I think surfing might be one of the most hostile sports out there. I don’t mean to hate, I understand why people get protective of their spots and get upset when someone steals their waves, but in how many sports would see someone literally pull a board out from under someone else, like in the clip below?
This clip was shot by Brad Jacobson, who’s YouTube channel is full of videos highlighting the insanity at different popular beaches (Malibu seems to be the most common location). Dig through his channel, watch all his videos. Many of them are very funny.
I’m not a surfer, so I can’t comment much on the etiquette in this moment. But the comments seem to favor criticizing the surfer that yanked the board away from the other surfer. The wave wasn’t very big, and, as the comments point out, it looked best for beginners. In their mind, the guy was just being rude for no reason and could have handled that much better. Plus the wave died immediately after, so it seems like trouble for no reason.
Surfing Etiquette according to the City of Del Mar
- Observe Right of Way
- Don’t Drop In
- Don’t Snake
- Don’t Hog the Waves
- Do Apologize
- Respect the Locals
- Learn the Right Way to Paddle Out
- Surf Spots that Suit your Ability
- Help other Surfers
- Respect the Beach
Read more on surfing etiquette here.