Are the Unwritten Rules of Surfing Being Tossed?

[@chrisbroguiere3593]

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.

[@ChickenJoe-tq6xd]

Too much ego

[@mikeuptegrove]

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.

[@ChickenJoe-tq6xd]

@@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.

[@mikeuptegrove]

@@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. 🙄🙄

[@ChickenJoe-tq6xd]

@@mikeuptegrove yep down here in florida we have a bunch of Ben gravy pineapple board kooks that can’t control where they are going

[@calebtempleton8598]

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.

[@slime_street]

100% just talk to people.

[@gatheringforgood]

Well said.

[@slimsoldier8333]

​@@gatheringforgood

[@sabastianjohnson4600]

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.

[@shacktime]

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.

[@rahawk69]

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.

[@TheUltimateWriterNZ]

Sounds terrible. 100% of trash waves is worthless

[@davevanhoorn]

Same here. And because I expect nothing of that session it always surprises me in a positive way 🤙

[@andrewcanady6644]

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.

[@rahawk69]

@@andrewcanady6644 Absolutely. Wild sections to get past, mad lumps to traverse. Random waves breaking unexpectedly on your head. Chasing the storm

[@rahawk69]

@@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.

[@debo2259]

If you yell “party wave” as you drop in on someone it’s not considered a snake

[@natural_law]

LOL...this....

[@trashstomper]

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.

[@caughtinside845]

You forgot the SUP folks that grab every wave because they are the furthest out.

[@douglash9364]

Toss in the skim boarders who cant spell priority.

[@youdigsurf]

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.

[@G0PN1KB0T]

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.

[@hehexd4557]

@@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.

[@KylieJonkman]

Or the kayaker! 🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️😡😡

[@abunchofbradys1367]

POV your a grom and get away w anything lol

[@mab7007]

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

[@420downunder7]

Yes, kooks these days aren't the people who can't surf but the "super locals" who think they own the beach

[@anotherworldviewispossible]

Unless you know who's who at a given break...best to assume that they are, who they're telling you, that they are. 4:53 - those guys are locals. One of them is going to be fighting 5 rounds, in the UFC's main event, this Saturday. And he's probably the least likely one to hand out slaps, in that shot.

[@GenX...MCMLXV]

Sounds like something a kook would say .........Locals rule, get over it.

[@420downunder7]

@@GenX...MCMLXV "pretentious"

[@xisotopex]

@@GenX...MCMLXV the way it should be, to a point.

[@Jim-fe2xz]

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!

[@andrewcanady6644]

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.

[@deacongolderer5889]

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

[@xisotopex]

@@deacongolderer5889 if you had just started surfing your first mistake was paddling out around other people.

[@Poopoopeepee12]

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.

[@jamescarbono2227]

@@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

[@BradYaeger]

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.

[@lj2700]

If you don't follow surf etiquette you're not a surfer, you're a kook!

[@mattiik]

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...

[@xisotopex]

@@flknstky even the poorest trustafarian can live very simply on their parents investment skills for quite a long time.

[@worldwithouttime]

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

[@xisotopex]

@@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....

[@worldwithouttime]

@@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.

[@clarkewi]

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.

[@crunchers9]

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!

[@koro287]

Seen afew red cards at Raglan over the years...' out mate '.

[@clarkewi]

@@koro287 Localism is alive and well here in rural Taranaki ("Taradise") New Zealand.

[@sirfer6969]

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

[@Scrap-dog8181]

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.

[@ezrhino100]

Remember to let pros break all aforementioned rules. Thank you!!!

[@bayly1977]

If Brazilians are out there, the rules don’t count

[@middleagedshred]

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"

[@youdigsurf]

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.

[@Cuisinenomade1]

Exactly!

[@Jim-fe2xz]

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.

[@middleagedshred]

Yea its a nitemare..surf schools really should take responsibility and make sure their "students" are safe and dont get in dangers way

[@xisotopex]

indeed!

[@gwall4603]

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.

[@G0PN1KB0T]

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.

[@adaml475]

You must hate your friends

[@fungussa]

At my local break, I had a mock fight in the water with one of my mates - the non-locals then steered well clear.

[@danielr8920]

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.

[@dallaskolotylo9064]

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 😉

[@tpstrat14]

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.

[@XX-xv6xe]

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.

[@trashstomper]

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.

[@wavdav57]

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.

[@Kobacolbz]

Dude so true. I never see anyone say this on any of these abrasive surf etiquette videos.

[@kfame227]

YES EVERYONE NEEDS TO WATCH THIS. Great video man!

[@shonhartvigsen4698]

That’s slaps out here in Hawaii

[@greggtomchick1837]

At a typical spot, 15 experienced surfers cannot enforce tradition on 200 kooks. The kooks have taken over the asylum.

[@TokyoXtreme]

“Locals only” is problematic for being racist, bigoted, anti-immigration, and transphobic.

[@teahorseguitarstraps1856]

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.

[@kookarini]

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?

[@Cuisinenomade1]

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 :)

[@sockbuddy808]

Accurate

[@ChickenJoe-tq6xd]

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

[@Optable]

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 😂

[@TheUltimateWriterNZ]

@@ChickenJoe-tq6xd I don’t even consider that dropping in if someone was never in position to effectively catch the wave

[@SurfistaCamad]

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.

[@xisotopex]

where are you located? I hate crowds and dont mind cold water and air....

[@ralphiewigs2208]

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.

[@brendo9103]

serenity now, insanity later..

[@teahorseguitarstraps1856]

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.

[@joshlovegood9392]

@@brendo9103 HOOCHIE MAMA!

[@vickryan]

@@teahorseguitarstraps1856 they sound like goofballs to me. Dumb aces.

[@DHolmquistDesigns]

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.

[@michaelc.2599]

Great video! This is why I avoid summer surfing almost entirely and hit dawn patrol and more obscure spots when I do.

[@da808straybuilt6]

Still going in da 808.. local kine tingz

[@kookarini]

Oh yeah, I heard Zeke Lau got a beat down at Kewalos or at Bowls

[@xisotopex]

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?

[@chrisedney6869]

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 😂

[@cycologist7069]

In a way, that could be a good thing. Things always have a way of re-inventing itself.

[@dslhernandez3001]

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!

[@maxinator317]

Damn you sound like a lot of fun.

[@dslhernandez3001]

@@maxinator317 I don't mean to brag but I think I might be the coolest dude in the looney bin

[@nickv3085]

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.

[@buitragobb228]

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.

[@surfinspook]

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

[@youdigsurf]

yeah some people have shit reflex even if you have a clear direction, it's really problematic and can cause serious injury.

[@aurorahoya1691]

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....

[@1monkeyflower]

Surfing is not the changing the people are. They surf like they drive, no regard for other human beings.

[@micmillist2588]

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.

[@kyleacosta9971]

All I know as a local here on oahu, if you drop in on a guy deeper on the wave and you burn me best believe I going regulate you and tell you beat it. Surf rules is dying and it takes a few locals for shake up haoles when they paddle out to a line up you do don’t belong in

[@andrescurls29]

#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.

[@roscius6204]

The point though is that you're conscious of the decision. That's good.

[@Cuisinenomade1]

There is always a dude with on a long board that takes a wave, gets back to the line and takes another and another and another, here in the south west of France, they give two sh..ts about others and if one says something they act as if one was crazy! I have been about to punch a guy in his face because of it but would that change anything? Can I teach a dog math? Just NOT possible, some are just brut beast and that's all, nothing to do about it, find another pick and that's it.

[@youdigsurf]

faut les bloquer en ramant perpendiculaire, a un moment tu drop de toute façon si les gars savent pas être fairplay. mais l'archetype de lb qui fait ça reviens très souvent sur les spots.

[@lj2700]

Everyone needs a little punch in the face every now and then. #bring back the punch.

[@ChickenJoe-tq6xd]

Yep those damn SUPers are the worst

[@ChickenJoe-tq6xd]

They sit 15-20 feet out right in front of u then just cruise into every set wave

[@CaptainRon1913]

Get yourself a long board and enjoy. Unless you're a broke ass government worker

[@saullandiof5768]

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…

[@jgmopar]

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.

[@xisotopex]

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....

[@jgmopar]

@@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.

[@koro287]

@@jgmopar Gerry Lopez soft tops too....sell out.

[@jgmopar]

@@koro287 I didn't even know there was a Gerry Lopez soft top. LOL. Gerry sold out a long time ago

[@thepain001]

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.

[@toddhendricks1727]

Kooks insist on going to good spots when they cannot even make consistent takeoffs. If you are in that category go find a beach break with no one on it. Like someone who just got their drivers license, you don’t go to a race track to learn how to drive.

[@squarecracker]

This is a huge problem as well. I lived somewhere where there was one rideable wave in 50 miles, everything else was just dumping beachbreak. The jetty was a mix of straight up pros or absolute kooks with almost no middle ground. These bozos just go park out there like the they own the place and then get offended when they fall off on your wave. Vibe is so terrible but those rights were so good on the right day.

[@toddhendricks1727]

@@squarecracker I would like to see artificial reefs used to control erosion like that project in Australia. They stemmed erosion and made a rideable wave.

[@1023Endurance]

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.

[@stevedillonphoto]

“Give locals the set waveS….?? Chances are they’ll respect that and share a set with you”?? Not a chance, especially not in SoCal. 😂😂 Gimme, gimme, mine, mine. Everyone’s out for their own as your vid clearly shows

[@gregorybaillie2093]

Surf rules !? Ain't gunna happen. The only solution is wave parks every second block. Between ; I'm gunna be a pro, I'm am a pro, the ocean is free, it's my right, fuck you I live here and huh dohh, what hope is there of etiquette and sharing. At 71 all I can say is surfing today, in every aspect bears zero resemblance to surfing now. I can only be grateful that I had the best of it. I still surf and usually alone in B grade waves, but surfers my age have had more barrels in a day that most punters will have in a life time.

[@brucemaccallan4721]

>video about nobody respecting etiquette >it’s all footage of SoCal Imagine my shock

[@stevenklaunzer9467]

Surfers promote themselves and surf spots all the time....... problem here is that people are sheep! just look at when you all lined up to get inoculated together.. Man that was weird....Oh well I 'll just wait for the vaids to kick in...LOL

[@davidcook8323]

Who is to blame for this? I remember a time if you dropped in on someone you were in for a hard time. Not a beat down ,but you were getting yelled at. The beat downs came if you did it again. Most of the lineup would make it very clear that some things don't go in the water. A little curtasy goes a long way people. Don't be a snake, don't throw your board. Don't paddle into the line of someone up on a wave. Yes you may have to take one on the head. But that better than a board to the face any day. Surf etiquette is important, but not mandatory. Be prepared to defend yourself if you choose not to follow it. Remember, there's always sombody tougher than you. Sometimes it takes a broken jaw and knose to change people's ways. Be prepared, be advised or go home. At the end of the day, a little curtasy goes a long way. You old bastards like me, you are not above anybody. Teach etiquette and not violence. Etiquette and curtasy go a super long way in every aspect of life. See u in the watter.

[@PeteCayo-tr8of]

California is the worst especially Rincon. One of the best waves but the worst crowd ever. EVER! Surfed it mid week last week and even when it’s not crowded it is a snake pit.

[@bushkey]

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 🤙🏻

[@noahbyrne2402]

See the problem is that these kids never had had to ride a bus to the beach, only to be violently and persistently hacked by grown Men for just trying to learn to surf. Those Men had rules, if those rules were violated punishment was dished out. If apologies were not made then punishments could and did escalate. But if you put time in, charged when told to, and showed respect to your elders. Those scary old guys were the only ones burning you.

[@xisotopex]

this is a great comment, and its how i remember it learning to surf in Florida back in the early 80's.... you HAD to put in your time.... really, surfing demands it of you, and its how respect is earned... you dont find some way to make surfing "easier", you challenge yourself to try to surf at the highest level you can.... you dont whine that the locals wont let you get a wave, you become one of the locals at some point... and its the way it should always be....

[@travisamy5610]

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

[@sunovadistributionn.z.693]

im ok with it..

[@cycologist7069]

Whether it's acceptable or not, it still goes on in a few breaks in my city. Now I just flat water paddleboard.

[@maxinator317]

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.

[@hehexd4557]

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.

[@timdale4047]

Seems most people just don't give a shit these days or don't understand the rules. When I started surfing you went with a mate who showed you the ropes till you were confident and competent enough to sit out back. These days it's a free for all! Have a lesson, buy a board the size of a boat and out ya go. Paddle for everything, drop in, back paddle and sit 50 yds further out, ignore everyone else, bail the board etc you get the picture. Dunno if it's just more people or like I said a general me first attitude but it ain't good. So, I go early or late and avoid most of em so it's not all bad! Laters. 😎

[@KaiOwensDrums]

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

[@mrbell542]

so funny sometimes there are heaps of missed waves going unridden even if the huge group is right on it haha

[@KaiOwensDrums]

@@mrbell542 for real 😂 people just like waiting in lines I guess

[@danodonnell7218]

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!

[@tomrichardson2448]

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.

[@xeragon7758]

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.

[@xxrevenge423]

Surf in Huntington Beach and it’s just a back paddling competition

[@tommywallbanger]

It's pretty much common sense but that really isn't so common anymore. It's the Me generation and the kids today have never have had to be held accountable for anything. You should make this video in Portuguese so the Brazilian guys can watch it.

[@CaptMac-zw8mz]

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!

[@weeblywinkleman6410]

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

[@scominggreger4326]

So true. That’s why most hate long boarders.

[@majapalmo3027]

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).

[@fergferguson7370]

Good advice but for some insurance learn how to fight and hold your ground..

[@nickpeall]

I feel like you've broken the first rule of background music on surf videos

[@808bboarder]

Yup I don’t even go out anymore. Finding new hobbies and retiring the boards

[@xisotopex]

really? you sure you are 808?

[@ivydune4185]

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.

[@aliaskong1723]

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.

[@Niex_Knox]

Surfing was so much cooler when it wasn't yet hyped and commercialised. I have ended sessions thanks to the aggro vibes out in the water.

[@ReplayActionSports]

If you Don’t Surf…DONT START.

[@lazcoroner1483]

Unwritten rules are dumb.. but if something is done that can endanger someone than it needs to be said.

[@oliverludwig4412]

would like to see your interpretation when surfers as meet with bodysurfers and what rules need to be followed by both parties

[@relaxingsounds5469]

I can’t imagine burning Steph Gilmore lol

[@williamsharpnack5534]

Haven't tossed anything in Puerto Escondido as far as rule #1 & #2 yet. Come here and burn someone, see what happens next...Rule1- never take off on front, Rule2 - never take off in front, get it?

[@xisotopex]

and be prepared to meet the local cartel members on their days off...

[@Saleemsan]

Don't call a wave and then not go. I'm still bitter twenty years later

[@saschaganser9671]

Major part is missing, making that video BS. A big big issue is the attitude in surfing, seeing locals, better surfers as more privileged to get more waves. More means like 90% of the waves. Surfing is a sport were the better 10% of the guys take the waves and let the other 90% keep waiting in the water. Take a wave, leave a wave to others is a basic rule that should apply. You surf, and the others should too.

[@xisotopex]

the better surfers ALWAYS will get more waves, and better waves. thats the way it should be... don't like it? then put in the years it takes to be a good surfer. think about it, its a win win situation for you if this is what you decide to do.

[@dunningkruger3774]

Entitlement has taken the place of Etiquette.

[@etans2]

I think wave pools are starting to be a good role model for a normal ocean lineup

[@dlvox5222]

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.

[@xisotopex]

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.

[@colcob]

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!

[@shmetienne]

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 😂

[@natural_law]

Party Waves!!

[@MonsPubis7]

If its an "unwritten rule" to a sport not owned by an individual in a gatekept free beach, I dont believe one would realize there were so called written or unwritten rules. Cope harder

[@xisotopex]

what do you mean? are you talking about surfing?

[@kembooo000]

i think for most of the newcomers its just a post-covid fad. the unavoidable cuts and bruises that come with surfing would thin the herd out

[@natural_law]

Winter does too...

[@floating-in]

Surfing's done, cooked.

[@bigs6566]

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.

[@MarcoGlasbergen]

What a great summary of surfing etiquette! And with very good supporting video material!

[@anotherworldviewispossible]

4:53 - yeah...that guy fourth from the right... That's the guy you want to drop in on... What's he even weigh...? 145 lbs? You can probably take him... 😉

[@michaelsouthern2398]

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!

[@Sirmellowman]

theres physically just not enough waves to support the amount of people that want to surf now days

[@xisotopex]

you are correct to a point.... at the same time, there are almost always rideable waves somewhere close with less people....

[@alexsalo]

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!

[@Рамзан-б8ъ]

Each time I am trying beginners wave there is a professional dick on a short bord who is just showing off. And there is nothing I can do

[@arthurmarchais1986]

surfing in pretty crowdeds spots in France in line-up without precise pic, almost all the rules are respected (well the people who knows try to apply mainly) with the clear exception of the "back paddling" you mention. I was actually loosing confidence about it being a rule or not because it is soooo disrespected, especially by performing dudes that obviously an average surfer would not dare to criticize. I have to say it is slightly annoying. Thanks for your work anyway. and PLEASE surfers, smile to someone who just appologize

[@brendanfrancois4859]

Sick vid Brad, let's make this go viral

[@smelltheglove2038]

I blaMe surf “schools”

[@Thurston.Howell.the.3rd]

I miss the days when old salty surfers would just run you over for getting in the way and then tell you to beat it on their way back to the lineup. Feels more like golf these days

[@whatsnextreisen]

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

[@natural_law]

Warm water problems...

[@algorerhyth]

There need to be regulators and localism