HOW TO : surf a new spot !!!

Summers a comin’ and there are lots of you who are starting to think about Surf Trippin ! It’s a great time to discover waves that are better than what you have at home.
Surfing the unknown is exciting, but it can be difficult and in some cases dangerous. Here’s some helpful hints to help you avoid getting raked over the coals ! 1) First Rule, don’t leave home without your head screwed on 😉 !
Arriving hot to trot, jumping in the water without reflecting, screaming like a child, yes it’s funny, but not for others. 2) Impose yourself with your skill level.
The trick is to find the right dose between being discreet and getting eaten alive. It’s often times an intimidation game of those surrounding you to keep you from getting as few waves as possible.
Not sticking the first few waves you take is a bad sign. Who do you think will keep letting you catch waves if you waste them…. So, get concentrated, play your hand at division by picking off the ones that are good for you, and Surf them cleanly.
It is often times the Spot itself that will define your skill level. If you can’t catch anything you’re surely on to complicated a Spot. Is it worth the struggle to continue or go find something that better suits you ? 3) Respect the Rules to the letter.
Ok, Bryan doesn’t seem to like your face. Don’t give him any real reason to detest you. Priority is the rule of law in Surfing. Don’t be surprised if they throw rocks at you if you’re acting the fool. Back to rule one, think and reflect ;-).
By respecting the rules you might take less waves, but receive more respect from others. And at the time of asking for a favor, you won’t be denied.
Keep in mind : “Oh I didn’t see you, I’m not familiar with that rule, etc,etc,etc….” is only digging yourself deeper into the sad clown excuse hole. And smiling naively doesn’t help you either ;).
WE all make mistakes : recognize them, say your sorry, and don’t repeat them. That way it all moves forward, and if it doesn’t then it will be the other party at fault.
Make note that within the rules there are those that are also un-official ones. Just because it isn’t written down that it’s not important. The first is thou shall not waste. You may have priority but the other guy is better placed : tell him to go, he should give you the next one. Think of those around you, be sure everyone is catching waves, even if skill level is dictating. 4) Train at home.
If you’re burned out after 30 minutes, it is kinda sad. If you travelled half the world just to be on this wave, and it travelled half the ocean to break just for you you’ll be on the beach crying into your Coconut Daiquiri !
Paddle, paddle, paddle. Being in shape is fundamental. 5) You don’t hunt wild Boar with a pellet gun.
New wave, new Ocean maybe : it may be complicated with your everyday Board. So take the time to hone your quiver for the trip : Boards for real waves, and Boards plural because you may even break one, Leashes, Fins etc.. Don’t empty the local Shop but be well geared up. 6) Adjust the Thermostat.
You going somewhere hot or cold ? That means sun cream or booties. Get burned or freeze the nuggets, it can put the trip on a bad trip. Organize yourself ready to save the trip if it all goes south. 7) The local is always right, let them be.
You often hear “talk with the locals, smile and be friendly”… etc.
If you follow rules 1, 2 ,3 , 4, 5 & 6 it will be normal that you run into some friendly Bros, and greet each other, even have a beer and find something in common.
But don’t try to have the last word with hardheads. Localism is the foundation for racism. Can you reason with a racist ? Say hello and think he forgot about your color ? Seems like a Cinderella Story…
So be yourself, walk tall like I may not be a Local from here but I’m a veracious human. Don’t get involved in their submission top ape game. Some speak of peaceful resistance, some say some battles aren’t worth fighting. In any case, looking for acceptance from a coke head in a tank top won’t help you get any further in life.
Peace, Love and Respect the Rules. Advisor : Patrice Guénolé et GONG Surfboards. Source : GONG SUP and Surf, we share that we know.