All true stuff but the hypocrisy rides high. I've been surfing for a long time so I've seen a lot. Experienced surfers cut people off all the time, and when they do they flip you off and they act like they did nothing wrong. In essence they did it on purpose. But when a young inexperienced kid goes out there and does it by accident, the experienced surfer turns into a f-ing goon and goes to fight someone over a 3 ft mush- burger. Seen it so many times.
It’s been like that forever. A, “right of passage essentially”, so old guys can keep surfing after putting in 20 years to get good in the first place. Plus, the surfing culture wasn’t made for everyone, and surfers culturally don’t want everyone to surf. It may not be nice, but life isn’t fair. I know there’s a new generation that wants to be all inclusive in all things, but that also impedes progress and humans have recognized this impediment since the beginning of time…these systems are hardwired into our species and unlikely to change because the new arrivals don’t like it. Furthermore, throwing the baby out with the bathwater isn’t always smart. We tend to recognize this more and more with age even though in youth it seems unfair. Like this guy said, we don’t change the rules of driving because new drivers decided they don’t like stop signs or that red lights are offensive. Why? Cause it gets people hurt.
@@mikeuptegrove yea I agree a decent bit of gate keeping is necessary for surfing especially for safety reasons, and yea as a young surfer all the progressive nonsense and inclusiveness is really annoying, I’m so glad I have surfing as a outlet so I don’t get sucked into all the mainstream internet hive mind.
@@ChickenJoe-tq6xd exactly. But we’re seeing more and more of it in the line up and no one corrects it and more people get hurt. Had two friends get stitches just missing their eyes, in one week, because beginners read online that it’s a beginner spot, paddle out saying it’s a beginner spot, and then justify kicking their boards at your head, curse you, “this is a beginner spot”. 🙄 Meanwhile it’s a super fast ledgy lava rock break into 2 foot of water. 🙄🙄
If you have good surfing etiquette and someone breaks an "unwritten rule" let them know. If a kook drops in on you, don't just ignore it and avoid confrontation, telling your buddies how that guy ruined the wave you probably would have ruined yourself. Don't be an asshole, paddle up with a smile and let him know what the right thing to do in that situation is. More of this will go a long way.
Ive done that, but people have their heads up their arse so far that they will fight you knowing well what they did was wrong. The problem isnt just some clueless beginner.
I agree but by the same token I’ve found that the egos of todays newbs and kooks is far more fragile than it used to be. We’re living in strange times.
I started surfing in 1962. At that time mommies and daddies taught their kids something called courtesy. The ones who didn't learn it at home quickly learned it in school from other kids. Also people were a lot more friendly often talking more than riding. I don't remember talking about "rules" - most just knew to be considerate of others in the water. YES today is a lot different but it's not just younger surfers. I get cut off by older surfers just as much if not more! You don't have to treat every wave like it's the last one to ever come by - there will be another. Surfing is supposed to be fun and the water relaxing so if everyone just chills it will be much better!
I just saw a video of Malibu that was from yesterday or the day before. It was unwatchable. No respect for anyone in the water there. Every single wave had somebody dropping in. It was terrible to see.
That is so true but when people repeatedly drop in on good waves, the likelihood of them hurting goes up exponentially. The first year I started surfing I fully had priority on a wave and a mid twenty's douche dropped in on me and his booard that was practically sharpended to a razors edge came withing 2 inches of my stomach moving fast enough to impale me. Dangerous
The population in 1962 was 3.2 billion people. Now it’s almost 8. Not that you are wrong about anything because it is all true. But now there has got to be a lot more people surfing on average on the same size earth and same amount of waves.
@@andrewcanady6644 you are correct sir!...I am 65...started surfing in Jr high......even in the 70's the rules still applied to some extent...even at the Boo.....that ship has sailed ⛵️!....Malibu is a ZOO & WAR ZONE!....you cant even park near by!!... when it's pumping & overhead....it's SEMI DANGEROUS!....boards & bodies flying everywhere ....not fun there anymore when you can possibly get seriously hurt through no fault of your own...but this isn't the world I grew up in general in many ways... especially here in was once our golden state of California....Don't get me started
@@TheUltimateWriterNZ There is a lot of worth to be found in going out in bad conditions. You learn a whole lot about reading a wave. You need to be sharp and reactive with your take off positioning, you have to utilise Cutbacks and Floaters a whole lot more, lots of foamy sections to hit, mad paddle strength and duck dive training. Get out there in a howling wind, and when it turns offshore you’ll be paddling rings around the other Surfers in the line up.
Don’t call your friends when it’s firing Don’t tell your friends about a mysto sandbar until it’s mostly gone. Paddle by yourself or occasionally with maybe one other. Don’t paddle as a group into an already crowded lineup. If you surf consistently, you paddle by yourself. It’s surfing, not socializing Don’t start chit-chat while other party is looking for waves. Be able to read a lineup as well as you can read waves, or go surf by yourself.
Ones okay, two's a crowd, three's a party. Never paddle out with more than just a friend. And if a friend is coming with take the same car to save a spot for the next man.
Line ups in simple terms (point breaks, reefs, and consistent sand banks). One person in the water, you paddle out and wait till he/she goes, then it is your turn. 2 people in the water. You paddle out and wait until they both have a go, then it is your turn. 3 people in the water, you wait until all three people have had a turn, then you go. et cetera, et cetera, et cetera. If you blow your wave, then you go back into line. If you are out of position, because you were watching the dolphins, you lose your turn. If you are tired and paddle outside to rest, then you go back to the end of the line. In simpler terms, do you cut the line to get your oatmilk, double pump latte? Cut in line for your post sesh Acai bowl?
That's all "theory" though but in fact, no body respects shit, specially in spots where waves are not reserved for experts. But isn't that the same in ALL areas of society now? Just walk into a summer full supermarket, no matter in the States, in Europe or Latin America it is just a whole bunch of "zombies" or "robots", literally bumping into each other as there is NO CONSCIOUS AWEARENESS of anyone around them but, like robots programmed to just work, shit, sleep, eat and drink alcohol, that's all hahahaha oh well, that's the Earth and its creatures :)
Only in a modern day surf thread will you find “post sesh Acai bowl” used casually. Only laughing because thats also my own post sesh treat, alongside my rosin glazed full melt dipped caviar blunt on the rocks 😂
Well the best surfer is the one having the most fun so I guess each to their own but it would still be much better for people to universally follow the etiquette
I learned to surf in 1973 and sometimes when you broke the rules, you got smacked. It was an effective teaching tool. The world is a different place now. Young adult novice/novice+ surfers arrive in groups and paddle out en masse at the best sandbars. They know what they want, and they take it. I think they have a basic understanding of the etiquette, but they just don't care, this isn't 1973. The beach has always been my sanctuary, and the current situation is frustrating and saddening. For your own sake, however, I urge you all to keep your cool. A few years ago, I flung a board that made a beeline for some guy's head. If my leash had been a little longer, I might be sitting in prison on manslaughter charges. Now, I just yell "serenity now!" Keep up the positive and good work, Brad.
The clusters of intermediate surfers who want to hang out with their friends are the worst. A large group that wants to hang together will inevitably destroy the rotation. They also tend to be super distracted because they're goofing around and chatting with each other, and not realizing they are right in the path of everyone trying to get the next set. Worst of all, they will party wave on the first wave of the set, and then wipe out one after another, leaving a path of destruction that must be navigated by every surfer on a subsequent wave. Guaranteed they're not even gathering their boards because they're so busy laughing at each other's wipeouts.
100%. This loss of surfing etiquette is due to the new generation being too wussy to uphold the rules through fear and respect.. since that’s the only thing humans pay attention to and remember. By not doing this it seems they have just given up on the rules entirely and therefore we now have a free for all. The wussy generation is real, and you don’t just see the effects of it in surfing alone.
I have been out a few times when some dude is out there that has no business in the lineup and is dangerous . But I just paddled up and said in the coolest way possible that maybe he should move inside with me and I could give him a quick lesson on both surfing and etiquette . Every time they were actually thankful. They were on vacation and really wanted to try surfing so of course they went right to where everybody else was . But somebody experienced should know better . When I travel I sit out on the shoulder and just pick up leftovers the first few days. Eventually I usually get a look when they decide to let something tasty through for me. I mean I get the aggro mindset if you think thats what you need to get waves but I'm not out there for that . I just want to have a good time. I lived through all that in the 80's in SoCal and it defeats the whole point of surfing to me.
I started surfing at Malibu/Rincon breaks in 1964. It was usually crowded if the was any swell and I saw some pretty violent confrontations. Now I'm an old man and go out for a paddle or two during the warm summer months. I live in New Zealand now and its pretty cool. But surfers are pretty much the same everywhere. Selfish and greedy.
No kidding. Now, at Rincon, the newbies on longboards will paddle on the shoulder of your wave, never looking to their left... I just grab their leashes to insure a quick dismount!
Not to mention stupid and entitled. Luckily in NZ there's still plenty of remote spots to be had, even Muriwai can be pumping while all the kooks flock next door
One of the biggest misconceptions about surf etiquette is that the surfer closest to the break has the right of way. In most cases this is true but the oldest and most basic rule is that the first surfer on a wave has the right of way. Go to Steamers Lane in Santa Cruz, it has been posted there for many years at the top of the stairs. You cannot take off behind someone who has already caught a wave and is standing up and expect to have the right of way even if you caught it only seconds after he or she.
Thanks Brad this is much needed. obviously you had to make this video because shits getting out of control these days. Covid Ruined Surfing. Thousands of new surfers learning how to surf during Covid and nobody’s teaching them etiquette 🤙🏻
Excellent video. At my local break, there seems to be a correlation between the number of surfers in the water and the lack of respect for these basic safety rules. More competition = less civility. I get it,.I feel competitive out there too, but damn, safety first people....
well the worst are lb , sup that are racing to catch the wave you have been waiting since you are further, just to steal it in front of you. What i was doing in my old spot litteraly block them paddling perpendicular make them stop and think about what they are doing.
At my local sups, or foils are not welcome. You will be burned and thrown off every wave. The fact is if your not a recognized face the same will happen even on a regular board.
@@G0PN1KB0T Sounds like a bunch of yokels. Those are the guys whose cars get keyed by me on the way out. The sun really does bake the brain into retardation. Seen it in Florida, seen it here in California.
There are basic foundational rules, sure, but ultimately…as others have said, everyone breaks them. Good surfers break the rules knowingly and new surfers often are simply clueless. The busier it gets, the less rules are followed. And you can bet that the best surfers in the line up will take the majority of the waves…there is no courtesy in either direction.
I think a lot of beginners break the rules not because of a lack of knowledge but because of a lack of skill and ability to read waves. Things like knowing whether to eat white water or go for the shoulder when paddling out in order to avoid a surfer take a lot more skill than better surfers realize. Same with paddling for a wave and having the ability to put the breaks on when you realize someone else has priority. Knowing you should never ditch your board, and having the ability to time the waves, duck dive properly, turtle roll etc. without getting taken through the washing machine and have the board ripped out of your hands no matter how hard you try are very different things.
These things have to constantly be re taught..new surf schools constantly popping up never teaching these things ..they teach everyone to line up and all paddle for the same wave, head down scratching towards the beach in the hopes they can get that instagram shot of themselves "surfboarding"
that true, they usualy dont give a damn , sometime a teacher even told me to go away because i was coming too fast too close ( i stopped like at 20 meters from them ) the guy is a pro surfer , what a freaking circus. Hopefully where iam it's much cooler now , crowd = chaos period. When somebody mess up, i ask them do you now the priority and most of the time they dont have a clue about it.
I've actually heard coaches tell their class "Just go - they'll get out of your way". Whenever I hear one actually teaching courtesy, I make a point to complement them too.
Great video! I'm glad you're talking about the exceptions to the rules, because so many videos don't. Also, the intersection of etiquette and localism is super important, like you said. When you see experienced surfer's "breaking the rules", don't assume that there are no rules. Might be revenge for getting burned or backpaddled. Might be that a non-local wasn't showing enough respect. Might be that they know their break so well, they knew a section was un-makeable long before you did. Spend a few months surfing a spot before you assume you know how it works. And, of course, understand there are always a few cocky assholes around, and their bad behavior doesn't give you an excuse to do the same to others.
I was at a very popular beginner spot in SoCal, I’m a total beginner (around 20 sessions). This very experienced surfer shoved his kid onto a wave in front of me and apologized. I said no worries. Then a really nice wave rolled up to my spot and the dude is like “let me take this wave please” and snakes me. I say “okay..” since there was nothing I could do, he could paddle circles around me. So I figure maybe they’re heading to the beach to leave and he just wanted to catch up with his kid. No, here he comes straight back to try to snake me again. Clearly at this point it’s my turn, I catch the next wave, and he shoves his kid straight in front of me again, dropping in a few feet from me on the shoulder! I had to turn immediately into the whitewater to just avoid running him over. My takeaway from this whole interaction is that I need to start being more selfish in taking waves…
#1 is sometimes a difficult judgement call for me (whether its better to head for the inside whitewater or paddle over the shoulder to stay out of the way). Especially in the short, fast beachbreaks of the South Bay... getting better about it though.
The internet has ruined a lot of shit, let's just face it. It has put too much pressure on everything, fishing, hunting, surfing, boating, etc. Oh see that great deal on a house in the middle of nowhere California? Oh yeah, the entire world can see that, so some bum from halfway around the world buys up land that used to be affordable to the locals. A huge elephant in the room that nobody ever seems to speak of. Imagine how many good surf spots have been ruined by IG and youtube.
Three set waves and everyone wants one! Cool heads prevail. But it's all good until it goes bad and it goes bad really quickly! Maybe find a crappy break with five guys out instead of Malibu with 50+? Good clips and info BJ! Keep it up!
even if you tell someone to be aware of their surroundings, it doesnt make them able to do it. It's all about experience. There are so many new things to see and feel when you start surfing that it takes years *if you surf once in a while* to be aware of others things than the wave and your board. The problem is that there are too many new surfers and not enough experienced surfers to compensate for the lack of awareness. Sadly, surfing is the victim of its popularity :( I think its just a fad though, I'm sure itll pass, like skateboarding XD.
It's true, I'd "surfed" every opportunity I got for years, but that added up to about ten or fifteen times out in the water over about ten years. Then I ended up in a place where I could surf about once a week and it wasn't until that point that I actually started to learn and understand the rules. And it took a few months before I got to the point where I could actually actively paddle for a contested wave, watch and see if the guy beside me was gonna make it, and back out in time to not burn him. Casual surfers have a hard time understanding the rules, let alone the reasons for them, but I just give them the benefit of the doubt unless they are consistently doing something stupid. Then they get a little chat 😉
ha! I grew up skateboarding in the late 90s/early 00s and it is so funny thinking back on the kinds of kids I grew up with that skateboarded for a year or two because it was "cool". Ppl that I'm nearly 100% sure haven't touched a skateboard since. Tony Hawk and Rodney Mullen and their video games made everyone into a skateboarder. Tech decks in between classes at school, joking about spraining a finger joint, then skateboarding and PS2 after school. Fun times.
One good thing about surfing in the North of Scotland, you get very few punters in the lineup - everyone has committed physically to the freezing cold and committed financially by purchasing all the necessary wetsuit equipment. California looks absolutely terrible.
This is fine overview of the etiquette, but it mostly ignores the important nuanced cases that frequently arise in practice. The rules mentioned in the video work well when there are 5-20 people on the peak. The reality is that surfing became a very popular activity with tens to hundreds of people on the peak, and we need guidelines that would accommodate that - unless you are saying that some people somehow deserve to surf more than others. By the way, if you have ideas - explain them to newbies! Most people out there just want to have fun and will happily listen to what you have to say, as long as it genuine and useful. Most newbies don't actually want to do the mistakes (shocker) - but it's hard to learn if all you get is the aggression. Here are my recommendations (in addition to the ones talked in the video): - Know your level. Beginner - go to a beginnger's break. Everybody will paddle straight, there would be fun party waves, and the break would likely be an easy one to ride a longboard at. Conversely, and this is even more important, if you are an expert - don't go to the beginner's break - you'll make everyone's life miserable as you glide that longboard across the face of the rolling wave that 20 people could have been on at once. - Know your breaks. Look. Ask around. Which breaks work best for what kind of boards. Don't go to a steep point break with a longboard. - Share the wave if you know you are not going to rip anywhere. Let people know you are ok to party. Have you noticed you rarely mad at your friends when surfing together? That's because you know everyone's skill level so you can predict what's gonna happen if you go on the wave together. - Share advice! Help to match equipment with skill levels and breaks - it will lead to better resource utilization. Have fun out there, and don't be a selfish asshole!
PRAY FOR SHARKS! Surfed a spot in Hawaii that was behind a military rifle range, that and no trespassing signs really kept the crowds down. The SHARKS helped also.
The un written rules are only good for the good surfers. If you are not as good as another surfer or don't paddle as strong or fast you will never be able to catch a wave. Hence you will always be snaked or in front of the better surfer ruining their line. Surfing is a Narcissistic individual sport and the un written rules were created by the better surfers to catch more waves. It's better to just move away from the better surfers to another area or you will be watching them catch waves all day.
Been surfing since I was 14, so 41+ years. Yes, it’s definitely changing. This new crop of extremely selfish even narratives surfers are extremely frustrating. Most days I just bail early. Thankfully as an old Marine, dawn patrol is the best time to surf. This new generation doesn’t like to get up early. LOL! Great vids BTW!
yep, add to that social media, which allows all those extra people to quickly and easily find all the formerly 'secret' and uncrowded spots and its basically hopeless
@@worldwithouttime wait till its regulated/controlled by government.... there is quite large segment of the population here in the US that seem to want every bit of their lives run/controlled by the government, in essence people clamoring to be slaves....
@@xisotopex well at least in theory the govt is supposed to represent the people...in theory. I understand your sentiment but I think it could be equally argued that the 'slaves' are the ones clamoring for more private control--because then it is only the very rich and elite who *get* that control. I can camp on BLM land in my state anywhere and be at peace, but i certainly can't camp behind someone's barbed wire fence. So I think that govt. has its place.
Very good TH-cam Brad . I think it would be a good learning tool for surf schools to use as an introductory before they even go down to the beach for the first lesson .
All the advice seems spot on, but to an inexperienced surfer this makes it out like experienced surfers are mafia dons ready to be deathly angry at the drop of a hat. Let's not also perpetuate a myth that surfers are quick to anger and fight people.
well... from my own experience and from what ive heard thats literally exactly how experienced surfers mostly treat the unexperienced. "No rules for us just rules for them. We can do whatever we want bc we are locals and experienced". Sad but true.
The better surfer gets priority. That is how it works in the water. I mean Im going to backpaddle some newbie if I want. Not every time. Any decent surfer is going to back paddle me.
Back in the day the rules were enforced through violence. We don't live in a world where that's acceptable anymore and now there is very little courtesy
Yea haha nowadays you try that lil shit with me and you’ll end up on the pavement with holes in you buddy. Your life was not worth much anyway if you get worked up to violence over a wave in the ocean.
I would never surf where there are crowds like that, I'll find another hobby, simply isn't worth my time. I'll surf slop waves any day to be away from crowds.
3:46 I don't see how this can happen. At least, I have never seen it. Both surfers will paddle to the peak (best takeoff spot). Since one surfer will already be close to the peak, that surfer will get to there first. I don't see how someone further away will be able to paddle around them.
It's because a lot of the time the person who is closest to the peak is not actually at the peak so if you are right next to him you could paddle out and around him to get closer to the peak and steal the wave. I usually hear it referred to as 'snaking'
Basically you are on a FIBREGLASS MISSILE that is rock hard when it hits you or anybody else. I was dropped in , while I was slotted, by a totally selfish wanker. He and I collided and I was sucked over the falls and dumped on my arm, on my rail, on a sandbank. My arm was broken and the humerus was sticking out through the skin. Dropping in is not only dangerous but CAN BE LETHAL.
At my break there is basically no line up even though it is a long point break. So many of the people there are new surfers and everyone just stands in groups or in a line occasionally getting small waves while the locals are basically surfing the main peak empty. If you assume it’s a line up you will just be waiting forever because people are in line for nothing haha
I took up mountain biking a few years back . It has its advantages over surfing as mostly I am not constantly competing for a downhill segment of trail . At least in my local area . Surfing was once like that back in the good old days . You would think all those beaches would lead to endless waves and o surf but it doesn't work that way . A majority of beaches have little to no rideable surf on Monday at days concentrating better spots with many surfers and many kooks who don't understand the etiquette of surfing . The other problem is it's can be difficult to practice it even for advance surfers . Back pedalers feel they are so good they deserve every wave . They maybe really good reading the ocean . Getting back to mountain biking when you do have a situation and your barreling down a trail and I counter a slower rider you would say rider up . You may say what ride you want to pass . You could do the same . A predictable voice communication that this is your wave and have priority like saying surfer up . If everyone gets that you might have allot less problems
the worst line up spoil is when a barrel is forming in the wave and someone smashes it. paddling in, paddling out, doesn't matter. this vid needs to be shared with all who take the salt bath.
Surf Etiquette went away when all the Content Creators came along. Not the same as when I started surfing in the early 80's There was a pecking order, localism, and etiquette you followed or got your ass kicked and moved along. You didn't show up at a spot with 5 Costco surfboards and paddle out right to the peak. No Clowns on SUP's. As i was growing up it seemed every so many years a new batch of people would try to learn to surf but 1 out of 10 would continue and the rest would quit. Seems now with Social media and the im going to be famous craze a lot of people who should not be in the water are now in the water. I hate when people race you to the shoulder. I don't paddle out as much anymore due to the crowds and me being a grump. I still get my days uncrowded but I seem to lose my temper more and have less patience as i get older. I became the guy i hated when i was kid.
you are correct but there are some other factors such as just far far more people in the water (and everywhere really) leads to a situation that even if things were still just like the good ol days just that alone would change the reality.... I learned to surf at a localized spot in Florida in the early 80's that got more crowded back then than it does now.... As I got older, the more I agreed with how the rules/lessons of localism functioned.... those things broke down just due to the sheer weight of increased population and popularity of surfing....
@@xisotopex Yeah the interest in Surfing is great for the industry in whole. I don't blame people it is the best sport hobby excursive there is. Just as I get older the less patience I have. I am generally friendly with everyone until someone completely blows it. Were I live in California it is really bad. worse than ever in my life. I have surfed so long I can sit out for a while and let others enjoy. Yes the old Localism deal played a vital roll in crowd control in the 70's. 80's and most of the 90's. The thing now in my area it is trendy to be a surfer. only about 20% seem to be true die-hard surfers the rest to be cool and part of the California beach lifestyle. Its funny to see 80-150K cars show up with 5 Costco Soft tops and a bunch of tech looking geeks get out. They do provide Entertainment watching them get ruined in the line up getting pitched over the falls or blasted because they cant duck dive.
Sounds like entitlement to me. Reality check, you don’t own the ocean or the beach just cause you live nearby. Those waves aren’t yours, there’s no higher power giving you rights to be first or any of that shit. Localism has to be the biggest load of bs ever.
There are unwritten rules/laws in regards to various life topics that should be KNOWN & PRACTICED (put forth effort) …. Whether it be surfing, driving, or as small as going through a doorway space with traffic involved -what do you do ? Un-Written Rule- men hold door for women children or elders, those which the door was held for should (unwritten) offer a thanks or offer of gratitude in some form or fashion ! Just a few examples outside just surfing for Un-Written dukes in your/our daily lives!
The real problem is the 'rules'. It favours only the young, fit or highly experienced surfer. They'll take all waves available and if that doesn't work they'll resort first to repetitive snaking and then dropping in. Fuck em I say just go for it (as long as it's not dangerous).
What if you've been sat in the lineup with the same loggers paddling past you and way out back and just catching everything so early, all you can do is go and get a bigger log and go even further out?. Some longboarders need to take 5 sometimes an let others take a few, else that 9,6 might become a 5,3
I'm such an idiot. I'm always moving away from the crowds and giving turns and losing all the waves...I always end up in the rip. But I get so stressed and aggressive. It's surf schools overcrowding the only place where waves are breaking, when most of the "students" can't even paddle; if I decide to go anyway thinking "well they can't surf, so I'll be fine", suddenly a surf instructor drops in on his own students and comes in your direction when you least expected, then the "students" start shooting on the same wave on every direction aimlessly; but suddenly a kid does surf and starts coming in your direction at all speed...then SUPs, longboarders, tourists and freelance learners warming up to join the circus, they stay right in front of you and paddle for every wave...it's a disrespectful circus. I blame a lot surf schools and the surf industry for this. It's hypocrisy to talk about rules, old school, the real surfing etc, while at the same time selling the soul of the sport as a circus, a joke. But society lost all consideration for others. Not just in the water.
I was all by my happy self one summer morning recently...waves were far from "good"...maybe thigh high but clean, so I was getting some smiles on the longboard, especially since waves had been so rare(and still are in flat Florida). No one near me for hundreds of feet on either side, another rarity. I see a couple little kids and their dad walk over the dunes with boards, and I keep looking to see where they're going to go, and yep...they wax up right in front of where I'm sitting in the water and paddle out...DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF ME! I'm livid. I'm shaking with frustration and bewilderment. The father is my age so i assume he understands some level of etiquette, but because the kids were really small I held back saying anything, because I wanted to scream at all the father.."Why right here??!! There's so much space all around me!!" I didn't want to freak out the kids, so..I gave my best stink eye towards the father(I don't think he noticed or even cared), and I paddled in and went home..absolutely pissed off! Surfing has been getting more difficult..so many people want the "lifestyle". But, so many people simply don't give any shits about others and how they affect them. I've found myself less happy when I surf in the past few years...too much hassle going on..stress to actually get a decent wave, then deal with the humans...
Man, as much as I hate trying to paddle out through a beach break, at least we don't have to deal with all that crazy shit at the peak. Just pick an empty bit and wait for your wave!
Back in my day, I used to surf with brass knuckles. Anytime I'd get snaked, I'd swim over, give the other surfer the knuckles, and let them beat my face and board to a pulp. It taught me a lot about respect since I was adopted and courtesy wasn't invented until 2019. Now, I'm top of my class in the Idaho surf school, graduating with honors. Remember kids, if you want to surf at my beach, you are always welcome if you have the $25 entry fee!
as a 24 yr old, sponging/kooking on the east coast for that whole time, where i’m from it’s a good blend, mostly surfers but everyone’s chill for the most part, nothing this summer 😂
Thanks for a well intentioned video. I wonder how many of the culprits will actually watch this video. They will be tuned into the latest Brazilian air game instructional video.
I really appreciate surfing in indo now, it can be crowded yes but after seeing this video I feel like over here people at least are nice and have a good time in the water. Over there it looks so intense
Surfing became its own sold out demise. Went too corporate and every other car commercial features surfboards strapped to a roof. It opened its own doors to the masses and everyone piled in. Now it wants out! Too late. It’s over 😂
It was a different world when I started surfing way back in 1978. Although, not quite as crowded as today, there was more respect and etiquette and you payed your dues earning your spot in the lineup. Localism was worse back then and it was rare for someone to deliberately burn you on a wave If it did happen, the other surfer would kick out and you would continue enjoying your wave. . Drop ins nowadays are so commonplace, It's no wonder, I don't surf nearly as much as used to.
Native. Been surfing from K58s to the Lane since the 80s. Worst localism i've seen was in Palos Verdes, made the HB Pier feel like a casual Sunday at Bolsa Chica. I'm just here to say the localism, lack of respect and breech of conduct has grown by a factor of 10x every decade. When we rolled up to a new spot, we actually watched from the beach for a bit, to see where the peak was, and what the pecking order was. We paddled out and knew right away who owned the spot and respected them with NO expectations of getting a good set wave. It's how it should be. It's how they still do it in Hawaii's best spots. People know this. Even if you're a bingo Mom with a mini-van, if you went to the same park and had a picnic every single Sunday at the same exact spot every single time for years and some new family rolled up one Sunday and took your spot, at a free, public park and was blaring their music and acting like they owned it, you too would be pissed. This is no different.
Excellent video. Not sure that the right audience is watching/listening. Nevertheless a very basic tutorial on how-to behave in the water. Old surfer here (50+) who has seen the good, the bad, and the ugly in the lineup. This is all about respect. Respect for the sport, respect for others in the water (surfers or not), and the surfing culture. Some knuckleheads will continue to learn the hard way... Mahalo!
The worst is when it's a weak day with few good waves and everyone's out. Aggression seems to ramp up, I find myself leaving. Ain't worth it for not much fun.
Nah. Paddle directly to the peak. Be a better paddler and more fit than anyone else. It’s a competition. Don’t drop in on people. Our position and out paddle them.
more people need to take this to heart. you are exactly correct.... and what does it take to become those things? time and dedication.... not a 8" thick floating sidewalk.
been thinking about getting into surfing at some point. Living in Connecticut makes it hard. If I do ever take up surfing, now I know that I won't be just going out trying to get waves. I'll be joining a community of people trying to get waves. So I'll be happy just paddling out to the end of the lineup and just watching/ talking with experienced surfers about how it's done. Glad I ran across this to understand how to not be as much of an asshole/ aloof idiot as I might have been if I went in thinking it was just me and the ocean. As with many hobbies, it's about community first and foremost, and the hobby itself is secondary. If you don't understand that, then take up woodworking or some shit where your bad attitude won't rub off on others.
![เป็นไปได้ไหม - WanMai [Performance Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Eh5hItD4Mr0/mqdefault.jpg)
All true stuff but the hypocrisy rides high. I've been surfing for a long time so I've seen a lot. Experienced surfers cut people off all the time, and when they do they flip you off and they act like they did nothing wrong. In essence they did it on purpose. But when a young inexperienced kid goes out there and does it by accident, the experienced surfer turns into a f-ing goon and goes to fight someone over a 3 ft mush- burger. Seen it so many times.
Too much ego
It’s been like that forever. A, “right of passage essentially”, so old guys can keep surfing after putting in 20 years to get good in the first place. Plus, the surfing culture wasn’t made for everyone, and surfers culturally don’t want everyone to surf. It may not be nice, but life isn’t fair. I know there’s a new generation that wants to be all inclusive in all things, but that also impedes progress and humans have recognized this impediment since the beginning of time…these systems are hardwired into our species and unlikely to change because the new arrivals don’t like it. Furthermore, throwing the baby out with the bathwater isn’t always smart. We tend to recognize this more and more with age even though in youth it seems unfair. Like this guy said, we don’t change the rules of driving because new drivers decided they don’t like stop signs or that red lights are offensive. Why? Cause it gets people hurt.
@@mikeuptegrove yea I agree a decent bit of gate keeping is necessary for surfing especially for safety reasons, and yea as a young surfer all the progressive nonsense and inclusiveness is really annoying, I’m so glad I have surfing as a outlet so I don’t get sucked into all the mainstream internet hive mind.
@@ChickenJoe-tq6xd exactly. But we’re seeing more and more of it in the line up and no one corrects it and more people get hurt. Had two friends get stitches just missing their eyes, in one week, because beginners read online that it’s a beginner spot, paddle out saying it’s a beginner spot, and then justify kicking their boards at your head, curse you, “this is a beginner spot”. 🙄 Meanwhile it’s a super fast ledgy lava rock break into 2 foot of water. 🙄🙄
@@mikeuptegrove yep down here in florida we have a bunch of Ben gravy pineapple board kooks that can’t control where they are going
If you have good surfing etiquette and someone breaks an "unwritten rule" let them know. If a kook drops in on you, don't just ignore it and avoid confrontation, telling your buddies how that guy ruined the wave you probably would have ruined yourself. Don't be an asshole, paddle up with a smile and let him know what the right thing to do in that situation is. More of this will go a long way.
100% just talk to people.
Well said.
@@gatheringforgood
Ive done that, but people have their heads up their arse so far that they will fight you knowing well what they did was wrong. The problem isnt just some clueless beginner.
I agree but by the same token I’ve found that the egos of todays newbs and kooks is far more fragile than it used to be. We’re living in strange times.
I started surfing in 1962. At that time mommies and daddies taught their kids something called courtesy. The ones who didn't learn it at home quickly learned it in school from other kids. Also people were a lot more friendly often talking more than riding. I don't remember talking about "rules" - most just knew to be considerate of others in the water. YES today is a lot different but it's not just younger surfers. I get cut off by older surfers just as much if not more! You don't have to treat every wave like it's the last one to ever come by - there will be another. Surfing is supposed to be fun and the water relaxing so if everyone just chills it will be much better!
I just saw a video of Malibu that was from yesterday or the day before. It was unwatchable. No respect for anyone in the water there. Every single wave had somebody dropping in. It was terrible to see.
That is so true but when people repeatedly drop in on good waves, the likelihood of them hurting goes up exponentially. The first year I started surfing I fully had priority on a wave and a mid twenty's douche dropped in on me and his booard that was practically sharpended to a razors edge came withing 2 inches of my stomach moving fast enough to impale me. Dangerous
@@deacongolderer5889 if you had just started surfing your first mistake was paddling out around other people.
The population in 1962 was 3.2 billion people. Now it’s almost 8. Not that you are wrong about anything because it is all true. But now there has got to be a lot more people surfing on average on the same size earth and same amount of waves.
@@andrewcanady6644 you are correct sir!...I am 65...started surfing in Jr high......even in the 70's the rules still applied to some extent...even at the Boo.....that ship has sailed ⛵️!....Malibu is a ZOO & WAR ZONE!....you cant even park near by!!... when it's pumping & overhead....it's SEMI DANGEROUS!....boards & bodies flying everywhere ....not fun there anymore when you can possibly get seriously hurt through no fault of your own...but this isn't the world I grew up in general in many ways... especially here in was once our golden state of California....Don't get me started
This is one of the reasons i go out in bad wave conditions, they might be shitty waves but you get them almost all to yourself.
Sounds terrible. 100% of trash waves is worthless
Same here. And because I expect nothing of that session it always surprises me in a positive way 🤙
I’m like you. I like victory at sea conditions. All rough and stormy. It’s invigorating and gives a big testosterone explosion in the bloodstream.
@@andrewcanady6644 Absolutely. Wild sections to get past, mad lumps to traverse. Random waves breaking unexpectedly on your head. Chasing the storm
@@TheUltimateWriterNZ There is a lot of worth to be found in going out in bad conditions. You learn a whole lot about reading a wave. You need to be sharp and reactive with your take off positioning, you have to utilise Cutbacks and Floaters a whole lot more, lots of foamy sections to hit, mad paddle strength and duck dive training. Get out there in a howling wind, and when it turns offshore you’ll be paddling rings around the other Surfers in the line up.
Don’t call your friends when it’s firing
Don’t tell your friends about a mysto sandbar until it’s mostly gone.
Paddle by yourself or occasionally with maybe one other.
Don’t paddle as a group into an already crowded lineup.
If you surf consistently, you paddle by yourself.
It’s surfing, not socializing
Don’t start chit-chat while other party is looking for waves.
Be able to read a lineup as well as you can read waves, or go surf by yourself.
Ones okay, two's a crowd, three's a party. Never paddle out with more than just a friend. And if a friend is coming with take the same car to save a spot for the next man.
You must hate your friends
Line ups in simple terms (point breaks, reefs, and consistent sand banks). One person in the water, you paddle out and wait till he/she goes, then it is your turn. 2 people in the water. You paddle out and wait until they both have a go, then it is your turn. 3 people in the water, you wait until all three people have had a turn, then you go. et cetera, et cetera, et cetera. If you blow your wave, then you go back into line. If you are out of position, because you were watching the dolphins, you lose your turn. If you are tired and paddle outside to rest, then you go back to the end of the line. In simpler terms, do you cut the line to get your oatmilk, double pump latte? Cut in line for your post sesh Acai bowl?
That's all "theory" though but in fact, no body respects shit, specially in spots where waves are not reserved for experts. But isn't that the same in ALL areas of society now? Just walk into a summer full supermarket, no matter in the States, in Europe or Latin America it is just a whole bunch of "zombies" or "robots", literally bumping into each other as there is NO CONSCIOUS AWEARENESS of anyone around them but, like robots programmed to just work, shit, sleep, eat and drink alcohol, that's all hahahaha oh well, that's the Earth and its creatures :)
Accurate
Maybe at a point break but I’m dropping in if I’m in a better area then they are if they are too deep or inside too much
Only in a modern day surf thread will you find “post sesh Acai bowl” used casually. Only laughing because thats also my own post sesh treat, alongside my rosin glazed full melt dipped caviar blunt on the rocks 😂
@@ChickenJoe-tq6xd I don’t even consider that dropping in if someone was never in position to effectively catch the wave
Well the best surfer is the one having the most fun so I guess each to their own but it would still be much better for people to universally follow the etiquette
Great video! This is why I avoid summer surfing almost entirely and hit dawn patrol and more obscure spots when I do.
I learned to surf in 1973 and sometimes when you broke the rules, you got smacked. It was an effective teaching tool. The world is a different place now. Young adult novice/novice+ surfers arrive in groups and paddle out en masse at the best sandbars. They know what they want, and they take it. I think they have a basic understanding of the etiquette, but they just don't care, this isn't 1973. The beach has always been my sanctuary, and the current situation is frustrating and saddening. For your own sake, however, I urge you all to keep your cool. A few years ago, I flung a board that made a beeline for some guy's head. If my leash had been a little longer, I might be sitting in prison on manslaughter charges. Now, I just yell "serenity now!" Keep up the positive and good work, Brad.
serenity now, insanity later..
The clusters of intermediate surfers who want to hang out with their friends are the worst. A large group that wants to hang together will inevitably destroy the rotation. They also tend to be super distracted because they're goofing around and chatting with each other, and not realizing they are right in the path of everyone trying to get the next set. Worst of all, they will party wave on the first wave of the set, and then wipe out one after another, leaving a path of destruction that must be navigated by every surfer on a subsequent wave. Guaranteed they're not even gathering their boards because they're so busy laughing at each other's wipeouts.
@@brendo9103 HOOCHIE MAMA!
@@teahorseguitarstraps1856 they sound like goofballs to me. Dumb aces.
100%. This loss of surfing etiquette is due to the new generation being too wussy to uphold the rules through fear and respect.. since that’s the only thing humans pay attention to and remember. By not doing this it seems they have just given up on the rules entirely and therefore we now have a free for all. The wussy generation is real, and you don’t just see the effects of it in surfing alone.
YES EVERYONE NEEDS TO WATCH THIS.
Great video man!
I have been out a few times when some dude is out there that has no business in the lineup and is dangerous . But I just paddled up and said in the coolest way possible that maybe he should move inside with me and I could give him a quick lesson on both surfing and etiquette . Every time they were actually thankful. They were on vacation and really wanted to try surfing so of course they went right to where everybody else was . But somebody experienced should know better . When I travel I sit out on the shoulder and just pick up leftovers the first few days. Eventually I usually get a look when they decide to let something tasty through for me. I mean I get the aggro mindset if you think thats what you need to get waves but I'm not out there for that . I just want to have a good time. I lived through all that in the 80's in SoCal and it defeats the whole point of surfing to me.
I started surfing at Malibu/Rincon breaks in 1964. It was usually crowded if the was any swell and I saw some pretty violent confrontations. Now I'm an old man and go out for a paddle or two during the warm summer months. I live in New Zealand now and its pretty cool. But surfers are pretty much the same everywhere. Selfish and greedy.
No kidding. Now, at Rincon, the newbies on longboards will paddle on the shoulder of your wave, never looking to their left... I just grab their leashes to insure a quick dismount!
Seen afew red cards at Raglan over the years...' out mate '.
@@koro287 Localism is alive and well here in rural Taranaki ("Taradise") New Zealand.
Not to mention stupid and entitled. Luckily in NZ there's still plenty of remote spots to be had, even Muriwai can be pumping while all the kooks flock next door
One of the biggest misconceptions about surf etiquette is that the surfer closest to the break has the right of way. In most cases this is true but the oldest and most basic rule is that the first surfer on a wave has the right of way. Go to Steamers Lane in Santa Cruz, it has been posted there for many years at the top of the stairs. You cannot take off behind someone who has already caught a wave and is standing up and expect to have the right of way even if you caught it only seconds after he or she.
Dude so true. I never see anyone say this on any of these abrasive surf etiquette videos.
Thanks Brad this is much needed. obviously you had to make this video because shits getting out of control these days. Covid Ruined Surfing. Thousands of new surfers learning how to surf during Covid and nobody’s teaching them etiquette 🤙🏻
Excellent video. At my local break, there seems to be a correlation between the number of surfers in the water and the lack of respect for these basic safety rules. More competition = less civility. I get it,.I feel competitive out there too, but damn, safety first people....
You forgot the SUP folks that grab every wave because they are the furthest out.
Toss in the skim boarders who cant spell priority.
well the worst are lb , sup that are racing to catch the wave you have been waiting since you are further, just to steal it in front of you. What i was doing in my old spot litteraly block them paddling perpendicular make them stop and think about what they are doing.
At my local sups, or foils are not welcome. You will be burned and thrown off every wave. The fact is if your not a recognized face the same will happen even on a regular board.
@@G0PN1KB0T Sounds like a bunch of yokels. Those are the guys whose cars get keyed by me on the way out. The sun really does bake the brain into retardation. Seen it in Florida, seen it here in California.
Or the kayaker! 🤦♀️🤦♀️😡😡
There are basic foundational rules, sure, but ultimately…as others have said, everyone breaks them. Good surfers break the rules knowingly and new surfers often are simply clueless.
The busier it gets, the less rules are followed. And you can bet that the best surfers in the line up will take the majority of the waves…there is no courtesy in either direction.
I think a lot of beginners break the rules not because of a lack of knowledge but because of a lack of skill and ability to read waves. Things like knowing whether to eat white water or go for the shoulder when paddling out in order to avoid a surfer take a lot more skill than better surfers realize. Same with paddling for a wave and having the ability to put the breaks on when you realize someone else has priority. Knowing you should never ditch your board, and having the ability to time the waves, duck dive properly, turtle roll etc. without getting taken through the washing machine and have the board ripped out of your hands no matter how hard you try are very different things.
POV your a grom and get away w anything lol
These things have to constantly be re taught..new surf schools constantly popping up never teaching these things ..they teach everyone to line up and all paddle for the same wave, head down scratching towards the beach in the hopes they can get that instagram shot of themselves "surfboarding"
that true, they usualy dont give a damn , sometime a teacher even told me to go away because i was coming too fast too close ( i stopped like at 20 meters from them ) the guy is a pro surfer , what a freaking circus. Hopefully where iam it's much cooler now , crowd = chaos period.
When somebody mess up, i ask them do you now the priority and most of the time they dont have a clue about it.
Exactly!
I've actually heard coaches tell their class "Just go - they'll get out of your way". Whenever I hear one actually teaching courtesy, I make a point to complement them too.
Yea its a nitemare..surf schools really should take responsibility and make sure their "students" are safe and dont get in dangers way
indeed!
Great video! I'm glad you're talking about the exceptions to the rules, because so many videos don't. Also, the intersection of etiquette and localism is super important, like you said. When you see experienced surfer's "breaking the rules", don't assume that there are no rules. Might be revenge for getting burned or backpaddled. Might be that a non-local wasn't showing enough respect. Might be that they know their break so well, they knew a section was un-makeable long before you did. Spend a few months surfing a spot before you assume you know how it works. And, of course, understand there are always a few cocky assholes around, and their bad behavior doesn't give you an excuse to do the same to others.
Remember to let pros break all aforementioned rules. Thank you!!!
What a great summary of surfing etiquette! And with very good supporting video material!
I was at a very popular beginner spot in SoCal, I’m a total beginner (around 20 sessions). This very experienced surfer shoved his kid onto a wave in front of me and apologized. I said no worries. Then a really nice wave rolled up to my spot and the dude is like “let me take this wave please” and snakes me. I say “okay..” since there was nothing I could do, he could paddle circles around me. So I figure maybe they’re heading to the beach to leave and he just wanted to catch up with his kid. No, here he comes straight back to try to snake me again. Clearly at this point it’s my turn, I catch the next wave, and he shoves his kid straight in front of me again, dropping in a few feet from me on the shoulder! I had to turn immediately into the whitewater to just avoid running him over. My takeaway from this whole interaction is that I need to start being more selfish in taking waves…
#1 is sometimes a difficult judgement call for me (whether its better to head for the inside whitewater or paddle over the shoulder to stay out of the way). Especially in the short, fast beachbreaks of the South Bay... getting better about it though.
The point though is that you're conscious of the decision. That's good.
The internet has ruined a lot of shit, let's just face it. It has put too much pressure on everything, fishing, hunting, surfing, boating, etc. Oh see that great deal on a house in the middle of nowhere California? Oh yeah, the entire world can see that, so some bum from halfway around the world buys up land that used to be affordable to the locals. A huge elephant in the room that nobody ever seems to speak of. Imagine how many good surf spots have been ruined by IG and youtube.
Three set waves and everyone wants one! Cool heads prevail. But it's all good until it goes bad and it goes bad really quickly! Maybe find a crappy break with five guys out instead of Malibu with 50+? Good clips and info BJ! Keep it up!
At my local break, I had a mock fight in the water with one of my mates - the non-locals then steered well clear.
If you yell “party wave” as you drop in on someone it’s not considered a snake
LOL...this....
even if you tell someone to be aware of their surroundings, it doesnt make them able to do it. It's all about experience. There are so many new things to see and feel when you start surfing that it takes years *if you surf once in a while* to be aware of others things than the wave and your board. The problem is that there are too many new surfers and not enough experienced surfers to compensate for the lack of awareness. Sadly, surfing is the victim of its popularity :( I think its just a fad though, I'm sure itll pass, like skateboarding XD.
It's true, I'd "surfed" every opportunity I got for years, but that added up to about ten or fifteen times out in the water over about ten years. Then I ended up in a place where I could surf about once a week and it wasn't until that point that I actually started to learn and understand the rules. And it took a few months before I got to the point where I could actually actively paddle for a contested wave, watch and see if the guy beside me was gonna make it, and back out in time to not burn him. Casual surfers have a hard time understanding the rules, let alone the reasons for them, but I just give them the benefit of the doubt unless they are consistently doing something stupid. Then they get a little chat 😉
ha! I grew up skateboarding in the late 90s/early 00s and it is so funny thinking back on the kinds of kids I grew up with that skateboarded for a year or two because it was "cool". Ppl that I'm nearly 100% sure haven't touched a skateboard since. Tony Hawk and Rodney Mullen and their video games made everyone into a skateboarder. Tech decks in between classes at school, joking about spraining a finger joint, then skateboarding and PS2 after school. Fun times.
Such a great put together!!!
Love it...🌴🤙❤️
One good thing about surfing in the North of Scotland, you get very few punters in the lineup - everyone has committed physically to the freezing cold and committed financially by purchasing all the necessary wetsuit equipment. California looks absolutely terrible.
where are you located?
I hate crowds and dont mind cold water and air....
This is fine overview of the etiquette, but it mostly ignores the important nuanced cases that frequently arise in practice.
The rules mentioned in the video work well when there are 5-20 people on the peak. The reality is that surfing became a very popular activity with tens to hundreds of people on the peak, and we need guidelines that would accommodate that - unless you are saying that some people somehow deserve to surf more than others.
By the way, if you have ideas - explain them to newbies! Most people out there just want to have fun and will happily listen to what you have to say, as long as it genuine and useful. Most newbies don't actually want to do the mistakes (shocker) - but it's hard to learn if all you get is the aggression.
Here are my recommendations (in addition to the ones talked in the video):
- Know your level. Beginner - go to a beginnger's break. Everybody will paddle straight, there would be fun party waves, and the break would likely be an easy one to ride a longboard at. Conversely, and this is even more important, if you are an expert - don't go to the beginner's break - you'll make everyone's life miserable as you glide that longboard across the face of the rolling wave that 20 people could have been on at once.
- Know your breaks. Look. Ask around. Which breaks work best for what kind of boards. Don't go to a steep point break with a longboard.
- Share the wave if you know you are not going to rip anywhere. Let people know you are ok to party. Have you noticed you rarely mad at your friends when surfing together? That's because you know everyone's skill level so you can predict what's gonna happen if you go on the wave together.
- Share advice! Help to match equipment with skill levels and breaks - it will lead to better resource utilization.
Have fun out there, and don't be a selfish asshole!
Sick vid Brad, let's make this go viral
It is a sad state of affairs these days and sssoooooooooo glad someone has brought up into conversations.
PRAY FOR SHARKS!
Surfed a spot in Hawaii that was behind a military rifle range, that and no trespassing signs really kept the crowds down. The SHARKS helped also.
The un written rules are only good for the good surfers. If you are not as good as another surfer or don't paddle as strong or fast you will never be able to catch a wave. Hence you will always be snaked or in front of the better surfer ruining their line. Surfing is a Narcissistic individual sport and the un written rules were created by the better surfers to catch more waves. It's better to just move away from the better surfers to another area or you will be watching them catch waves all day.
Been surfing since I was 14, so 41+ years. Yes, it’s definitely changing. This new crop of extremely selfish even narratives surfers are extremely frustrating. Most days I just bail early. Thankfully as an old Marine, dawn patrol is the best time to surf. This new generation doesn’t like to get up early. LOL! Great vids BTW!
Good and simple vid on surf rules. When I started off there were no good vids on youtube on this - lets hope people watch this!
When I surfed I would hardly even look at a wave if someone was already up and riding. I quit right around 2003 and have only seen it getting worse.
Bravo, it contains it all. Many thanks to bring awareness!
This video is great All new surfers really need is a big bro out there to show them the ropes. It's a lot funnier when people aren't pissed at you
The earth is just getting a bit too crowded. There's only so many places for the popular outdoor activities and they're getting busier and busier...
@@flknstky even the poorest trustafarian can live very simply on their parents investment skills for quite a long time.
yep, add to that social media, which allows all those extra people to quickly and easily find all the formerly 'secret' and uncrowded spots and its basically hopeless
@@worldwithouttime wait till its regulated/controlled by government.... there is quite large segment of the population here in the US that seem to want every bit of their lives run/controlled by the government, in essence people clamoring to be slaves....
@@xisotopex well at least in theory the govt is supposed to represent the people...in theory. I understand your sentiment but I think it could be equally argued that the 'slaves' are the ones clamoring for more private control--because then it is only the very rich and elite who *get* that control. I can camp on BLM land in my state anywhere and be at peace, but i certainly can't camp behind someone's barbed wire fence. So I think that govt. has its place.
Very good TH-cam Brad .
I think it would be a good learning tool
for surf schools to use as an introductory before they even go down to the beach for the first lesson .
Thank you ! very useful to new surf seekers
All the advice seems spot on, but to an inexperienced surfer this makes it out like experienced surfers are mafia dons ready to be deathly angry at the drop of a hat. Let's not also perpetuate a myth that surfers are quick to anger and fight people.
well... from my own experience and from what ive heard thats literally exactly how experienced surfers mostly treat the unexperienced. "No rules for us just rules for them. We can do whatever we want bc we are locals and experienced". Sad but true.
would like to see your interpretation when surfers as meet with bodysurfers and what rules need to be followed by both parties
Surfing is not the changing the people are. They surf like they drive, no regard for other human beings.
I was on the north shore in 99 and paddled out while the boys were out. Wolfpack regulated the lineup and I got beat up. Leash cut. Board broken.
You covered everything. Well done.
Surf in Huntington Beach and it’s just a back paddling competition
The better surfer gets priority. That is how it works in the water. I mean Im going to backpaddle some newbie if I want. Not every time. Any decent surfer is going to back paddle me.
“Locals only” is problematic for being racist, bigoted, anti-immigration, and transphobic.
4:22 that's gotta be one of my favorite surf clips ever
“In the water it’s about safety and respect” right on 🤙
This is the most important and best video yet
Back in the day the rules were enforced through violence. We don't live in a world where that's acceptable anymore and now there is very little courtesy
im ok with it..
Whether it's acceptable or not, it still goes on in a few breaks in my city. Now I just flat water paddleboard.
Yeah, that's good lmao. If you're going to beat the shit out of someone over surfing, then you're the problem with the culture.
Yea haha nowadays you try that lil shit with me and you’ll end up on the pavement with holes in you buddy. Your life was not worth much anyway if you get worked up to violence over a wave in the ocean.
I would never surf where there are crowds like that, I'll find another hobby, simply isn't worth my time. I'll surf slop waves any day to be away from crowds.
Nice job Brad. You picked an awesome spot for B-roll re: lack of etiquette (El Poor Toe) :)
3:46 I don't see how this can happen. At least, I have never seen it. Both surfers will paddle to the peak (best takeoff spot). Since one surfer will already be close to the peak, that surfer will get to there first. I don't see how someone further away will be able to paddle around them.
It's because a lot of the time the person who is closest to the peak is not actually at the peak so if you are right next to him you could paddle out and around him to get closer to the peak and steal the wave. I usually hear it referred to as 'snaking'
Basically you are on a FIBREGLASS MISSILE that is rock hard when it hits you or anybody else.
I was dropped in , while I was slotted, by a totally selfish wanker.
He and I collided and I was sucked over the falls and dumped on my arm, on my rail, on a sandbank.
My arm was broken and the humerus was sticking out through the skin.
Dropping in is not only dangerous but CAN BE LETHAL.
I think wave pools are starting to be a good role model for a normal ocean lineup
>video about nobody respecting etiquette
>it’s all footage of SoCal
Imagine my shock
At my break there is basically no line up even though it is a long point break. So many of the people there are new surfers and everyone just stands in groups or in a line occasionally getting small waves while the locals are basically surfing the main peak empty. If you assume it’s a line up you will just be waiting forever because people are in line for nothing haha
so funny sometimes there are heaps of missed waves going unridden even if the huge group is right on it haha
@@mrbell542 for real 😂 people just like waiting in lines I guess
I took up mountain biking a few years back . It has its advantages over surfing as mostly I am not constantly competing for a downhill segment of trail . At least in my local area . Surfing was once like that back in the good old days . You would think all those beaches would lead to endless waves and o surf but it doesn't work that way . A majority of beaches have little to no rideable surf on Monday at days concentrating better spots with many surfers and many kooks who don't understand the etiquette of surfing . The other problem is it's can be difficult to practice it even for advance surfers . Back pedalers feel they are so good they deserve every wave . They maybe really good reading the ocean . Getting back to mountain biking when you do have a situation and your barreling down a trail and I counter a slower rider you would say rider up . You may say what ride you want to pass . You could do the same . A predictable voice communication that this is your wave and have priority like saying surfer up . If everyone gets that you might have allot less problems
the worst line up spoil is when a barrel is forming in the wave and someone smashes it. paddling in, paddling out, doesn't matter. this vid needs to be shared with all who take the salt bath.
Still going in da 808.. local kine tingz
Oh yeah, I heard Zeke Lau got a beat down at Kewalos or at Bowls
I think I need to move to Hawaii. It seems to be the only place around that lives by values that I think are important.... what do you think?
Surf Etiquette went away when all the Content Creators came along. Not the same as when I started surfing in the early 80's There was a pecking order, localism, and etiquette you followed or got your ass kicked and moved along. You didn't show up at a spot with 5 Costco surfboards and paddle out right to the peak. No Clowns on SUP's. As i was growing up it seemed every so many years a new batch of people would try to learn to surf but 1 out of 10 would continue and the rest would quit. Seems now with Social media and the im going to be famous craze a lot of people who should not be in the water are now in the water. I hate when people race you to the shoulder. I don't paddle out as much anymore due to the crowds and me being a grump. I still get my days uncrowded but I seem to lose my temper more and have less patience as i get older. I became the guy i hated when i was kid.
you are correct but there are some other factors such as just far far more people in the water (and everywhere really) leads to a situation that even if things were still just like the good ol days just that alone would change the reality....
I learned to surf at a localized spot in Florida in the early 80's that got more crowded back then than it does now.... As I got older, the more I agreed with how the rules/lessons of localism functioned....
those things broke down just due to the sheer weight of increased population and popularity of surfing....
@@xisotopex Yeah the interest in Surfing is great for the industry in whole. I don't blame people it is the best sport hobby excursive there is. Just as I get older the less patience I have. I am generally friendly with everyone until someone completely blows it. Were I live in California it is really bad. worse than ever in my life. I have surfed so long I can sit out for a while and let others enjoy. Yes the old Localism deal played a vital roll in crowd control in the 70's. 80's and most of the 90's. The thing now in my area it is trendy to be a surfer. only about 20% seem to be true die-hard surfers the rest to be cool and part of the California beach lifestyle. Its funny to see 80-150K cars show up with 5 Costco Soft tops and a bunch of tech looking geeks get out. They do provide Entertainment watching them get ruined in the line up getting pitched over the falls or blasted because they cant duck dive.
@@jgmopar Gerry Lopez soft tops too....sell out.
@@koro287 I didn't even know there was a Gerry Lopez soft top. LOL. Gerry sold out a long time ago
Sounds like entitlement to me. Reality check, you don’t own the ocean or the beach just cause you live nearby. Those waves aren’t yours, there’s no higher power giving you rights to be first or any of that shit. Localism has to be the biggest load of bs ever.
That’s slaps out here in Hawaii
There are unwritten rules/laws in regards to various life topics that should be KNOWN & PRACTICED (put forth effort) …. Whether it be surfing, driving, or as small as going through a doorway space with traffic involved -what do you do ?
Un-Written Rule- men hold door for women children or elders, those which the door was held for should (unwritten) offer a thanks or offer of gratitude in some form or fashion ! Just a few examples outside just surfing for Un-Written dukes in your/our daily lives!
The real problem is the 'rules'. It favours only the young, fit or highly experienced surfer. They'll take all waves available and if that doesn't work they'll resort first to repetitive snaking and then dropping in. Fuck em I say just go for it (as long as it's not dangerous).
Perfect, great video👍
What if you've been sat in the lineup with the same loggers paddling past you and way out back and just catching everything so early, all you can do is go and get a bigger log and go even further out?. Some longboarders need to take 5 sometimes an let others take a few, else that 9,6 might become a 5,3
So true. That’s why most hate long boarders.
I'm such an idiot. I'm always moving away from the crowds and giving turns and losing all the waves...I always end up in the rip. But I get so stressed and aggressive. It's surf schools overcrowding the only place where waves are breaking, when most of the "students" can't even paddle; if I decide to go anyway thinking "well they can't surf, so I'll be fine", suddenly a surf instructor drops in on his own students and comes in your direction when you least expected, then the "students" start shooting on the same wave on every direction aimlessly; but suddenly a kid does surf and starts coming in your direction at all speed...then SUPs, longboarders, tourists and freelance learners warming up to join the circus, they stay right in front of you and paddle for every wave...it's a disrespectful circus.
I blame a lot surf schools and the surf industry for this. It's hypocrisy to talk about rules, old school, the real surfing etc, while at the same time selling the soul of the sport as a circus, a joke. But society lost all consideration for others. Not just in the water.
Very instructive, though obvious! Thanks brow
Excellent video. The world's gone mad!
When riding a wave and I come across another surfer I’ve noticed most people are like deer in the headlights and don’t swim opposite way haha
yeah some people have shit reflex even if you have a clear direction, it's really problematic and can cause serious injury.
I was all by my happy self one summer morning recently...waves were far from "good"...maybe thigh high but clean, so I was getting some smiles on the longboard, especially since waves had been so rare(and still are in flat Florida). No one near me for hundreds of feet on either side, another rarity. I see a couple little kids and their dad walk over the dunes with boards, and I keep looking to see where they're going to go, and yep...they wax up right in front of where I'm sitting in the water and paddle out...DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF ME! I'm livid. I'm shaking with frustration and bewilderment. The father is my age so i assume he understands some level of etiquette, but because the kids were really small I held back saying anything, because I wanted to scream at all the father.."Why right here??!! There's so much space all around me!!" I didn't want to freak out the kids, so..I gave my best stink eye towards the father(I don't think he noticed or even cared), and I paddled in and went home..absolutely pissed off! Surfing has been getting more difficult..so many people want the "lifestyle". But, so many people simply don't give any shits about others and how they affect them. I've found myself less happy when I surf in the past few years...too much hassle going on..stress to actually get a decent wave, then deal with the humans...
I feel your pain...
In Portugal I heard a ultra seasoned veteran say " O estilo de vida matou o esporte" the lifestyle killed the sport
great video as someone who wants to learn how to surf, this is perfect!
Wow this was so good! Appreciate you
Yup I don’t even go out anymore. Finding new hobbies and retiring the boards
really? you sure you are 808?
If you Don’t Surf…DONT START.
Every beginner should watch this.
If Brazilians are out there, the rules don’t count
Man, as much as I hate trying to paddle out through a beach break, at least we don't have to deal with all that crazy shit at the peak. Just pick an empty bit and wait for your wave!
Can literally everyone that wants to surf in California take note here! Please and thank you. - Fellow Surfer
Thank you so much for making this
Back in my day, I used to surf with brass knuckles. Anytime I'd get snaked, I'd swim over, give the other surfer the knuckles, and let them beat my face and board to a pulp. It taught me a lot about respect since I was adopted and courtesy wasn't invented until 2019. Now, I'm top of my class in the Idaho surf school, graduating with honors. Remember kids, if you want to surf at my beach, you are always welcome if you have the $25 entry fee!
Damn you sound like a lot of fun.
@@maxinator317 I don't mean to brag but I think I might be the coolest dude in the looney bin
as a 24 yr old, sponging/kooking on the east coast for that whole time, where i’m from it’s a good blend, mostly surfers but everyone’s chill for the most part, nothing this summer 😂
Party Waves!!
Thanks for a well intentioned video. I wonder how many of the culprits will actually watch this video. They will be tuned into the latest Brazilian air game instructional video.
I really appreciate surfing in indo now, it can be crowded yes but after seeing this video I feel like over here people at least are nice and have a good time in the water. Over there it looks so intense
Surfing became its own sold out demise. Went too corporate and every other car commercial features surfboards strapped to a roof. It opened its own doors to the masses and everyone piled in. Now it wants out! Too late. It’s over 😂
In a way, that could be a good thing. Things always have a way of re-inventing itself.
It was a different world when I started surfing way back in 1978. Although, not quite as crowded as today, there was more respect and etiquette and you payed your dues earning your spot in the lineup. Localism was worse back then and it was rare for someone to deliberately burn you on a wave If it did happen, the other surfer would kick out and you would continue enjoying your wave. . Drop ins nowadays are so commonplace, It's no wonder, I don't surf nearly as much as used to.
Native. Been surfing from K58s to the Lane since the 80s. Worst localism i've seen was in Palos Verdes, made the HB Pier feel like a casual Sunday at Bolsa Chica. I'm just here to say the localism, lack of respect and breech of conduct has grown by a factor of 10x every decade. When we rolled up to a new spot, we actually watched from the beach for a bit, to see where the peak was, and what the pecking order was. We paddled out and knew right away who owned the spot and respected them with NO expectations of getting a good set wave. It's how it should be. It's how they still do it in Hawaii's best spots. People know this. Even if you're a bingo Mom with a mini-van, if you went to the same park and had a picnic every single Sunday at the same exact spot every single time for years and some new family rolled up one Sunday and took your spot, at a free, public park and was blaring their music and acting like they owned it, you too would be pissed. This is no different.
Yes absolutely there is !!!!!
thanks for making this!
Excellent video. Not sure that the right audience is watching/listening. Nevertheless a very basic tutorial on how-to behave in the water.
Old surfer here (50+) who has seen the good, the bad, and the ugly in the lineup.
This is all about respect. Respect for the sport, respect for others in the water (surfers or not), and the surfing culture.
Some knuckleheads will continue to learn the hard way...
Mahalo!
The worst is when it's a weak day with few good waves and everyone's out. Aggression seems to ramp up, I find myself leaving. Ain't worth it for not much fun.
Nah. Paddle directly to the peak. Be a better paddler and more fit than anyone else. It’s a competition. Don’t drop in on people. Our position and out paddle them.
more people need to take this to heart. you are exactly correct.... and what does it take to become those things? time and dedication.... not a 8" thick floating sidewalk.
Thanks for this video.
been thinking about getting into surfing at some point. Living in Connecticut makes it hard. If I do ever take up surfing, now I know that I won't be just going out trying to get waves. I'll be joining a community of people trying to get waves. So I'll be happy just paddling out to the end of the lineup and just watching/ talking with experienced surfers about how it's done.
Glad I ran across this to understand how to not be as much of an asshole/ aloof idiot as I might have been if I went in thinking it was just me and the ocean. As with many hobbies, it's about community first and foremost, and the hobby itself is secondary. If you don't understand that, then take up woodworking or some shit where your bad attitude won't rub off on others.