain, whenever, and they'll get to know your face and eventually you'll be part of the crew. Don't give up! Stay stoked.
Yea... try to surf under the radar until you can hold your own in the crowd. Surf before and after the lifeguards are on duty, right before dark and right at dawn are best, and surf at spots that offer a lesser wave, but also less populated. The only way to find spots like this is to do a lot of searching. If you can't do that, be polite, be there every day there's waves, be respectful, and eventually you'll get your share. Respect is key. Saw the first beat down of the summer at my local yesterday over a lousy waist high dribbler. Somebody said something they shouldn't have to the wrong person, and it in a matter of seconds, it was over. When the cops showed up, nobody saw anything.
Yeah surf and off peak times or at lesser crowded spots and you'll gain the comfidence and skills to sit in the line up with the seasoned vet as long and you give respect where respect is due It been a while since I seen a fist to cuff stand off at the beach . I dont really get what being a tough guy proves . So you got droped in on Big Deal it happend to everyone from Newb to kelly slater. There is a local surf shop in my area who has a little army of groms who try to start sH it with ppl at one of the break I frequent. A cpl weeks ago the ganged up on 2 guy in there late 50's on longboards after they go out of the water. I surfed in the same spot while they were out and they werent even near any of these guys . They think they are the Da Hui of wildwood or something. Its even condoned buy the owner of the shop but you get one on one with him he is a cool dude. I guess it has to put up a act to make his shop look hardcore or something I dont get it ?
hey man, im not the kind to drop in on people or anything i just think its really rude... i always just back off you know, but i started surfing by myself in daytona beach after my dad decided surfing wasnt his thing anymore. and i never had any problems there, i came across a couple of guys that were not the friendliest so i just moved down the beach, but most of my time surfing has been in the OBX near rodanthe so the water is always open there. and the people who surf there are really chill. ive surfed va beach and ocean city and the bigger the city the meaner it gets. ocean city is not that bad i made friends, and people cheer you on especially if you are on dawn patroll before the lifegaurds come. i just reccomend trying to stay clear of the jerks, its not worth your time to deal with them, just focus on learning because surfing is so rewarding... but if your new and dont have someone there with you teaching you or your not a hot girl, dont go surf va beach... there is a group of like 6 guys that are total jerks. and they almost got in a fight with one of my friends... i just stay away. good luck though
After 22+ years in the water, I have found dawn patrols to be best. If you get out when the sun is just coming over the horizon, you are typically alone or with just a few people for a good hour or so. Those out at that time are usually friendly/cordial and more than willing to share...just don't be a snake and don't hang inside of the peak.
The shop is called Wild Ocean in Wildwood. Trust me Matt, a bunch of us are planning some serious retribution on those guys this fall.
I didnt wanna drop names but yeah thats who they are. I sit there on the beach and watch what the WO grom Army is doing and its really a embraassment to the Surfing community. I dont see how condoneing those type of actions give you a hard rep in the surf culture? LIke a said I have surfed with the owner a bunch of times and he was ways a nice guy along with some of the older guys who support his shop as well . They have never hassled me not that I ever give them any reason too but Neither this the two older guys with longboards that day so who knows its not like its hard to figure out who I am at the beach . Maybe it cause I try to stay under the radar and I let my surfing speake for me .
Wo is getting a really bad rep and I can tell you from experience that once a shop gets a rep like that, closing their doors is right around the corner.
right. it's a shame because the owner can be cool, but ultimately he needs to control those kids or boot them. I've heard stories of cars with WO stickers being targeted in the future so if you've got one, you may want to take it off.
Thanks, I totally agree with you that you are always going to have people in the water with you. That wasn't really my point but thanks for your perspective. I understand that spots are going to be worse in the Summer, especially popular beaches like Belmar. Thanks for some suggestions (ie, Darlington, Inlet). And I wasn't trying to play the whole angle that I'm a girl and guys should respect me more out in the water... that's not the case. I think respect should be mutual all around. And @LOSTsoul.... Sorry buddy... there is NO WAY, I'm quitting. I'm having way too much fun out in the water. I love this sport, it challenges me each and every time I'm out there mentally and physically. Let me know where you surf so I can snake you the next time I see you
just a helpful hint..respect is EARNED not given. You as the beginner need to respect the more advanced surfers. The best way you can respect them is to not surf the best breaks. Most likely, people saw you were struggling and ignored your attempts. they technically snaked you but from an advanced surfer's perspective they made use of a wave that they knew you could not based on your skill level. Another good way to get acceptance is to be seen in the water in the winter. most locals show more respect for someone who shows up in the cold times then the summer-only surfer.
Yeah beening seen all year is a good way to get some respect. None is given is you are a 3 month'r or as I call them Weekend watermen LOL Just go out there stay out of ppls ways for the most part . Sometimes you cant avoid surfing in there spot . Be alert of your suroundings and you will see a improvment in no time
