surfing crowded line ups

[Huntingtonsurf80]

This may seem like a stupid question, but I currently surf huntington beach pier almost everymorning before work around 6:30am - 8:00am and regardless how early this may be, the line up still tends to get fairly crowded. It seems like no one out there tends to follow the " traffic rules" when surfing. How do you guys surf crowded line ups? What i've been doing now is rather than be more on the inside with the shortboarders, I tend to go a little more outside closer to the longboards so when a set rolls in, I'm closer to the wave and can claim waive, ( well unless, like a majority of the time, a longboarder takes the wave first). how do you guys take off on a wave, when so many others drop in on the same wave? I've resorted to surfing the smaller waves more inside, which tend to close out faster. I guess that can be a good thing because it allows you to catch more waves and work on technique which is much harder on smaller waves.

[paulee74]

Here in Jersey the line up can be crowded, I tend to do the same as you and sacrifice quality for quantity and move further outside. At least you know the waves are yours and thats worth more to me! I am longboarder though so can probably get more out of lesser surf....

[isaluteyou]

In ultra crowded situation i sit with the longboarders and just paddle earlier and harder and with concentrated look making sure its unmistakable iam going for the wave. Usually this signifies that im commiting to the wave and most people get out my way. People will still attempt to drop in but after a few waves into the session they generally get the idea.

The only way you are going to get a decent ride in crowded situations is to surf aggresiverly - not meaning that you are gonna be a complete flesher but rather you are telling everyone around that you cant be pushed about.

Im usually a mellow surfer but if its crowded or the takeoff zone is critical im not budging an inch if i have position. And if anyone else has position i make sure im not in their way.

[surfernoob]

i surfed huntington this morning off the magnolia side and the weekend crowd was out with quite a bit of people, and i saw two guys almost get into a fight over some waves that were closing out, it was really lame. never seen that before in my few months of surfing.

when it gets crowded i just tend to paddle down and find the next break where theres less people, or just wait for the following waves in a set after most others have taken the first couple. i surf hb state beaches a lot so its really miles and miles of breaks. annual state beaches parking permits are great btw.

[ANZAC]

Surf hard and hit the lip right near them when their paddling in on the shoulder.
If the surf is crap, I wouldn't be too fussed. Go the shorie or maybee its a good time to improve your hassle skills.
As you get beeter, you will find you get more waves.

[IDynamite]

Just gotta pick your spots, eventually a wave will come. Also when a set is coming try to gage which wave everyone else is going for and take one of the other waves that less paddle for. Its pretty frustrating when all the older locals hustle everyone for waves but if you pay your dues you'll be gain their status one day.