What to do in a crowded lineup?

[yumyumyellow]

As others have mentioned, it sounds like the root of the problem at your spot is that proper etiquette is not practiced by most. This is a problem at a lot of spots, especially in the warmer months when there's more learners and beginners. But it's not just beginners either. Many times, more advanced surfers believe they have more of a right to the wave than others, and that's even more wrong than a clueless learner IMO.

Unfortunately many surfers have just come to accept this as normal. Not me. People drop in and snake because 99% of the time no one will call them out on it. I will, though. 100% of the time if they burn me. I am not a tough guy or enforcer by any means but if you burn me you will hear about it from me. Young or old, beginner or expert I don't care. If more people called people out, maybe there would be less of it going on.

[Tudeo]

I like that wave a lot but HATE the crowds there

Ditto.

Sorry to hear u got hurt, good it is not too serious. Could have been a lot worse.

I had a fun session with small righthanders in the East coast today, just me and a Japanese guy

[yumyumyellow]

I should also add, as other people alluded to as well, that if you are blowing waves or paddling for waves and not catching them, people will drop in on you and in that case I can't really blame them either. So, don't be afraid to be picky but also don't be afraid to jockey for position and if you decide to go for it make sure you have right of way, make sure you're going to catch it, and make sure you're going to make it.

[oldmansurfer]

Well.....surfing is a lot more relaxing for me but I typically surf waves no one else wants. It's peaceful and relaxing and once in a while a good wave comes by, if I am in the right place I catch it if not then maybe next time. Man!!! I feel for you all having to battle the crowds. I only get 30 minutes to surf so I look for places that I can catch waves during that time so even if there is a crowd I look for a peak that is open or has less surfers.

[Big H]

It's part of life here....was on the peak that same day and there was only one other guy all the way out back with me and he STILL tried to backpaddle me 3 times until I let it go then faded the drop cutting him off in full paddle. Didn't happen again but I mean c'mon.....ONE other guy.....the rest if the zoo were catching inside....ONE other guy and I have to battle.....

[drowningbitbybit]

.surfing is a lot more relaxing for me but I typically surf waves no one else wants. It's peaceful and relaxing and once in a while a good wave comes by

I'm with you on this one OMS. The Gold Coast is notoriously crowded (where's that picture of Snapper from earlier this year?), but - and this makes all the difference - only at the points. Almost always, I can find a stretch of beach and surf on my own or with just a few locals who'll play fair.

I've even got what I think of as my 'secret spot' - despite the fact that it couldn't be any less secret... in plain view and underneath the flight path of the GC airport
But I usually surf there on my own - it's probably the worst wave on the GC... but I've got it all to myself

[Big H]

even when you are angry you are considerate, could have punched fin or two out or thrown the board to shore ( which wouldn't have worked, legrope)
the lethal chucked board.

Mama did a good job.....still have never hit anyone who didn't hit me first.....good way to lose teeth I guess but in my book idiocy does not deserve an assault.....

[jaffa1949]

The more disturbed I am by the carry on around me by clueless or aggro crowds the more I wish to be elsewhere!.
Angry certainly doesn't equate to pleasure for me.
I will call people on behaviour but if if is ignored or escalated then I rather not be there!
A short story;
I'm surfing at my home break with two sons and a 12 year old grandson.
Moderate crowd, guy drops in on me being potty mouth about old fat #%$^^&&*s on longboards so I spoke to him after drive a big turn up at him as he went to drop in.
He is paddling back next to my eldest ( who rides a kneeboard and is 6'4" and built) drop in complains to eldest again about #%$^^&& on longboards.
Eldest says "that #%$^^&& is my father and a multiple black belt, if he doesn't win the fight I will" .
Second son of similar height but rake thin paddles past and says " I'll smack you out after that"
Grandson paddles past and says, and "I'll sweep up the crumbs".
Crew on break have major lol moment
Drop in leaves slightly confused.

No violence no injury except to his pride.
FIXED

[Big H]

Funny story....but then again not so funny should Mr. Drop in have been with friends and you were alone.....he'd have that same attitude plus a coward's courage......could have spoiled your day rather than ended as a funny story.....

Looking like the guy not to be f#$%ed with has gotten me through many situations to date without so much as having to do anything more than raise an eyebrow......I imagine that will change one day as I get on in years and then I'll have to find a quieter break or make sure I travel with my progeny (which at this point are two lovely daughters who in 15 years I expect will be even more adept at stopping men in their tracks than strapping sons would be..... )


....

[jaffa1949]

Looming for uncle Jaffa the older slower gunfighter syndrome
Seriously the major technique I practice is avoidance, I can but never have the wish to fight.

Once it gets to even the level of heated yelling there is no enjoyment , why be there!

[beachbumuk]

Big H, you are making my looming trip to Canggu sound less and less appealing lol Though I am sure It will be fine!

Manly Beach, Sydney...Currumbin, GC and Granite Bay, Noosa are the most packed I've surfed and I have found that it still happens to be better than the cold water of North Devon.

I avoid anger wherever I can, I am there to relax not get wound up by others who nature should have killed off a long time ago.

I'll take the smaller ones, I'll find a quieter spot down the beach and if its all still aggro, I will leave.
BUT I will hold my position, I will paddle for a wave and I will take it if its mine to be taken. My BIGGEST gripe on Point Breaks are the little groms that paddle up the inside and take every wave available knowing their dads their to back them up if someone gets arsey!

[Big H]

You'll be fine....from Seminyak to Pererenan it is pretty much the same beach and lots of space.....just be ready for the scene on a small swell at batu bolong....

[Surf Hound]

Upon the first set or two of any surf session I always offer up any wave two of us may be scatchin' for.... I tend to be over generous and say "go ahead, I'll get the next one". I may miss a good set wave or two in the first 15 minutes but it seems after I do this I get rewarded with guys offering up waves the next set. I try to take the "The Duke's" philosophy of letting the next guy have the wave. But understand...... the idea behind this is I would rather sacrifice a wave or two to be offered up no hassle the next time. Most of the time it works out for me. Sometimes if there are a bunch of teenagers surfing together it does not work but who really wants to surf around a few 14-17 year old kids anyway. lol Nothing better than a set wave coming and the guys next to me say "it's yours - go ahead". It's funny how that works cause if someone lets me go on the 1st wave we are competing for then in the back of my mind I am thinking I owe that guy a wave (that guys/gal is working me then .lol) . So being generous works for me most of the time.

[jaffa1949]

Good sharing Hound works nicely and can build a great vibe. I mostly do that unless disturbed by frothing but then I would rather be elsewhere with a good vibe.
The Duke had it right

[kookpointoh]

Luckily there is a break in South Orange County where 4 surfers can share a single wave. I know it can get frustrating, but usually where I surf at RAT beach in PV if we just caught a set wave, and noticed other surfers missed out, we take the next one off, most likely since we are tired.
But sometimes if I yield and the surfer I yield to pulls out of the wave, that is even more frustrating.