Haha this is great. That spot is one of the worst places to surf morning, noon, and night. The problem is not the older guys it is actually the younger 13 to 20 crowed. This is the reason the older guys act like this. I have been surfing that spot since I was 10 I try to stay far away from it now because of this problem. There is no etiquette there from anyone anymore. The core local guys have stopped going and all it is, is mayhem there now. The last time I was there I almost took it to the beach with a little 18/19 year old punk because he had a bad mouth. The cam really ruined that spot. I truly suggest going someplace else.
if your a newbie i dont think you have any right calling these guys kooks. it just shows me that your one of those guys floating out there and have no idea on surf etiquette. i dont understand how an older guy who obviously has surfed more than you and knows the spot well can be a kook.
@divinesurf... Def was using kook loosely. I understand that they are experienced surfers. I was just surprised with their etiquette. I would think that being surfers for so long that they grew up and surfed in a much different layed back era of surfing. I agree with all of you guys. I never wrote this post slamming people out in the water. I understand that being a noob I need to earn my respect in the water and learn how to get out of the way. I don't want to ruin someone's ride at all. This post was more or less asking for a good spot to learn so that I DON'T ruin more advanced surfers waves and etc. Sorry if the term "kook" offended anyone.
sorry. i had to laugh when i read your last post. in the early 80s when I started the vibe was ANYTHING but laid back. It was WAY more aggro then then now.
True... 80s were hardcore, but these 40 and 50 year old men grew up in the 60s and 70s when surfing was different. I'm only comparing them to my friends father who also surfs and was out there on Saturday. He even felt like the older men were being really ridiculous... just greedy and totally aggressive to the point that people paddled away from them because they rode every single wave no matter what. I mean good for them to be able to catch wave after wave but I know it annoyed a lot of surfers out there on Saturday.
just do this stay to the outside maybe even stay closer to shore to get the left overs. longboarders are always gonna be there and getting most waves. just stay away from the spot where everyone sits and try to find your own little break somewhere down the beach and then when you feel more confident get in there and paddle your ass off and pray you make the wave and dont fall. after a good wave youll get your respect
I think the issue is with your thinking. Surfing really isn't this laid back, hippy sport where everybody gets along. It's ultra competitive and aggressive especially among the top tier guys. Compound that with summer crowds, so when a little swell finally comes up, the locals are going to get as many as they can. In the winter it does mellow out but summer brings out the worse in everybody in the water.
Definitely never said it was a hippy sport. Hahah. This thread could go on forever with views of what surfing is and isn't... I appreciate all the insight. I will definitely take a lot of the advice here (ie, stay closer to shore, let the vets take the big ones, etc). Thanks, guys!
its a hot summer weekend in july, with 1-2 foot dribble, going to belmar to learn how to surf is a bad choice.. there are other beaches at the neighboring towns to the north and south that would be a much better decision!
Nova Scotia in February is usually light on crowds. Or get in the water before sunrise or after midnight along Casino Pier. No doubt to Squan too. Good call. Usually like 2 or 3 (hundred) people in the water. http://seasandsurf.com
Yeah I have to agree summer brings the worst out in everyone. I am one of the most laid back guys in the world I think and there are someday where I almost lash out on some young punks who thinks he is the latest and greatest thing. Or there are them people who bring there buddies surfing and tell them to paddle into a wave you are already on . Yes it was more Aggro back in the 80's and mid 90's. I rember seeing guys cars getting trashed and people getting massive beat downs for flapping the lips at the worng person
Start going out first thing in the morning. Search for spots and not on the internet. There is a reason why you are getting cut off, watch more and learn more.
We were all stoned and friends on the beach, but in the water back in the 70's you had to literally fight your way to the peak. Not any more. You just have to show respect, put in your time, and develop your skills. It wasn't all peace and love at 1st peak, not by a long shot. I am not condoning thuggish behavior. I am suggesting you get real good before you decide to go to 1st peak anywhere USA and decide to take off. In the mean time, there are lots of other waves to be had...go get some and have fun! Don't let the bastards bring you down.
Here's an easy tip to help get along. If you get in somebody's way - just acknowledge that you f'd up and apologize. assuming that you don't do it more than once or twice - it will go along way with everyone except for the extreme d-bags. For those guys - all you can do is challenge them to a bench off and shot their piers.
If you are surifng in the summer at a main break, and a good wave comes through, you WILL get cut off. There is no "if" about it. And the worst offenders consistently turn out to be the 50+ guys on longboards, and they also get the most aggressive when they get cut off. The younger guys are overall much more respectful and laid back. What's up with that, old people? Why not hop back in the Grand Marquis, strap the 12' log to the roof and cruise back to your inland suburb at 55 MPH in the passing lane.
