Localism in Surfing…

During my travels, I’ve experienced my fair share of localism, in varying degrees of severity. While I’m all for locals getting the best waves, it's an ever-present ugly side to our sport and do we really need localism? Let me know your thoughts in the comments :)
Support the Channel: www.buymeacoffee.com/danharmon
Join my Email List (Weekly Surf Travel Inspo): danharmon.io/
Brand Enquiries Email: [e-mail]
===========================
ATTENTION - Discounts on Selected HOSTELWORLD Properties (For Stays Between 22nd Jan and 30th April)
Asia - Upto 56% Off
Central America - Upto 30% Off
South America - Upto 30% Off
Europe - Upto 25% Off
Oceania - Upto 20% Off
Find Deals: hostelworld.tp.st/zgy5eAlJ
Outsite (Co-Work & Co-Living):
If you’re looking for somewhere to get waves and get work done, Outsite has some incredible accommodations/workspaces in some of the world’s top surf destinations. Check them out here: www.outsite.co/?rfsn=7724517....
Online Surf Training:
I’ve recently partnered with OMBE, to bring you the best digital surf training out there. From understanding the Ocean, and preparing your mind/body for surfing, to learning the ins and outs of equipment and diving deep into surf technique. OMBE has the best surf training resources out there. Check it out here: train.ombe.co/?via=dan
Surf Travel Resources:
- Flights: danharmon.io/link/kayak-flights/
- Rental Cars: discovercars.tp.st/QIVUHrwr
- Buses: busbud.tp.st/Usu35k28
- Hostels: hostelworld.tp.st/zgy5eAlJ
- Accommodation: booking.tp.st/DSzN5oPc
- Surf Camps: www.booksurfcamps.com/?aid=8277
- Travel Insurance: safetywing.com/?referenceID=2...
- Wise Card: wise.prf.hn/l/yOwRq9O
*Please note that some of these links are affiliate links. This means (at no extra cost to you), I receive a small commission which helps me make more videos like this.

[@DanHarmon123]

Hey guys!! Thanks for all your comments and super interesting to hear everyone's opinions on localism. Please know, I read all of your comments (and stoked you find the time to write them), but I can't always reply to everyone, otherwise, I'd get no editing done haha!! Thanks, Dan!

[@martincallaghan6563]

Locals should be able to get their share of the waves through knowledge of their break and surfing ability not through aggression which seems to have happened more often than not

[@loismylane]

In a perfect world yeah. But in the real world, that regulation is very much needed. But clearly it works because it has people thinking twice before paddling out at a good spot

[@jacklovett4803]

"Frustrated kooks" - Love it! So true

[@DanHarmon123]

Hahhah, it's always the same!!

[@ryanwaldon1601]

One time in Portugal, I got yelled at by the guy who dropped in on me. He said "catch empty waves or go surf somewhere else". I didn't snake, I thought we were all taking turns. There were only a handful of surfers out, and plenty of waves to go around. I was respectful, didn't argue with him, but I don't understand it honestly. Even at my home break I get treated like a non-local, simply because I don't talk to anyone in the line up. I feel like it's more about being considered in the "friend group" of the local area rather than actually "being a local" tbh.

[@surfedits08]

Same with me. Which beach ?

[@Wahey_RS]

Just drop in on him next time

[@djizzah]

the worst thing is when you find a peak on your own next thing 4 or 5 others paddle out, choose you as their leader, paddle everywhere you do, try take off inside, from the shoulder, whatever until eventually you just paddle into the beach out of total frustration

[@bereal4peace8]

Hopefully the ocean karma will pay it forward

[@DanHarmon123]

Hahaha 😂

[@thetruthseeker4454]

I'm 62 been surfing a point for 8 yrs. I dropped in on a guy on a 2 to 3 ft day. I thought he was pulling out of his take off. The wave closed out. The mid 30s male mouthed off at me. Told me to get out and go back to the seniors beach break. I said why that attitude and apologized. Now I'm not hyping and psyching like i used to. But when people are visiting speaking strange languages i like to share and let them get a good one. Kindness is the oil that keeps society working in the water and out

[@djizzah]

@@thetruthseeker4454 spot on ,sorry that happened

[@taffiejosh]

Surfers usually grow up in a gang like culture, especially in New Zealand in the 90s. And extreme localism is to create the reputation to keep people away. I have my local breaks in Bali, that I surf alot by myself. If you ever see a bald bodyboarder with a red board mostly doing drop knee on rights, then please paddle up and say hi and mention this comment, as I do enjoy your videos.

[@hipsonsogbo]

I’m from nz, if locals tell you to move on, tell them to get fuked, they won’t do shit. Respect them but don’t leave

[@EternalJourneys]

As a traveller, i keep the mindset that many locals dont have the freedom to just surf whenever they want. They're probably out on their day off work, it might be the only chance they have to get a wave.

[@DanHarmon123]

That's a great point!! Good thing to remember as a traveler actually!

[@connorm3457]

Have always been respectful, regardless of where I was, even at my local spots. Wait my turn, don’t hassle anyone, and mind my manners. I’ve paid my dues, growing up in some of the most treacherous local line ups around, and am thankful for every “uncles” lesson, saves and granted waves. Too many nowadays lack uncommon (because it’s no longer common) sense/courtesy, and actually are in need of some “instruction” out in da line ups. 💪🤙

[@MrJeanelgato]

YOU KNOW DA RULZ!

[@mb7196]

bullshit. nothing wrong with expecting and giving respect, but the rest is bullshit.

[@DanHarmon123]

Totally agree mate!!

[@stuartgaylor2420]

I had the bottom of my big toe sliced open for no reason at all when I was 17-18 by a local guy at my local town break 😂 I would normally surf at a much heavier place in my home town but decided on this day to walk down to the next point down the road. This guy had a massive attitude for some reason and took it out on a skinny teenage white guy…me. He was flying down the line and I was far away on the wave as and went out of his way aiming for my legs as I was just paddling out and I just managed to pull my legs in enough as he turned and his fin sliced my toe wide open 😅 all being I was only in the water five minutes. Anyway he got dealt to in the car park from a mates older brother. All I remember was what’s the hell is going on here. Ever since then for a few years he would not even look at me then I never saw him again.

[@spinafex5729]

The worst aspect of surfing is crowds. Localism is an imperfect way of dealing with the problem.

[@geroziegler867]

As a landlocked surfer localism is really frustrating because you're always the visitor and nowhere you're a local yourself. I still understand why it exists and why locals feel like they should have more rights and as long their friendly I'm fine with it and you can still have an amazing time in the water. When they won't even return a hello and block waves it's just not an enjoyable atmosphere for anyone. Not for the visitors nore for the locals.. The weirdest thing related to localism that happened to me, was when i spent a summer in a village in Portugal and I surfed the beachbreak every single day often alone or with few people out. The locals (which were mostly SUP surfers) I later learned didn't bother to surf all summer and only started in autumn when the waves started to have a bit more power. And then suddenly I was not alone but with an SUP crew and for me it felt like they were invading my spot because i had never seen them before. So I kind of felt like the local in that situation. But they saw me as the visitor and themselfs as the locals and dropped in on me on most of the waves even tho i waited my turn and showed respect and had surfed the spot everyday for 4 months. It made me super angry (didn't argue tho) and there was nothing i could do about it because I was alone and the foreigner. And still we were just a small group in the water and could have shared the waves with each other.

[@tedleyreynolds5541]

This is the way. You were at their spot which was waking up. I'm sure you would eventually work something out. Right?

[@buzz5969]

I surf on weekdays during times most are working or at school, I try to avoid weekends, even on travels, i stay monday thru fridays, weekends is travel days.😊

[@RaulEdu33]

8:50 Perhaps we can give some gifts to the grumpy locals? Like the Sentinelese Islanders receiving coconuts and toys. 😅 What kinds of things do hostile locals like? 😂

[@DanHarmon123]

Hahaha...

[@mainHERO88]

Dimebags of meth

[@andrewcoleman1742]

Good video, especially for kooks and people new to travelling. It has taken me half a lifetime to think I'm a local at my favourite local spot, which has a reputation for localism (& smaller crowds as a result).

[@adzoutnabout8666]

I have lived 4klm from a break for 17 years, but I wasnt born here…. So I am not a local. Been surfing for 40 years. No point getting agro in the line up….. it kills the stoke. Only ever once had to grab a Brazilian bloke by the leash as him and his mate were burning everyone. Few well chosen words, and they got out.

[@Kev_Walsh_Ez_Day]

I have never been a local, I grew up in in New Orleans and I would drive 4 hours to get surf and in the late 90’s and early 2000’s there were tons of open beach breaks along the gulf south. So now living Japan it’s totally different. So I get it. There are spots I just don’t go to. I am 42 being aggressive in the water is not my thing. I will say in the 90s I got ran out of a skate park for not being a local, they broke my buddy camera and stole his board.

[@yamabiru4553]

I’ve yet to encounter any localism on the Sea of Japan side, but then again I surf a giant SUP board and stay away from everybody. Is it bad wherever you are?

[@stuartgaylor2420]

Anyway I am all about sharing the fun so everyone gets the same feeling as we all do. I also educate people by having a nice conversation first to break the ice. Life is far too short to be a grumpy bugger, just sends a shit vibe throughout the lineup and nobody enjoys themselves.

[@totemwolf]

As a bodyboarder i find it so funny that you never even think of fighting because it takes so much fucking time just to release your swimfins and your feet are tired and numb is almost imposible to think of an scenario where is something that will go good for you.

[@DanHarmon123]

Fighting over a wave for anyone is insane, but yeah how's the guy in the video with one fin still on hahah! 😂

[@EternalJourneys]

Dan, is that epic drone shot on the Bukit?

[@DanHarmon123]

Yep!! I wish I could claim it as my own, but it's stock footage haha!!

[@planetvegeta26]

Localism I suppose in some ways it's needed to keep order in the lineout, I get if someone keeps jumping the queue in the line up, locals are not going to be happy because, this is there local spot and there probably proud of it as some people cant travel everywhere so they pride there spot. But what I can't stand is if you get in the water and some bell end comes straight up to you and is like " get out you shouldn't be here this is my spot" and starts swearing and swinging for you , that shit I hate and I'll happily meet them on the beach if they want to GO! They can have i try 😂

[@doghouse6413]

I found this out of place wave driving through Portugal, near a very famous break. I looked down the cliff and saw the is perfect left hander Parked the car, suited up, and climbed down the cliff, with a rope that was already there. Sure enough, a local guy paddles out and right up to me, tells me to F off. I was real respectful, told him he obviously has top dibs on anything, and he seemed ok with that. After I climbed back up, this other local was shocked - he said they usually pull up the rope when they see non locals lol. Lucky that day

[@barracuda833]

Grew up in Portugal. Learned that in order to get the best waves is have to wait my turn. Eventually earned my respect after some 6 years of being in the water, and showing respect to the older guys. Nowadays its full of inland kooks from Germany, switzerland, poland, etc. Who paddle out the first time somewhere there and want to snake, or live there for a year, dont speak the language but post on their instagram about their 'local break'. And if you complain you're a local nazi 😂 come on Now im living in the canary islands, and though ive met a few idiots who abuse their local status, never had a problem by showing respect. Meanwhile ive seen other foreigners who are super greedy and then complain canarians dont like them 🤦🏽

[@DanHarmon123]

Yep, all about respect!!

[@user-mk5vj5bf3j]

I had a local pull my leash as i was dropping in to a wave that I had priority on. I almost started a fight right then and there in the water.

[@wendymorgan6651]

Here in angourie the locals are so Soft were being over run by cooks from the Gold Coast unbelievable

[@UziMusic]

I'll be up on monday from Coffs! you get one burn and we're even..

[@byron1509]

So accurate about the worst localism. I have surfed Vancouver island for 15 years and 10 year old Aussie kids I’ve seen surf circles around these old salty dudes that are at a prime spot.

[@martincallaghan6563]

If you think localism is good at your home break you might not think that when you go to another surf spot and can’t get a wave

[@David-le7jy]

Personally I'm disappointed about the Kiwi reaction to you, especially on an uncrowded wave. I grew up surfing in the south of the South Island and at that time it was an attitude of the more the merrier in most spots, because there so few surfers and so many good waves. Check out the Catlins area and south west spots, there's some top class waves there, if you can handle the cold! Another great vid, you've got a nice style about you, bro!

[@gregorythompson6521]

Well said Dan true words .

[@cocofox8532]

i totally agree with localism. There needs to be an unwritten law in the line up to prevent accidents from occuriing. Now especially with more people surfing with all sorts of 'crafts', it can get super dangerous.

[@buzz5969]

Im surfing while most are at school or working, seldom on weekends.😊

[@HLFC80]

Nice vid, I recently tried to surf Greenmount Point, absolutely imposssible. I visited my brother in Australia and hadn't surfed in the ocean in 8 years. I soon learned I didn't belong there, just a mess. Even the people ripping were noticeably frustrated. However Cabarita beach and broken head were awesome, good waves and less people. Avoid The Snapper Rocks area, it isn't worth it.

[@janhunter360]

This attitude is pretty restricted to surfing and its really stupid. Skaters or snowboarders don't act like this. I grew up surfing in the USVI and our attitude was always welcoming to visitors and they were mostly very cool and not greedy. We were curious about visitors and where they had surfed and liked seeing new styles of surfing. Years later my friend's son moved to Hawaii for a few years and then moved back to the USVI with this new really bossy "locals-only" attitude and I had to teach the kid that was something "we didn't do here", it was for crowded places like HI or parts of CA. If you're hard up for waves, just get up earlier and learn to paddle better. From what I've seen the best surfers get the most waves anyway because they're versatile (as the author describes so well here as well!). They can find the peaks, line up deeper or more on the inside and get the best waves all day long. Whatever the case one should never drop in on somebody because... well you could literally kill someone! Surfers who also skate or snowboard will get my point.

[@philippemettout8887]

On Kauai at pakalas some locals came at me yelling with sticks,telling me I couldn’t surf there.I chose to ignore them even thought they were inches from my face. I turned out that we became friends surfing together in peace.

[@DanHarmon123]

Mental!! Heard it's super localized there though!!

[@jamesn5781]

This is an unsolvable situation. There are just too many surfers in the lineup. At any good break, for example, if there are 60 sufers out and there are 3 sets coming in every 5 min and there is one take off spot. That is 60 waves per hour. So if we all "share" then everyone gets 1 wave an hour? 2 or 3 waves every 2 or 3 hour session? That is a lot of sitting there. And there are just more and more surfers starting every year. Even if you do get a good wave you end up having to weave through people and you still cant even surf the wave because no one knows how to get the hell out of the way. Surfing is unlike any other sport. Basketball they can make more courts, skateboarding they can make more ramps or skate parks, with surfing there is no way to make more waves. Its a zero-sum game.

[@Karakaboardriders]

Yeah your right some people need to give up 😂

[@wasabiginger6993]

Sums it all up! Was fortunate to be surfing in the 60’s Hawai’i and so sad to see what it has become.

[@jamesn5781]

@@wasabiginger6993 that is the tough part about getting older and surfing. When I started surfing around 11 I would go surf and even on good days maybe there was 20 people out. Now, that same spot, same day, etc...and there are 50 people out. Its a tough pill to swallow.

[@rasmuszaurins7233]

No, Dan Harmony pointed out that there are a lot of waves around. But what needed to be done is make them known. So unlike coward Dan Harmony: ALLWAYS SHARE SO CALLED SECRET WAVES. Secret waves are the siblings to localism, people trying to keep other surfers away from "THEIR WAVES", so that they don´t have too share. The easy equation is: More known surf spots and less localism, more evenly spreading of surfers, is like having more skate parks build. But cowards like Dan are intimitated by locals and use the passive agressive method of not comunicating "secret surf spots" to boost their own wave count, shame on you.

[@DanHarmon123]

Yeah, such a tough one!! For me, I'd almost rather sacrifice quality and go surf somewhere random by myself, than battle it out at some of these famous breaks!!

[@theboss-iu1xh]

Life-changing for Bali? Yes, I've heard they are completely overrun with tourism, way beyond what the local infrastructure can handle (sewage, trash, pollution etc.). Are you seeing this there?

[@DanHarmon123]

Yeah for sure! I mean Bali is perhaps a bad example (because it's gone so extreme the other way), but my point was that for some places, surf tourism brings money and opportunity!!

[@lewispeart2344]

Which break was that in NZ out of curiosity? Gutted the locals were like that

[@timwannell6477]

Respect is everything. From visitors and locals as well. If someone told me to get out the water before I’ve started, then to hell with you mate, low life. But if a visitor gets jeisty, not on. Pure respect is needed. Definitely feel you about Bali- so friendly, but you will get burned 😅

[@marknorris6437]

While I don't agree with super hardcore localism I do agree with giving the locals respect and knowing your place in the water. There have been plenty of times i've been at my local on my own and guys have paddled out right next to me when there are literally 10 peaks with the same quality wave all around us. I don't know whether or not some people don't know how to pick a spot or they just want to be around other people but it's definitely frustrating.

[@RaulEdu33]

The bandwagon effect is when people start doing something because everybody else seems to be doing it. Most people aren't creative or like to think outside the box, in surfing they will paddle to your peak, thinking that's where the best waves are breaking. 🤷‍♂

[@marknorris6437]

@@RaulEdu33 great point, totally agree

[@howdy1487]

I'm the opposite if there's many peaks. It's common to see a whole pack on one peak that is slightly better. I'll gladly surf by myself at another peak and catch a ton of waves, any wave I want.

[@DanHarmon123]

Yeah for sure mate!! Yeah I guess if you were super unsure, you'd pick a bank where someone is already getting some, but yep, definitely annoying, especially if there are multiple peaks!!

[@williamhanley7031]

Some places local should regulate. Others it's not manageable.

[@AndrewCooperr]

Localism is the best thing in surfing. Spots need to be regulated to avoid turning into shit shows like Snapper Rocks. However there should be mutual respect from everyone. The ocean is for everyone and there is plenty of waves to go around, just gotta wait your turn.

[@jeffn1384]

Garbage. Someone who travels to a beach and surf's with a good attitude and general respect deserves more than some woke twat who just happens to have been born a block away.

[@gerardneedham]

Snappers good mid morning mid week, you can’t have localism in city’s it just doesn’t work as everyone lives there. Only works in small towns

[@AndrewCooperr]

@@reeceofalltrades3968 Okay Reece 😂

[@rumi2059]

Locals usually can’t fight

[@AndrewCooperr]

@@rumi2059 There’s no place for fighting in surfing. I don’t agree with that at all. Localism really has nothing to do with that anyways, it’s more about keeping the lineup safe and fun for everyone.

[@wavespoiler]

"frustrated kooks" keep people away until the wave is threatened by the construction of a jetty, then suddenly they become "a welcoming community"

[@DanHarmon123]

Yeah, great point!! Been a few cases of this happening around the world!!

[@loismylane]

Let locals get their waves and you will usually fare off very well. Ive never been regulated unless I actually did something dumb or disrespectful without knowing it at the time.

[@mrbashton2120]

Where in New Zealand was it bro?

[@DanHarmon123]

Won't say exactly where haha, but North Island West coast ;)

[@Xcolombox1]

Whenever someonr asks what's the first thing to learn in surfing, I always say surfing etiquette

[@jethrokeys1438]

I've surfed loads of spots with heavily localism. Usually if they see you can surf properly they don't have a problem. I mean as long as you're not snaking or dropping in they can't really say anything to you.

[@Punk510]

As you said when I travel I try and stay out the way. Two things we don't care about. Is you arnd that first word you said .. I

[@jennsurfbruja]

Hmmm ... hot topic you picked for this video ;) Your statement about waves being a commodity I actually think is actually the root of why the idea of localism exists - but not exactly in the way you've explained here. In my experience localism actually comes from seeing nature & the ocean as a commodity that some people do or don't have the right to, when actually, it's more about respect. Most "tips" I hear about how do deal with localism or spots that have a lot of localism really have one big thing in common - underneath it all, it's about having respect for the land, the culture, the ocean, and most of all Mother Nature. You wouldn't go to some stranger's house and start pilfering through their fridge, eating all their food uninvited. It's just bad manners no matter who you are or where you're from. Unfortunately this is the attitude that comes over a lot of people who travel for surf. Remembering that yes, as a guest, you have a right to eat, enjoy your company, but not while disrespecting the home you are visiting. We live in a fast, take-take-take, exploitative culture that is normalized but in total contradiction to the heart of surfing. We often expect because we so little time, that somehow our time is more precious or important than another's. Surfing is a practice of patience, observance, and slowing down. For local people, it's not about, "I was born here therefore I have a right to it", it's that many local surfers have put in a lot of time and energy in studying and observing the ocean of their home breaks. It's not a commodity, it's a relationship - an intimate relationship. If you want to be respected in the lineup, put in the time. If you don't have time, put in even MORE time. Respect isn't a given. It's earned through our actions and how we treat others. There is an added layer in spots that have high consequences, however I'll leave it at that as I've already written a chapter ;) Animo, Jenn

[@kevingleed2928]

Overexposure live in an area for a while and watch it to turn to shit with people who have read the rules and the rest is history chalk another 1 up for social media

[@cornholio69]

I got hit in the face near Keramas by a local. He didn't like me catching waves so he dropped in on me and hit me lol.. And I wasn't dropping in on anyone.. 8^))

[@scottwest2280]

If it's a really populated area bit pointless you could start shit with the wrong guy who well die for protecting his freedom to enjoy life and can fight so be careful.

[@russellcoight1879]

Localism is needed for many reasons incl. safety ala Pipe, crowds, helping local kids get waves, tourists taking over spots ala Bali. The question should be what is the limit of localism and what is going too far ?

[@rasmuszaurins7233]

Localism goes too far when not: Establishing taking turns order with EVERY SURFER, no matter where they are from. Than when someone fails to make their take offs, make them sit out their turn as penalty, when surfer fails to make their take offs at all disquallify from surfing this time. When local meets these demands he can ask other surfers if he is then alowed to take an extra wave for his good regulation of line up. Any other behavior from locals: UNACCEPTABLE!

[@russellcoight1879]

@@rasmuszaurins7233 typically locals enforcing loaclism arent the type to fall

[@DanHarmon123]

Hey Russell! Yeah, that's a good point about helping local kids get waves actually! Yeah I think at the end of the day, it just comes down to that level of respect from both sides, but not everyone has that!!

[@pierswoo76]

Its about safety for everyone in the water, its about respecting the people who grew up/spent years there, its about earning your spot in the line up by putting your time in getting to know people and showing your capable, theres definetly a good way to do it and a bad way but its a very unique aspect to surfing which when done right is a great thing which benefits every one long term - spots without locals are the worst nowerdays with entitled kooks out of control making it unsurfable and crazy dangerous

[@DanHarmon123]

Yep totally agree!!

[@lancejackson3618]

I was going to post a worthwhile comment. But now I’m too scared that an angry local somewhere will take it the wrong way 😬🫣😳🤷‍♂️🤦🏻‍♂️🤣🤣

[@julianrienzner]

Ill never understand people arguing for minutes about getting snaked letting countless good waves go buy and then jump on the next wave with already 3 people on

[@timspare80]

I grew up at Lennox/Ballina...gotta say the point is pretty tribal

[@russellcoight1879]

Glenno makes sure its regulated

[@WesThompsonSurf-ct2xu]

@@russellcoight1879he has mellowed a lot. He is now clever with how he talks to clueless travellers.

[@WesThompsonSurf-ct2xu]

I’ve spoken to guys from the Goldie and they yearn for the days when their points had heirachy. Lennox is the standard.

[@DanHarmon123]

I can imagine!!

[@patfinnegan467]

Do everything you can to foster the brotherhood and sisterhood of surfing. Life is too short and the ocean too wonderful to live any other way.

[@stuartjackiegraymccoy8151]

I know that guy from Panama

[@seandillon933]

Haha same😂

[@lancejackson3618]

He sounds lovely ☺️

[@bryanjackson8917]

Actually, a lot of aggro locals can surf really, really good! At least, that's what a lot of their friends tell them. (lol)

[@TheRustyPlace]

It's sad when tourists understand the true spirit of surfing better than locals.

[@GBLahLah]

Moroccans were real friendly

[@seandillon933]

I reckon I've had the same incident with the same guy, same wave in Panama. I think I asked him the time. Mouth of the bull.

[@DanHarmon123]

Definitely the same guy!!

[@wasabiginger6993]

Be Pono, take a number

[@oregonxyz]

Lots of non locals solves localism. They can only pick on the lone outsider. THey can't puke on everybody.

[@pullitupjamie810]

Surf schools suck.

[@jordyzelaya1459]

Most spots have enforcers, usually a bigger guy. I think it's a good thing. There are rude greedy surfers,with no manners,so they need to felt with.

[@DanHarmon123]

Yeah for sure!! Plenty of that out there...

[@trevorroberts2806]

No one owns the ocean. It’s for everyone to enjoy however know your ability and don’t surf out of your skill level as that is unfair on others. It does spoil surfing abit and I look forward to the day someone says I can’t surf at a spot. They will get dealt with don’t care who you THINK u are.

[@a1b9c2]

I hear ya but that just isn't how the world works. See how far that attitude gets you in Hawaii. And taking on a group of locals when you're in a new spot is going to be a lot of trouble for you.

[@trevorroberts2806]

@@a1b9c2 yeah you are right and like I said know your ability and my ability isn’t Hawaii. And let’s be real about it we all know that Hawaii is the extreme and I get that it becomes dangerous. You say about the attitude but that goes both ways. Locals should also let others surf. It’s the guys who have attitude at these spots that spoils surfing. All I’m saying is if I’m in a situation like that and as long as I’m not surfing beyond my ability the yes I would challenge that attitude. I treat people how I’d like to be treated and that isn’t throwing punches. I’m very capable of handling myself and all I’m getting at is some of these disgusting attitudes is not the way forward. You will be put in your place if you give that attitude. No one wants that me included

[@surftrumpsa30designs31]

I kind of get the frustration of locals when visitors turn up being dicks, and some sort of order in the lineup is required... ...But alienate all potential visitors, and no one will give a fuck when a locals' homebreak is suddenly under threat from a some new marine development or some natural disaster. Good luck rebranding the bullying in order to garner wider support beyond the bubble then.

[@mmcbride1]

I grew up surfing Santa Cruz so I get it. It's much better now. I always think of how these guys are going to look back at their life in the hereafter and perhaps think they may have tried doing things a bit differently.

[@DanHarmon123]

Yeah, it must be horrible to just have such a constant feeling of hate!!

[@rasmuszaurins7233]

@@DanHarmon123 It´s not the feeling of hate, it´s the feeling of DOMINATION. And for those bullies it is NOT HORRIBLE, no. It´s giving them a dopamine kick like cocaine would, or other drugs. This is why there´s no regret at all. Regrets only happen when they don´t have this dominantion dopamine kick, meaning their bullying didn´t work as planned or when getting older their phsicallity dimishes and bullying doesn´t work anymore. Then they would stop this behavior, like every time they bully they get bullied even more as a backlash, but that ´s something that cowards like you don´t understand or would even consider. Guys like you then think i´m smart and retreat, surrender, but the tolerant that submerges to the intolerant enables intolerances to happen. You instead use a passive aggressive technique of "secret spot" to help yourself get more waves than other surfers, even though you are a surf journalist who should proudly publish his findings to the public. SHAME ON YOU.

[@aaronsmith1280]

Its shit like this why surfing will never take off because people or holding it back

[@DanHarmon123]

It's always gonna be niche for sure!!

[@gerardneedham]

What do we do about pro surfers ahahahahah they think they are local everywhere.

[@DanHarmon123]

I guess they just kinda snake and get waves everywhere and usually have friends in the place, so they don't always follow the same rules!

[@gerardneedham]

@@DanHarmon123 I tell them off all the time ahahhahaha,

[@williamhanley7031]

Im just not for surf travel posters. Let people fiqure it out for themselves. Look at bali now because of social media. It like Malibu.

[@krishnaveganathar]

Localism is wrong. The etiquette is the etiquette. I’m a skier and common courtesy is still the protocol. The thought of trying to tell someone they’re a tourist as a slander is just low brow. Not to mention tourism is often the only thing keeping these towns alive and employed. Also surfing should make people happy and teaching others what makes you happy and healthy in this sport is a duty. You have to share! Pass on the knowledge like Dan is doing! Or you can celebrate selfishness, aggression and violence.

[@gavinderbyshire5535]

Morocco surf coach’s are the worst, they push inexperienced surfers into waves even though your up and riding them have a go at you…

[@tuskedbeast]

Along with waves being a finite commodity (as you said), I firmly believe localism exists because, until very recently, modern surfing has been disproportionately practiced by men. Men set a tone of competition and violent conflict. I have mixed feelings about it all. Not a fan of shitty male behavior, but on the other hand, etiquette has been lost to the new crowds... and yeah, etiquette would have been literally pounded into new surfers in times past.

[@cedbea6135]

sadly the surf culture is not even close to skateboarding , i can travel around the globe to a new skatepark and mix in with the locals in seconds , new surf spots are kinda wierd sometimes.

[@kipachi]

To me localism is plain stupidity. I grew up in a very touristy city and wouldn't think of pushing tourists out of a busy sidewalk simply because i was born there or jumping the train queues because i have more right to be there than they do. I just respected them as any normal human beings (and yes even the annoying ones because at the end of the day they bring benefits to the local economy). I love surfing but i resent the attitude that some surfers have.

[@MrTonycapt]

localism to a degree is like a flee saying they own the dog .. its their ocean, "blow ins" must be respectful though. its give and take out there or you miss the whole thing ... ive surfed 52 years.

[@poostanceperformer8581]

I blame youtube influencers. You know da rulz.

[@DanHarmon123]

I wonder if I've made Uluwatu or Canggu more crowded since I started this channel haha...

[@bw8476]

Navigating localism is part of the dance

[@DanHarmon123]

For sure!!

[@williamhanley7031]

Never paddle up to the point at a new place. Never!. Sit on the shoulder for a half hour and show that you are in mind of not getting near the peak.

[@8last0id]

Kook.

[@jgmopar]

Localism is what kept things safe in the lineup. Now you get every person who should not be in the line up right at the peak. Making things dangerous. In the 70's 80's and part of the 90's lots of localism. Even as a kid I was not allowed to surf my own break at the main peak. the older guys would kick your ass. We had to wait for the older guys to be out of the water before we could paddle over. We knew what spots that were heavily localized and had to earn respect and wait in line when we surfed outside our spot. there was a respect we all had for each other and each other's break. If you stepped out of line, you paid for it. and that's just how it was. Most of us were friends from different spots but there was an unwritten law in the water you had to follow. I liked it better when it was like that. Now every kook int the world paddles out get in the way and if you say one word, they threaten police and lawsuits. Surf etiquette is dead, and the line ups are a joke these days and overcrowded. Had my share of get the F*ck out of here you don't live here back in the day A good one was Port Hueneme we got chased out with threat of physical harm. Lick my wounds and move on to a different spot. But those same people got the same back if they showed up at our spot. that spot was tarpitz in Carpinteria. We didn't surf Silverstrand or pierpont and early days Oxnard shores we were not welcome. as they were not welcome at tarpitz.Then there was Montecito and the Cito rats. heavy localism as well so you had to know someone to surf there spots. I would say compared to the way it was in the 80's there is no localism anymore. Frustrated kooks. Thats what I would say about Fort point in San Fransisco. We got harassed in 1984 by complete kooks for surfing there when I was a kid. What is funny is Tarpitz is at a State park. pretty funny it was so localized back in the day. The thing I hated is people that would mess up your car when you were in the water. that is a serious pussy move in my book. They were to scared to say it face to face so they would wax your windows or let air out of your tires.

[@latentsea]

Or flip your car , steal your clothes , slash tires Allegedly

[@jgmopar]

@@latentsea In the late 80's my friends and I were surfing Ventura, Ca near the harbor. The car got broken in and all the clothes got stolen. They didnt take mine. I had dirty cut off dickies and a crappy surf shirt. My friends thought i was in on it since they didn't take my dirty old clothes. never saw a car get flipped over that's nuts. Tires yes

[@latentsea]

Jgmopar, thats funny story. The benefits of a quote unquote dirt bag surfer paid off for you. Living the dream, when Tuesday’s were guaranteed to be mostly peaceful tribal experience.

[@jgmopar]

@@latentsea I didn't do the localism thing. I have always been nice to outsiders. That has paid off for me. I was able to surf a lot of localized breaks. But I did have to respect the locals. I met a lot of people from Competing. So when we had to travel to other cities it was nice to have friends all over to have a place to crash and vice versa. Where I grew like I stated our spot was a State park and it was really localized that i thought was a joke. Trying to localize a spot where tourist frequent all the time.

[@Punk510]

For me for I and I for me. Everything his talking about is himself. You say all the locals are the problem. That's a huge call Ive kicked many of you down before and many more to come. Don't need you bloke keep going don't stop here

[@a1b9c2]

The thing is with this is you don't know who you are messing with. One day it could be a psychopath with a gun in the car who comes out to greet you in the car park. The one fella I knew who caused problems all the time in the line-up loved to get into fights though so maybe some people just don't care.

[@adhdguy8403]

If you don’t have a Hang Loose attitude, you’re not a real surfer.

[@greghart6310]

Always greet the people at the beach you want to surf. If you've never been to beach find out who the local enforcers are and ask permission (before taking your board off the racks!), most decent folks appreciate this approach, if you get bad vibes then it's probably gonna be bad surf session. Possessive localism (telling other people to p-ss off) is bullshit, God made the waves for all of us. Localism where the locals regulate the line up in a fair and reasonable manner is good however. Someone with clout who keeps the visitors from (for eg) dropping in on kids and hogging the line-up can really help to keep the vibe up and positive. The best surfs are with people who accept strangers and all take turns for waves, that way everyone gets waves, no waves get wasted and everyone gets stoked = good vibes.

[@rahawk69]

The spot in New Zealand, were you perchance freedom camping in a van? Because that’s something we’re pretty sick of, people living in their Vans and leaving their trash behind.

[@rasmuszaurins7233]

What about people living in a van NOT leaving their trash behind? Are they OK? Are they welcomed?

[@rahawk69]

@@rasmuszaurins7233 It depends on the spot, and how long you stay there. In some places it has been more of a problem than others over the years.

[@gallivantstravels]

There’s breaks you can’t surf unless you’re paying to stay there. The locals apparently do own the ocean.

[@DanHarmon123]

Yeah, Maldives and Fiji (used to be) and some other spots in Mexico!!

[@timbo365]

It’s racism in a sense.

[@icysurfer1]

F localism.

[@Pseudosurfer]

We grew here. You flew here

[@lukeArmstrong524]

Locals rule..

[@DanHarmon123]

Of course! At least they do at their home break haha...

[@daveevans4260]

ill answer this ,,i grew up on the beach as a grommet , you drop in expect a beating or best you run home to mummy ,you cant just roll up to a spot and think there isn't a pecking order , your staying at a spot go out easy locals see you surf ok your getting a bit of lee-way , best come back i ever heard was a guy saying don't drop in sport ,the guy said the waves are there to share ,,reply , yeah not the same fukin wave though.

[@VictorVectorMusic]

So which one of you 'locals' owns the ocean? You dont even own the house you live at there.

[@pauldyer7077]

More localism is exactly what Socal needs. If you don't live here,don't surf here. Bring back the good old days!👍

[@bubbabigmin]

I live somewhere with gnarly waves, gnarly localism and a long-standing reputation for it. No cameras, no social media, we know what we have and we protect it fiercely because once it's gone it's gone forever. We don't get many tourist surfers as a consequence and we're doing just fine surfing our perfect waves without crowds of adult leaners and comfortable kooks. You have to pay your dues to get a spot in the pecking order. Prove yourself when its serious and respect those who came before you. Everything is too easy these days and people think they are entitled to things they haven't worked for. But come visit, sit on the inside, be polite and you might just get some tasty scraps!

[@Punk510]

Pommys arnt welcome. Go home video boy

[@Punk510]

We don't surf anywhere else... cowboy