I got dropped in on a bunch on Saturday. Dudes were total novices. I get dropped in on a lot when there's crowds, but it's usually on accident and it's not the same repeat offender. I think the group of guys from the other day that were doing it, weren't doing it to be d!cks, they were just novices. Or kooks, if you will.
I think there is generally 2 definitions of snaking. The one that cap mentioned- and also the maybe the more common one is when your in position already and obviously paddling for a wave- and someone cuts you off by paddling over to you and proceeds to paddle right in front of you. It's pretty much the lowest thing a person could do... very disrespectful. Anyone who does it - is a kook and has probably feels entitled to the wave. For repeat offenders or for ones who have an attitude and blatantly do it (especially on the wave of the day) - the best defense is to yank their leash while paddling so neither get the wave. Might cause a fight... but usually they know what they did and will not say anything- but willsheepishly paddle away (until the next set when they try it again)
Thinking of snaking... reminds me of this kid at my local spot. I call him a kid, cause he acts like one. He is probably about 17/18 yrs old. He only surfs in the summer surfing season. And always shows up right about now (2weeks ago I saw him) Pretty good surfer- I mean, he is ok and can hold his own... but not outstanding. So - all he does in the water is snake ppl and paddle battle. Really a pain. Always fighting for the peak. he has like 2 friends that he talks to- otherwise doesn't say a word, even I you say hi... anyways, I found it funny the other day , when getting out of the water I saw his car- it was one of those luxury suv's- like a BMW X5 or something. I thought - no wonder he always acts like he is entitled to every wave- he has been handed everything his whole life! I mean he is like 17 - it's doubtful that he saved up his own money and bought a new BMW... I realize it's total judgement on my side... but generally you can tell how a person is by their actions in the water...
Sounds like a kid that needs a good beating when he snakes someone. A very thorough beating, not to exclude *****-slapping in front of all the bikinis and his few friends. Total humiliation. Get to it......
Saw a lot of the same Summer Surfers on Saturday at my local. At least they're positive and didn't try to drop in or snake me. I surfed almost the entire day and only had one dude paddle for the same wave as me, but he was quick to give me the, "my bad" on the paddle back out. In fact... I only saw one totally blatant burn, on one of the best waves of the day. I think the offender had just paddled out and by luck paddled right into the perfect drop in spot on a dude that had the peak. Both paddled for the wave... the guy at the peak sticks the drop and goes to pull into a nice barrel, but the Drop In Artist went anyway and totally cut the guy off. All that happened was a big middle finger... could have been worse. Didn't see the drop in dork for the rest of the day... I think he paddled up the beach.
The worst is when you're already on your feet, flying down the line and you see someone looking right at you and they start to paddle for the wave anyways. You yell, hoot, yewwww, etc. and yet, they continue to paddle....
I always find a spot away from the crowd and on most days it only takes a few waves to attract a few followers. Happens so often that my wife (not a surfer) has asked me about it. Even at places where it is breaking the same for miles up and down the beach..."If you surf it, they will come". So many guys out there have little skill and see you catching wave after wave and they think- that is the spot! Like...right where you are sitting. Drop in is almost inevitable at that point.
This is the one that drives me nuts! Followed up by some bullsh!t "I didn't see you..." I can handle the inattentiveness of inexperienced surfers, but the solid burn purely motivated by greed infuriates me.
OK so you're on the peak and paddling for a wave. A guy behind the peak is paddling too and it looks like he may not make it in. You catch the wave and pop up. The you look over your shoulder and the guy is now on the wave. You kick out of the wave but you end up crumbling a section in the process. Does the guy have the right to say something?
