Localism #2 Your Views

A while ago we wrote an article about the ever present 'elephant in the room', Localism. We asked you to comment on your experiences and how you think the rules should be changed or even abolished.

Is it necessary? Is there a need? What would it be like without localism? These are your answers to the most perplexing subject in the world of wave catching.

Johnny - Pilot - Durban, South Africa.

I think that localism, like anything, can serve a purpose and even have a positive affect under the correct circumstances and when used in moderation.

Perhaps, it is the manner in which some people behave under the auspice of being a 'local' that should be under the spotlight, rather than the broad and somewhat abstract concept of 'surf localism' as a whole.

I think the heart of the issue here is the concept of respect. A lot of locals demand respect, without realizing that it is earned, both from fellow and non-local surfers alike. It is earned by not being a bully in and out of the water, not being greedy, not being a thief and being able to see others point of view. i.e being a normal functioning member of society both in the water and on dry land.

It perplexes me when otherwise normal people become sociopathic as soon as they have a leg rope around their ankle. It's as if basic human concepts don't apply when surfing their local break, all the while waving the banner of "I surf here, so I can do what I want." Well mate, you're an idiot.

That being said, and somewhat paradoxically: I consider myself to be a local. But every time I surf my fairly crowded home break, or one of the semi secret spots I laughably call 'mine' I try to be the good kind of local: Look after the beach, pick up trash (even if it isn't mine) don't take every wave, greet people, smile a lot, don't take everything so seriously, have fun, (to name a few concepts that seem to come easier to me the older I get. Tell you something; I get more than enough waves to keep me satisfied.

Rens Koolen - Surf School Owner - Netherlands

Local priority how should it work? Difficult stuff. Guess the surfer that knows the spot best is going to be in the best position more often as the "tourists". It only becomes a problem when it's too crowded. At this point the real local will find another place to surf.

Keeping secret secret.

DON'T TAKE YOUR FRIENDS! as they will take theirs... and so on.

Surf it alone and ask anybody you see there to do the same. Should work for a few weeks.

What is local?

When you know the spot in any mood it can have. Give say a 100 sessions should give you an idea of how stuff works. Then it helps to live nearby, but you def have to speak the local language.

Valid reasons to take it too the beach!

Loud, colorful wetsuits that hurt my eyes

Uli - Surf Camp Owner - Vieux Boucau, France

Local Priority – how should it work? why local priority? there should not be such a thing, but also you can not just show up and act like it’s your place. It’s nobody's place and you can not, should not go for waves you can’t handle, paddle for some then pull back or just not make it and then think when you finally mange the drop that no one is in front of you because NOW YOU have priority. You’ve lost it like you would have lost it in competition and the whole priority thing is to ensure the maximum fun and minimum frustration for everyone in the water. But there are a lot of locals ,or so called locals, that think that they rule, or those who the should rule. They are even worse, and they should also learn or know that respect is not a one way street, it goes in both directions,  give respect to gain respect.  Communicate and share in good way

Secret Spots – How to keep them secret? Is it possible? in times of social media and surf travel guides ? if you think so then just do not post your pics and hero stories. Can you handle that, then all good, if not, do not complain

What makes a Local? – This is my favorite. Somebody, anybody that surfs a spot on regular basis. He will, anyway at least when he is not an asshole, be respectedm especially on bigger days.  But most arguments are strangely in fun size or micro waves when people are trying to polish their egos. I find that often the "real“ locals are much cooler than the self announced or those who think the should get respect but only have poor abilities.

Valid reasons to to take it to the beach - are their reasons ok if someone was willingly accepting somebody getting hurt or suffering or damaging his board only because one was not taking care for rules or neglecting common sense but what then? fist fighting, riots, flat tires or take it to court, which I think, all of them sound ridiculous to me I suggest once again communicate and not fighting.

Jane Gisin, Business Consultant - Durham, UK

Although I am certainly not a regular or good surfer I rarely came across really bad localism. Maybe I chose good spots or maybe because I am not very aggressive in the water (I mean we do it for fun no?) Or maybe because I am a girl. But let's try to answer...

Local priority: usually it's clear who should have priority, but misunderstandings can happen. When I paddle out it is obvious who is local and who not. Say hi, respect people and the 'queuing', apologise if something goes wrong with a nice smile. Locals are often super useful in telling you about the spot and the region. If you respect them, their spot and the rules I seldom get into trouble and sometimes get taken to explore 'secret' spots... :)

Secret spots: nature is to enjoy and share, although sometimes I wish certain peaks would be forbidden for tourists too ;)

What makes a local: knowing the spot, the people and being a decent human being. Localism is like nationalism - an artificial construction based on mere coincidence of living there.

Taking it to the beach: for me, a situation that exacerbates to this, defeats the purpose of surfing. Your not winning anything by punching someone...

**SB:**These are all people saying similar things but from different angles. Below is a piece from the New York Times on the 'Localism' on the North Shore for a different perspective.

Perhaps we can look at all the points of view, all the interesting theories and hypotheses and condense them into one helpful and more memorable cat phrase which would be this:  'Don't be a Twat'.

If you think there is more to say on this then drop us a line in the comments below.