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
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Step 1
Avoid surfing new breaks alone, especially if it is a popular break.
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Step 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.
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Step 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.
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Step 4
Practice surf etiquette in the lineup. (See "How to Paddle Into the Surfing Lineup.")
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Step 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.
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Step 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.
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Step 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.
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Step 8
Be respectful, and concentrate on your surfing.
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Step 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.
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Step 10
Take your next wave in, and call it a day if the vibe in the water begins to feel overly hostile.
Comments
Anonymous said
on 7/1/2006 Show up alone and you'll likely go unrecognized. Bring all your surf buddies and you'll anger folks.
Anonymous said
on 1/25/2006 The #1 thing to remember when surfing at an unfamiliar spot (or any other spot) is to show respect for the ocean, the beach, and the people. Don't litter, and, if necessary, wait in the lineup and let a few sets go by before you catch a wave.
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 Don't drop in on someone's wave. If you do, you run the risk of being submerged for 30-45 seconds, and probably get your board punched as you frantically swim away in fear. Dropping in on locals is one thing, but if you steal their stuff, you'll get punched in the face a minimum of 3 times as you root through their stuff in the bushes, looking for money and personal belongings of value. If you follow these rules, you might be OK, as long as you're a local. If you're not, forget about it and get out of the water.
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 A respectful attitude is everything. Have a smile and show respect. Don't back paddle or drop in. I am an older, very fit, fearless, and competent chick who charges. I am a local and all the other locals know me. The folks that come down from Newbury Park don't know me. I am constantly having to stand my ground. Don't underestimate women, we can be more vicious than men when we need to be.
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 Paddle out smoothly and quietly. Don't yell like a kook as you paddle out. Make your first wave a good one. If you fall on your first wave, they will take advantage. But if you make your first wave good, you will gain instant respect.