Request that surf schools and shops renting boards provide info on etiquette

So not true. Reading threads on this forum has actually taught me a ton. Watching other (better) surfers while out in the water has taught me a ton. I've probably learned a few pointers from you, pumpmaster.

You might say I'm self-taught since I had no teacher. The truth is there's a big difference between self-taught and being a good student. I'm a good student. I learn by observing and listening to other people. Very little is actually self-taught.

 

Self taught with help. You get it. Surf schools only serve to allow people to claim to be a surfer back home.

 

In many cases, yes. Everyone wants a piece of the surfing lifestyle, which for me involves working 50+hrs a week to support my family. Gnarly.

 

Only 50 huh?

 

I'm just kind of wondering, why you surfing around the surf school to begin with? Aren't there other places you can surf? If not, and that's just the world you're stuck with, then man up and deal with it as a reality. In fact turn it into an advantage, because learning to surf in a crowd, and not just running people over, should honestly help you get better. If you can't maneuver around others, then you might not have any more business being in the water than the tourists.

Now, in response to your initial request, do you honestly expect companies that are so unethical as to take people's money and "teach" them to surf, when there's not even a ridable wave, to have scruples enough to care about you or other non-paying customers? I mean, seriously, they'll have a whole crowd out on "double-over-big-toe days," and I'll look at it while thinking, its just plain criminal.

Hey though, if it concerns you that much get out there like one of the "end of days" guys, get a placard and a megaphone, and preach your prophecy of etiquette. However, last I checked, the only guys concerned about etiquette, are the one's who can't hang enough to out surf others. When you dominate, every wave becomes yours.

 

Love this.

 

I think it's fun to watch their eyes get as big as pies as I'm flying through "kiddie pools" after connecting from the outside. Teach those punks some respect! And I agree with thisguysthumbs who sayz if you can't slalom around the myriad assorted hazards ( ropes, buoys, tourists, groms, kooks, debris, floating trees, etc.) than you should find a more mellow spot.

Everyone is forgetting, the surf camps are run by surfers trying to live the dream, and like everything else, some are great, and some suck. Down here we have really cool people running the camps. They keep out of everyones way, and when it is flat they take the kids kayaking, SUPing, and gunkholing in the flats just to wear them out. I will give them props for crowd control, and God Bless America if they want to make a buck - they are not getting rich, beleive me. And seeing the stoke of these future rats when they catch their first wave is great. So lighten up a bit, unless they are ruining your break. If they don't listen to reason and show some respect to the locals - then spray them down with baby oil and let them slide off their boards.

 

most people who go get surf lessons are the tourist kind that don't plan on purseing sufing but rather post some pics on the beach holding a board.surfing is a way of life.its like teaching people to take a shyt with their legs in the air.i never heard of skate or bike lessons.i don't know,maybe its worth it but most of the surfshops just want the money and could care less of they send these hopeless people go put themselves in situations they cant handle.i seen people get rescued just trying to paddle out,like whats up with that lol?guy out on the best day of the winter gets rescued by a helicopter.we don't live on the north shore,we live on the eastcoast.cant wait til winter when the crowds die and the waves are endless

 

+1. Well said.