I rode with the rider in a fun evening Crescent session. I overheard what happened earlier in WR and interjected that he better brace for blowback from the local community. He seemed genuinely surprised and I explained some of the issues involved. He was polite and sympathetic with me and has apologized on other forums.
Some observations/questions from over the last week from my wife (teaches sup and yoga in WR) and I:
Reaction has been mostly positive to the photos and videos, including news coverage.
People are assuming it was not a local, they know no resident would damage, or risk the perception of damage to our much treasured, recently repaired, 106yr old local landmark or its users.
In some cases, I have to defend "tap" vs "grind", that no was damage done and skill/ control of the rider was high.
The fundraiser for the pier to "jump the gap" was denied due to risk, but this is allowed?
We have to politely listen to suggestions on how our watersport community could police itself.
As an isolated event, hopefully the only damage is to our local spot's WOO record. 18M!! The Gaul!!