To surf alone.....

I always surf alone.no crowds near my spots.i have no friends that surf,so im usually go out solo.even when your with a crowd,nobody seems to help.i got into trouble one day in ny during the norida swell,my leash hogtied my legs and I was stuck in the impact zone for a good 5 minutes unable to move.it was the one and only time I called for help but nobody helped lol.i eventually got out of the situation and stayed on the beach for the rest of the time.so crowds to me really have nothing safer to add,it was actually more dangerous being stuck in 1 spot and guys continued to take off n almost got ran over 15 times.the ocean kicked my arse that day

 

That's BS man. I guarantee you if I had been there I would have done everything I could to help you out. As far as I'm considered maritime law applies to boards as well. If someone needs help, you help, period. I don't care if they had been acting like a total a$$ (not saying you did), you never leave someone out to die like that.

 

Same here. Had a couple real rippy days early summer where there were quite a few water rescues for swimmers, anytime that happens I'll paddle over and help if necessary or just stay nearby till the lifeguards get there.

 

While I have no problem paddling out by myself into the lineup, I always prefer a few other bodies out there. I have forced myself to surf alone a number times over the years, but my mind almost always gets the best of me.

In the dead of winter I like to have a buddy in the water, when possible, as the stakes do increase a bit in the cold water.

Agreed on helping someone out in the water. Can't understand the mindset of ignoring someone in obvious distress. I always try to lend a hand if only to be able to sleep at night. Back when I was a lifeguard I had a few rescues where surfers helped out, no questions asked, and I would have been in a bad way without them.

 

If I do surf alone i prefer to be near a lifeguard, or a hotel so if I do get bit i can get help fast. If I am at a remote spot I go with a friend or two. The best times I have had surfing have been in real good waves with just a couple of buds, so we can hoot each other into set waves, then argue afterwards on who got the best ride. Surfing alone is very zen, and I do it alot, but I like the energy a couple of friends bring to a session. Crowded lineups are an exercise in patience, respect, and tolerance. That is why we all hate it so much. It is very frustrating and taking turns and playing nice are tough on a moving playground with no rules, only guidelines, and always a few would be bullies trying to hog all the fun. Sometimes it is all good to go out and play headgames at the peak. Most of the time it is way more fun and relaxing to surf alone.

 

This reminds me of fishing; you have a peak to yourself, but if you're catching waves, someone will paddle up. It seems when you're getting waves you are attacking, no peeps, make a mistake then others are emboldened to go for your spot. It's kinda like a jungle and everyone is sniffing for weakness. Don't fall down in front of people

 

And don't miss waves that you're going for...especially if I pull back to let someone go and they blow it.

 

Well said.

 

This is a good and true quote. Some of my best ever sessions were with just one buddy. Can you say tube time?

 

Alone is okay but it's so much more fun with my girls. Egging each other on, woo hooing when we got a great ride, just way more fun than alone.

 

california with friends. africa with friends. east coast under 8 foot alone. i think too much when alone. and around dinner time in northern california that can really ruin my session

 

I like to surf alone. Surfing with people only gives you the illusion of safety.

 

i get uncomfortable around big crowds because i usually surf alone. but when there is a stupid riping sideshore current
and crazy winds huge dumping waves because no matter how good you surf **** happens. yall know the days that just are like insanity, i like to see another face but most times i dont. it would be nice to know if i did get jacked up that someone would help me other then a bull shark.