Tony360,
I agree that the SUPers have a wave catching advantage, and that's why I don't surf much anymore...because I can catch many, many more waves in a day SUPing than I used to be able to while surfing. That's not because I'm a wave hog, it's because I can be out on the water for a whole day when I SUP. When I surf, I only last a couple of hours max because I get tired..then I'm toast. When I SUP, I can also ride the junky waves. When I paddle back out after a wave, I can get back to the outside faster. This all means more rides = more fun
.
In terms of the SUPer with the bad etiquette....that's horrible. I hope while people were griping about him someone actually took the time to talk to him (in a pleasant manner) to explain to him what he was doing was out of line. SUPing is growing like wildfire, and unfortunately some SUPers don't know a thing about surf etiquette because they are new on the scene..just like we all were at one time. Sure they should learn, but it's also our responsibility as surfers and other SUPers to educate the newbies. Newbies aren't just the SUPers...it's also all the new surfers. Not all SUPers are like the one you described, so it's not fair to make a general comment about SUPers based on your experience with one SUPer. The SUPers I know are aware of the rules and respect all others on the water. The same goes for all people out there in the waves. Etiquette is etiquette whether it is a surfer, a SUPer, a windsurfer, a kiteboarder or a kayaker. Just because surfing is older than SUPing (and this is arguable) it doesn't give surfers more rights. WE ALL HAVE THE SAME RIGHTS.
In my experience I've seen a lot of different scenarios brew in the line up between SUPers and surfers. Seeing it from both sides (while I'm out surfing or SUPing) I can honestly say there is WAY more poor etiquette displayed by surfers to SUPers than SUPers to surfers.
I've paddled out at Sombrio on a beauty day and warmed up on "Chickens" then paddled out to "Firsts" to hit the big A frame. There were about 10 guys in the line up..shoulder to shoulder and before I could even get close two of them were telling me to F-off. So, just an extreme example of poor etiquette.
Another time I was at Jordan River and the conditions were terrible, but I was having a blast trying to make the first section on the point break right hander. I was the ONLY ONE ON THE WATER. A lady who was about 60 years old put on her wetsuit and paddled out to tell me I couldn't SUP on that wave.
She said it was a surfing only wave and I had to leave. Unbelievable. I could ramble on and on, but I won't. All I'll say is this....1) SUPing is here to stay, so everyone needs to accept that and learn how to play nice together
. 2) Don't assume because a SUPer is paddling out into the break that they are dangerous and uneducated when it comes to wave etiquette. Let them take a wave, give them some respect and see how it pans out. 3) If a surfer or SUPer clearly doesn't know the etiquette rules, take the time to give them some pointers. 4) We are all out there for the same reason, so let's have fun together and not ruin each others session. 5) SUPers, learn the rules of the road before you paddle out into a surf break.
The great thing about Jordan River and Sombrio is there are so many different breaks so everyone can spread out when it gets really busy. Another great thing about SUPing is you can easily paddle up the coast and discover your own private wave break with lots of space.
I can't wait to get back out there this weekend! Forecast is looking Goooooooood!
Hey Slappy,
There's an unwritten rule at JR that you shouldn't film the surf. Kinda nuts in my opinion. The locals feel that JR is a "secret" and they would rather not have it advertised by people posting up on the net.
Post up if you'll be joining. It should be a warm weekend so camping should be great.
