I just watched a piece on a surfing channel over here, about surfing under the Golden Gate bridge (is this Pales Verdes- I’m not too sure)? Apart from seeing a really tasty break that looks, real dangerous, and some pretty hot surfing, I saw the most appalling glorified localism I’ve ever seen. I know, it’s really bad to talk about subjects like this on here, and I’m sorry in advance. But, I listened to a group of grown men who called themselves the ‘Four Point Gang’ who fiercely defend their spot. By, defend they said that they allegedly break the fins off peoples boards, hassle them, and if your not careful a whole lot worse. All, because they believe they own the sea? The spot? It’s there god given right? And screw anybody else who dare get in the water. Please tell me that surfing out in your wonderful country, is not like this everywhere? I thought surfing was about freedom, respect for the sea and your mates and having fun? I thought surfing was about catching waves, not fighting? What do you guys think about it?? Regards Peaman
P: Its everywhere here in Cali, but not in the places that you’d expect…Fort Point (the spot under the GG Bridge) is only one of probably 50 spots where violent localism occurs (Palos Verde is another but its in Los Angeles). I’d tell you where the rest are but then I’d have to kill you…Actually they are usually off the beaten path, long walks away from your car so the the perps can skulk around and cut tires etc. They usually have a very narrow take off zone so the pack can run off the visitors. And usually they have been hotbeds of localism since the redwood days. The last common denominator is that the waves are pretty darn good. You’ll never run into any problems at beach breaks and even some point breaks (Rincon and Malibu are so over run that the locals lost their grip 30 years ago). It’s a shame and infantile but it’s also human nature…If you’re ever in San Diego, look me up and I’ll sneak you into a couple… Newbs
hey Peaman- regarding your maldives trip: are you from England?Also, when are you going? I ask cause a friend is going in a couple of weeks with his brother in law and some of his friends, who are from England.thought maybe you might be part of that crew-small world if so.Regardless have fun.I don’t think you’ll have to worry too much about localism there(at least not yet…)
I agree with Newbs on his assessment. I live in the Santa Barbara area and localism is not common, except for Rincon. Doesn’t matter where I surf, I just get in the water and put the localism out of my mind and enjoy myself. I just concentrate on surfing and catching waves no matter how crowded it is.
The surf is for all who dare to challenge it. I’ve never really experienced localism at the spots I surf; SanO’, Huntington, Bolsa Chica, Seal Beach. Maybe because there are usually many takeoff peaks (except for Seal.) Sometimes the heat is turned on when it gets crowded. Most guys just get in line and eventually get their turn. Of course, if the guy who finally gets his turn pearls and wipes, he may not get another chance for a while. Your first wave in a crowded spot will make or break you!
Cheers guys for that, I suppose you’re right. Hey, what are guys riding at the moment or shaping??? Kindest regards Peaman
fort point is federal property.i was told me some of these guys got into serious trouble and got banished from the break and acess.
Localism sucks. I hope whoever participates in localism recieves their karma more sooner than later.
They are only dirtbags who don’t have they’re shit together to travel! If they want to “localize” their spot then thats easy enough THEY SHOULD NEVER SURF ANYWHERE ELSE!!!
Isn’t that a quote from Jim Banks?
I may be wrong but I beleive it is from Owl Chapman, nontheless it still holds true!