Above all… Be Respectful
Respect the beach (always leave it cleaner than you found it), Respect others around you (surfers, swimmers, or just beach goers), Respect your equipment (surfboard, sup, skimboard, or bodyboard), and above all Respect the ocean. Showing respect will go a long way getting you in with local surfers, but let’s break it down. It’s always a good idea to learn about a local break before charging out blindly and hoping it’s a good spot, ask at the local surf shop, or local surfers on the beach… and remember, you learn by listening to what others have to share. If you are new to an area, ask about the tides, sandbars, NO surf zones, and where the locals like to surf. After you feel you’re filled in, check the surf report (local one if possible), and see what the local seen is like. Most breaks in our area are inclusive, and you would have to be a real ars to get run off, but many spots are not this. Take time, observe, ask questions, before you charge out there.
Ok, you’ve learned the ins and outs, the spots to surf & not to surf… You’ve done your due diligence and are ready to get wet. Again, be respectful, don’t paddle out in the middle of a pack of surfers… start from the side and work your way in, observing the entire time… See what surfers may be at your level of expertise and try to surf in that area. Know the rules of the waves… The surfer closest to the wave peak has priority… often our waves have multiple peaks, and if feel you catching a wave will interfere with someone ride, it’s often better to catch the next wave… particularly if you’re not confident of you pull out (exit) strategy. Respect others and keep yourself & others safe. I’m asked almost daily about sharks here at Ocean Isle, but probably 9 out of 10 surfers that get injured are hit by their own board or someone else’s board. Have a good leash, try to inspect that leash before each paddle out (for signs of wear or any cuts or nicks in the cord) … I like to replace my personal leash about every 2 years… Salt water and sun will work on the materials used to build a leash and even the best leashes are only warrantied for 12 months.
Few things to do to make everyone’s session more enjoyable… share the waves, let your fellow surfers know when they score a good one (everyone loves a compliment) … and on the way off the beach, grab a piece of trash as your exiting and stick it in the can… people respect this and it makes you look, and hopefully feel better. If you have any additional questions on surf etiquette, or just where to surf at Ocean Isle... Swing by and talk to us at Scooter's Surf Garage.
I hope your next session is a good one!
Respect the beach (always leave it cleaner than you found it), Respect others around you (surfers, swimmers, or just beach goers), Respect your equipment (surfboard, sup, skimboard, or bodyboard), and above all Respect the ocean. Showing respect will go a long way getting you in with local surfers, but let’s break it down. It’s always a good idea to learn about a local break before charging out blindly and hoping it’s a good spot, ask at the local surf shop, or local surfers on the beach… and remember, you learn by listening to what others have to share. If you are new to an area, ask about the tides, sandbars, NO surf zones, and where the locals like to surf. After you feel you’re filled in, check the surf report (local one if possible), and see what the local seen is like. Most breaks in our area are inclusive, and you would have to be a real ars to get run off, but many spots are not this. Take time, observe, ask questions, before you charge out there.
Ok, you’ve learned the ins and outs, the spots to surf & not to surf… You’ve done your due diligence and are ready to get wet. Again, be respectful, don’t paddle out in the middle of a pack of surfers… start from the side and work your way in, observing the entire time… See what surfers may be at your level of expertise and try to surf in that area. Know the rules of the waves… The surfer closest to the wave peak has priority… often our waves have multiple peaks, and if feel you catching a wave will interfere with someone ride, it’s often better to catch the next wave… particularly if you’re not confident of you pull out (exit) strategy. Respect others and keep yourself & others safe. I’m asked almost daily about sharks here at Ocean Isle, but probably 9 out of 10 surfers that get injured are hit by their own board or someone else’s board. Have a good leash, try to inspect that leash before each paddle out (for signs of wear or any cuts or nicks in the cord) … I like to replace my personal leash about every 2 years… Salt water and sun will work on the materials used to build a leash and even the best leashes are only warrantied for 12 months.
Few things to do to make everyone’s session more enjoyable… share the waves, let your fellow surfers know when they score a good one (everyone loves a compliment) … and on the way off the beach, grab a piece of trash as your exiting and stick it in the can… people respect this and it makes you look, and hopefully feel better. If you have any additional questions on surf etiquette, or just where to surf at Ocean Isle... Swing by and talk to us at Scooter's Surf Garage.
I hope your next session is a good one!