Miserable waves!

[Bwgan]

Hi guys,

I'm going to stick my neck out here and I'm sorry if it offends some people, although it doesn't apply to everyone so here goes...............

I have come from a kitesurfing background where everyone talks to everyone, as you going out you'll ask people how they got on, what conditions were like, point out hazards to new guys, GIVE advice to new guys etc. I have been surfing since Feb this year, and I cannot belive how miserable the majority of the guys are. I have spoken to a few guys out there and they seem to be of a similar standard to myself. But I find it so pathetic sat in the line up and not one person is speaking unless its their buddy. I'm not asking for a mothers meeting!!!! Walking to/from the beach not a word. Getting changed, not a word. Had a chat to a mate of mine who body boards and he said that body boarders will talk to each other, and I have noticed that. Whether this is a localism thing or an English/Welsh thing I have no idea. Does anybody have any views on this, or have I offended anybody?!?

[GowerCharger]

I often go for a surf when i finish work, and as i work odd hours that means i often surf alone, but i nearly always talk to people in the line up if theres a lull in the surf, whether they are people i know or just randoms. At the higher standard spots there tends to be less chatting going on because people are more concentrated on whats going on and you dont want to be chatting away and miss a good set.
I dunno about talking while getting changed cos i drive down in my wetsuit and when i come out i just throw the board in the car and drive home to get changed in my nice warm house

[el_timmo]

yeah i know what you mean mate. I come from a windsurfing background, where when you're going past someone, even if you're maxed out, you usually acknowledge someone else on the water. And before you go in, you have a chat to the closest windsurfer about the conditions, what he's rigged, and what Carl's grandmother's gardener has rigged up, etc.

Surfers in England tend to prefer to get to the beach, and not say a word to anyone in my experience (although I have met a few who were nice). Then when you get to the lineup, you flash a smile at someone as if to say "Hi", and they just glare at you. And funnily enough, the nicest I've seen English surfers is when I've either got in their way, or they've got in mine. Then I start to apologise, then they apologise, then we just say it doesn't matter and smile and then go off again.

Just thought I'd add my two cents.

Oh and here's something else.

[FormosanSurfer]

Probably depends mostly on where you are. I find that crowded breaks are not too friendly unless you are a local and know the people in lineup. Otherwise, you are just another face stealing what tehy consider "their" waves.

[kitesurfer]

Bgwan, you are right with what you say. But personally i like to be out in the waves and not have to make an effort to chat with people. Obviously i say hi to people who talk to me but i'm out there to surf and the only thing i'm interested in are the waves.
Also the big difference with kitesurfing is there is alot going on in the launch and landing areas and because of the inherent risk people do look out for each other much more, catching each others kites etc forces interaction and friendliness/helping out. Also there is no competing for the wind, there is always enough wind to go around, unfortunately the same can't be said for waves. So whether you like it or not competing for waves is a part of surfing and people don't always talk to there competitiors.
But i here what your saying about not talking on the beach and in the car park, but i find that depends upon where you are. If you're at a very popular break where you get lots of people going to then you are less likely to strike up a conversation then if say you pulled up at some remote reef break in ireland where they're were only a couple of surfers, then i'm sure you'll find them to be most helpful.
Don't get too disheartened cause it don't matter if the waves are good.

KS

[pat42]

Ever since I started surfing, I've never had a local break, so as a travelling surfer, I've always made a point to be friendly (but not too friendly) and acknowledge other surfers when i get in the water.

Just a nod or hi, or hola, or bonjour, or pagi.......

I think if you rock up at a spot thats full of locals, they're going to be wary of you or just downright rude.
I cant say I've ever experienced anything like that.....or I'm completely oblivious

If someone strikes up a conversation, I'll gladly talk, but if you're in big waves, you've got to be concentrating on what's going on but many times I've been yaccking away and missed a cleanup set and gotten mashed

I think also a lot of people sat in the lineup are just escaping their everyday problems and are just having thinking time and maybe dont want to talk

[Bwgan]

Fair enough, just totally different to kite surfing. I do and will continue to acknowledge people, but won't go and take any knitting with me expecting to have a good old chat whilst in between the sets!

Bwgan

[PapaW]

Majority of stand-ups = Image mongers..... say no more.