How to Deal With Localism at Surf Spots

Unfortunately, localism plagues many of the world's best surf spots. Understanding what it is and why it exists can help you avoid any unnecessary trouble.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Women's Athletic Swimsuits
• Board Shorts
• Surf Leashes
• Surf Waxes
• Surfboard Bags
• Surfboard Ding Repair Kits
• Surfboard Racks
• Surfboards
• Surfing Rash Guard
• Wet Suits
• Surfing Videos

1. Avoid surfing new breaks alone, especially if it is a popular break.

2. Realize that localism is a result of overcrowding. Therefore, the more crowded a break is, the more tension there is likely to be in the water. Because locals feel at home at the break and feel invaded by unfamiliar faces, they sometimes react in a negative manner to newcomers.

3. Realize also that surfing is a traveling sport, and nobody is meant to surf only those waves closest to home. You have just as much right to surf a wave at someone else's local break as that person has to surf the waves near your house.

4. Practice surf etiquette in the lineup. (See "How to Paddle Into the Surfing Lineup.")

5. Watch the other surfers. If only a few people seem to be taking most of the waves, those people are most likely locals, familiar with the wave.

6. Mark the surfers who seem like troublemakers and egomaniacs. These surfers usually make a lot of noise, bitching about the crowd or pouting about their wave. They usually talk loud to other locals to let nonlocals know how "in" they are.

7. Give these arrogant surfers a little extra space. Don't drop in on their wave or paddle around them for the peak. Wait for them to take a wave, and then move to the peak position.

8. Be respectful, and concentrate on your surfing.

9. Remain calm if someone tries to come at you with irrational anger. Apologize if you did something wrong, but don't be a coward. Explain that you are only interested in surfing.

10. Take your next wave in, and call it a day if the vibe in the water begins to feel overly hostile.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember that you also add to the vibe in the water. Smile, and be friendly to unfamiliar faces. Be a host of your local surf break, not a hex.

• However unfortunate it is that big egos must pollute the surf breaks, the last thing you should ever do is fuel the fire. Be calm in the water.

• Never play into someone wanting to go to shore to fight. If someone tries to attack you in the water, paddle away and toward other surfers.

• Avoid fights before they begin. Realize when a situation is becoming hostile, and get away from it. There are no police in the water.