This is not inadvertent or unusual in business:
"interesting position that the bodies and companies that supposedly should represent and appeal to surfers seem to be now inadvertently working against the interests of their core constituents by continuing to sell a utopian vision of surfing to the masses to encourage its uptake."

There is a predatory / prey dimension to capitalism.

At its extreme think of gambling businesses exploiting punters (with the most cynical line ever "bet with mates!" - aka help your mates lose).

But now we have more than just the corporate angle, we have the micro capitalism multiplier of social media, vloggers and influencers plus the bigger pool of potential participation due to immigration, "work" from home and flexible work arrangements, van lifers, boomer retirees, participation spread from 5 to 85 age groups of the many genders and better equipment.

But I like to blame Ziff and Elo most of all. Easy satisfying targets.

Warm water (probably all) point breaks are doomed. Crowds are self limiting as most people give up (a massive churn due to very poor reward / pain ratio) to an extent but the recent superbank crowds suggest that this limit is stratospherically high.

Crappy and random empty beachbreaks beckon. Lots of those.

This probably isn't the place to suggest this....but remember when surfboards needed to be licensed? Perhaps its time that local councils with very popular surf breaks bring in a licensing system...perhaps something akin to a fishing license. Ok ok...if you live in the local council area perhaps rate payers get a free license per household and everyone else needs to pay. Hey super popular high quality surf breaks are a limited resource with seemingly unlimited demand which seems a perfect place to introduce a fee system. The fees could be used to police the system and maybe even to research and build more waves. I'm a bit scared to post this in case I get cancelled but that's modern times for you. Cancel away

Yeah and those fucking websites with really accurate forecasts and surfcams that make it all so easy...no wait... what?... oops.

At 67 and still surfing occasionally, 60 years on, I have, like Dan, watched this unfold. Surfing was always going to get more popular, but its near-exponential growth surprised many of us. The sea-change phenom contributed a lot, as did flexibility in work and lots of rich kids, many sponsored by business or the bank of mum and dad (check out the number of young crew driving jetskis on weekdays). Corporate profit, and their wall-to-wall propaganda in surf- and other media is a big part of it of course. Those companies have made billions off the backs of millions of 'look at me' I'm a surfer too crew (I seem to recall Monty Weber writing an article in Tracks many years ago about this). As has so-called professionalism and surfing's shiny clean image, with potential for careers as surf-stars (how many crew are on the various tiers of WCT? - thousands, with overly pushy parents grooming their kids to be the next GOAT. Surf schools have done their bit too.
What to do?
More surf ranches needing significant energy and infrastructure to spread the crowds?
Spotlights for night surfing?
Passes to limit access - could work at places like Noosa National Park, where access is via QLD government property, but not most places and unlikely to go down well with the masses. Noosa is a classic case in point, with gridlock and anger from well before dawn on the roads feeding the fabled points.
Move to a less popular destination - my solution 14 years ago - worked for a decade and there were times when I was surfing 8' running lefts by myself, wishing someone would turn up! But then the word got out, and our quiet little village rapidly, over just a couple of years, converted into a version of Byron Bay, with recent imports from the big smokes nationally and a major influx of internationals from as far afield as UK, Japan and Brazil, as the publicity machine (much of it orchestrated by locals) took its inevitable toll. House prices doubled, then doubled again, not only because of surfer interest. Can't blame 'em - I did the same thing! But now there are growing incidents of surf rage and the new 'locals' are often the cause. Given how it is now, I am not even sure if I'd take it up, and perhaps that may gradually ease crowding, albeit at an intense level.

Man, surfing on the east cost looks so much different to surfing in SA....I can't see one shark in that photo.

It is the MMMOOSSs.

Its the need to make money off of surfing that is the crux. Everyone wants a bit of the action. The more punters the more action. Turbo fins, wax combs, after surf shower units. All designed to grab a bit of the surf dollar.
Even the surfing association in SA is a business venture now. Trying to hold big event style comps with surfing second. State titles decided in a one chance big entry fee final jammed into the guise of a Surfing Festival. Lets not mention these events can also go belly up and cause massive losses due to the focus on money.
All said and done no matter where you surf its the attitude you take into the ocean that matters. Slow down, watch the birds and fish, be patient with the learners, ignore the aggro, get some waves and have some fun..

You lost me at 'diversity and equity...'

Ya know they don't chase you (normal life)
They always chase we (Surfing)
'cos everybody wants a piece
We’re so trendy

I'm with you IB, "diversity and equity" woke socialist nonsense I reckon.
And I have often wished for a few more crew to surf with this last summer in NZ - not Raglan though!, seeing kilometers of 3-5ft beachies, peaks everywhere, offshore, "fresh" white pointer stories.. good for crowd control!

A friend of mine surfing snapper yesterday did a hard arm stall and got his arm hooked in a guys legrope - that has to be peak insanity. I just had a surf at a pretty empty beach break, nothing special but no hassle either. The quiet sessions still there but not at any of the points etc

I did an intern stint at 'bong HQ in the mid-oughts (or thereabouts then).... and there were staaaacks of people working that apparently didn't surf....but all were grinding out the hours to get Papa Merchant that sweet sweet coin of the realm.

So when we ask, why do they do this if it's not in their core constituents' interest... who is "they"? The assumption being they are also surfer and give af about anything other than sales targets and covering up enviro-socio "inconveniences" in the supply chain.

Required viewing for influencers and those influenced by influencers.

Men in grey suits can work in our favour- those in the boardroom not so much.

I wouldn't say I wish I didn't surf, but sometimes I wonder if life would be better/easier/I could focus more if I didn't surf, as I'd spend less time agonizing over shit conditions, or when it's pumping I wouldn't concern myself over how to move things around in life to get out there as much as possible, and then not be shitty if I miss a good session. Dealing with crowds would not be of any concern unless I'm in traffic.

Life could be simpler. Ah well

danob awesome thought piece, Living and surfing on the Gold coast for the last 25 years I have seen it go from busy to something out of your worst nightmares, with the superbank (and indeed it is super) crowds more akin to maggots feeding on a rotting gangerous fleshwound...
this classic juxtaposition happens in other sports/activities too however, I will never forget the images of people being dragged, or climbing over, other dead or slower mountaineer's at the Hillary step on the way to climb Everest.. too many people, everything has been invaded.

I’ve got mates who surf really well and live very close to world class east coast point breaks that just don’t surf them anymore. They are young, fit and skilled enough but just can’t do it to themselves.

I’m the same hence the moniker.

It’s a shame that those of us who like the quiet and solitude are pretty much confined to beachies and less thought of (read less quality) outposts. Our choice though.

I think the biggest influence on current crowds is social media. Not just the ads, IG clips etc, the real time group messaging and posting of conditions to the masses.

Who likes surfing with more than a couple of their friends anyway?

Not really a problem in colder water and beach breaks which are fickle but uncrowded if you keep an eye on them- meaning you have to put the time in. Warm water + point breaks = super dooper crowds and was always going to end in tears because it is so easy and fun.

Companies represent surfers? They represent their shareholders (surfers or not). Just like any other company

Somehow, I think we've all had even the tiniest influence on increased crowds,
Hard to just blame one group.

I think the whole thing really started taking off after professional surfers wanted the sports image to be sanitised and cleansed of it's less than healthy looking lifestyle. Pros and co wanted more prizemoney and to be seen as legitimate athletes in a legitimate sport.. The rest of the surfing population didn't care about that.
So the ASP/WSL , surf companies and surf media all fostered and promoted the image of clean fit, socially acceptable athletes.

The next thing was mobile phones and then came the internet. Webcams , forecasts, clips of anywhere and everywhere to wet the appetite and then , unfortunately, social media came along..

So, it would seem to me that the root of all this evil is the love of money. And surfers are just as guilty as the corporations in my view.

As a Snapper local, and after an epic Easter down the coast with classic waves and no crew, I just couldn't do this last swell. With the WSL set up taking place and every fuckwit with a sticker in the water, it was a total shit fight, even for a seasoned Cooly surfer. On top of this an insane amount of Brazilian and Japanese hangers, all with new sharp eyes and mayhems but no fucking clue about surfing - it's just too much. Not sure what it will take, but it's not sustainable at this level of crowd. I know I know it's always been crowded on the GC, but this is nuts

That first party wave photo is a cracker.
Don't know whether to laugh or cry.

Classic tragedy of the commons. Increased demand outstripping the limited, communal supply. It's in everyone's personal interests to surf, but if we all pursue those interests, we all lose.
The only solution we've ever found is to impose rules. Which works fine for, say, allocation of mineral resources, but rather tends to suck the fun out of something defined by its sense of freedom.

Surfing is unusual among sports in that it has that dependency. In most other sports you can always build another court, another field. As demand grows, so grows supply, and the experience generally improves.

Surfers have tended to be aware of this conundrum, and mitigated the exploitation of their resources by protecting secret spots, enforcing a pecking order and so on. But NO tragedy of the commons rules apply to surf companies and those who exploit surfing's image for their own gain. They will not see diminishing returns until surfing goes out of fashion, which, due to its inherent aesthetics and general awesomeness, is hard to imagine happening any time soon. Crowded lineups are good for business, and the grumblings of surfers like us are a minor externality.

In an even crueller irony, the better surfers - the middle of the curve - are the most likely put off by conditions like those in the image at the top, while beginners are likely to swarm in obliviously.

As a society we have gotten better at recognising when people or demographics, such as women, are being exploited in advertising, and have started to work against it. So do we, as surfers and guardians of the ocean (doesn't that sound grand) need to stop being flattered by seeing ourselves on billboards and start to object when we and our sport are being exploited? I can't really see that flying.

"I speak for the trees," said the Lorax, "for the trees have no tongues." Who speaks for the waves?

Or maybe we should all be working on giving surfing an image problem, telling everyone it's dangerous, boring and hard. Either way, that first photo is enough to put me off.

Snow skiing has a similar problem albeit not as bad. Last season Perisher was the most crowded I'd seen it (even on weekdays). It was also about $210 a lift ticket. It will be interesting to see how crowded it is this year. Tickets have gone up to around $240 a day. Maybe this will be a tipping point but I thought that last year.

"Are the companies and organisations that represent surfing now working against surfers' interests?"

Yes. It's a very simple answer at it's core, though obviously there's lots of interesting things to talk about around the edges of it.

Companies exist to make money, regardless of what else they wax lyrical about along the way. Most of the big surf companies are publicly traded and exist to make shareholders wealthier than when they bought in. There is nothing special about surf capitalism that exempts it from everything else that is shit about capitalism. There are various scales of it and it is possible to have surf commerce without surf capitalism, but none of the problems we face are that different to anything else.

This is at the lower end of the scales, but it is the most infuriatingly hilarious thing when retired surf shop millionaires, surfing school owners, and surf resort personalities whinge about how much more crowded it is these days given their role in it all.

Commit , paddle as hard as required , and start yelling at em ! Works a treat and does two things .
One - you probably will get the wave unhindered
Two - lets everyone out there know your not out there for an existential surfing experience prior to your massage/yoga session .
Dunno about everyone else on this thread but when I grew up surfing , loudly claiming you had priority was essential. There were many other standard behaviours that kept order out there.

Surfing the insta famous breaks is done , gone -over . Unless you can bear the frustration of dealing with people who for whatever reason keep getting inside you or, the kooks,hipsters,learners,serial drop-in ers etc etc .
Surfing was probably always going to become crazy crowded . I have tried windsurfing,kite-boarding,wake-boarding even water-ski racing. None of them come close to surfing good in good waves .
The reasons for how it got to this are many . Just don't let it get to you .
Paddle hard and yell . Then paddle back out with a big grin on ya face ...........

I’m one of the three older gents in the clubby speedos - we had a great time, got some nice waves off the end section, had a great view of the chargers getting barrelled, didn’t see a problem. Seemed to be plenty of waves for everyone from where I was. A perception issue?

We just topped 8 billion people on earth last November 2022.

Pretty strange time to complain about crowding seems inevitable

Most competent lifers still get waves, fascinating read none the less, personally I don't do Insta or socials, so I only see surfing or articles of I actively look.

Find me some time to go surfing is where I'm at in life.

Interesting write up.
It is what you make of it and things are never going to return to what they once were. I think it’s been abundantly clear that from the beginning the surfing industry as well as surfing’s governing bodies havent represented the interests of everyday surfers and in a capitalist society why should we expect them to? As surfers we like to think our past time is unique and pure but at the end of the day everything comes back to the $$.
What would a surfing industry that serves everyday surfers even look like and how would that be executed without over-regulation and government overreach?
It’s easy to be cynical about the decay of surf culture but it doesn’t mean that the ‘industry’ has to tarnish your surfing experience as it is a detached entity. If you can duck when others weave and have the luxury of mid week surfs it’s not hard to have peak moments away from the cacophony and stench of surf consumerism.
Just had a buffet of beach break barrels with minimal interference from other surfers the past few days on NNSW. The cup is definitely half full if you ask me!

‘No such thing as a professional surfer, they just work in advertising.
Can’t remember who said it but great quote i remember reading somewhere.

everyone wants to be us

Meh. It's everywhere in the world in 2023, at least my experience in Australia, Indo, South and Central America over the last couple of years. Forecasting sites make it worse, no doubt, as when there's a swell, there's people. The irony being because they're not putting in the time on the 2-3ft days, when there's a swell they just get in the way.

I don't surf the best waves around me anymore because they have the most people. I settle for regular crowded b grade points and beachies when small. What can you do?

Also I hate the mentality that 'just one wave makes it worth it'. It just doesn't at all make it worth it.

covid really fucked surfing, it use to work really well..the early crew were the workers, I would wait till 8.30/ 9, let them have their fill. then there would literally be no one til lunch, and then the late crew after work.....now everyone works from home..and now there are always learners out there who are middle aged, or retired cashed up with no fucking idea and chicks out of control....

Lived on the gold coast for twenty years. I ride my log even it's four foot and under, and do photos/video when it's big and crowded like last week. Some of the drop ins I saw were fucking horrendous. And of course sites like this one an surfline have to shoulder some of the blame for the crowds.

I love winter and a long walk - ahh peak to myself

If you don't mind cold water and average waves, there's plenty of uncrowded surf sessions to be had.

We need wave pools in Brisbane the Gold Coast ballina and Coffs harbour I would buy some shares it would be a solid investment

"In a traditional sport like soccer or netball, increased participation rates in the activity don't affect the ability of an individual to enjoy the activity. These sports take place within static parameters, so no matter how many people sign up to play, a soccer game, for example, will always only involve 22 players on the field for a 90 minute period. The experience remains the same regardless of increased participation rates in the sport overall."

Yes and No. Friend moved to Europe, teenage kids playing basketball, teams size changed from 7/8 people to 15, A-team plays, B-team seats on the bench, C-team train only, watch the game.
In short too many kids wanting to play, only the best AND most motivated get to play the game.
BTW one of the kids was really good and made the A team, only to give up the next year as environment far too competitive = NOT FUN.
Suppose the 8 billions people comment has some relevance.

Still feeling lucky to have options between crowded perfect points and average beaches most days.

The opposite to this storyline could be "No One Somewhere Sometimes"
It's possible. You just need freezing cold water, closet meteorologist skills (thanks Swellnet), the ability to drive long distances in a day and the skills of a mountain goat!!!

I never thought I’d give up shortboarding but I did for another wave craft
Akin to the clubbie Speedo guys approach.
The most liberating thing ever. Removed all scarcity and brought pure stoke back. Like seeing the matrix. It’s actually comical to me seeing the sheep but I understand it’s simply a scarcity created issue.
I tried surfing snapper for old times sake during this swell and the instant anger, ego and entitlement flooded back. I hated myself. Is there shortboarders anonymous for when you fall of the wagon? I needed a meeting.
There are solutions out there if you can let your ego handle it. Age helps.
Ask yourself Tiny Dancer if that little wiggle in the pocket will be your legacy

I aways get my best uncrowded waves when SN says its 2/10.
Mind you I don't surf A grade waves much anymore and avoid crowds like the plague.
Surfed a well known national park beach break last Sunday just me and my son out and scored epic waves all afternoon not another surfer in sight.
I have a range of craft that suits the B and C grade and novelty waves I frequent and turns them into a fun park.
Get a lot of solo sessions under 2 foot and over 6 foot.
Modern/Retro board design together with knowledge of tide heights , swell direction and wind behaviour and waves within waves is giving me some of the most enjoyable sessions of my 50 years surfing.
I approach my surfing laterally these days.
90% of surfers think and act the same way and are easily led by surf reports/forecasts and where its hip to surf.
Some breaks down here don't get surfed nearly as much as they did in the 70s and 80s.
Think outside the box and you will have some fun and solitude.

It's just a result of CAPITALism. It has no limit and destroys everything it touches. We can only wait for Climate Change to change it and put a cap on it because our socio-political and economical systems are completely contaminated with greed.

Now let's talk about how a 60,000 year old culture feels about getting dropped in on.

Young guy with a brand new board turned up on the weekend in the carpark. He was going to go out at this 4ft overcrowded spot.
I said "dont play in the traffic" come out to this empty 4-6ft peak with me... so he does...
he paddled for the first wave of every set, fell off, paddled through the break, blocked my line onto some really good waves, took off on the shoulder as Im taking off, etc.

Some people have no f'n idea...

I still got a few good ones though

Step right up ladies and gentlemen.
Sure, there's some big prizes to be won at Snapper, but chances are you're going to get skunked by the carny folk.

I recon these snakes must say to themselves. Well they dropped in on the other person so I can now do it to him/ her. And so it goes.
I’m Surprised no one tackles.

The human traffic jam at Snapper is beyond critical, beyond my comprehension. Any therapeutic benefits from going surfing would be cancelled with frustration and anger left in its place. Glad I stayed here, mediocre waves but plenty of space.

Great piece.. I’m happy I managed to surf uncrowned spots a lot during my life.

Despite the crowds, Gold Coast surfers are spoiled for choice. Miles and miles of beachbreaks, multiple point breaks with enough consistency and randomness to allow average punters to get lots of good surf if they hunt about and pick their days.

But more than ever before the crowd at the points surges to extreme levels like clockwork once the eyeballs, cameras, forecasts and texts get the word out that it is high quality and you must surf otherwise you will be the loser who "missed out". FOMO, FOMO, FOMO is your enemy.

The pain on the perfect days is being so close to paradise yet so far away.

Check out the Perth or SA cameras day to day to see how some less fortunate live.

Yes Dan, very well articulated.
A few of us have started sailing again..
It may not offer the blissful highs that surfing can, however it doesn't drag you into the frustrations that surfing also does. When you turn up to race everyone is stoked to have another boat to race against. Great to be flying over the water with spray flying.. onshore-offshore is no difference..
Great time with your mates..
I suppose, like the old days surfing in a way.
There are other ways to enjoy the magic of wind, waves and water.
Now just waiting for the seabreeze to (hopefully) kick in.. the line ups empty... I'm out there!!!

I'm rubbish at crowd surfing. I'll go small and a bit crap to avoid crowds. Last surf was solo. Mind you it was low tide and small but not takers. I got a few - hit a rock and broke a fin but it was good enough to say I had a great sess.

As humans we are really good at destroying things.
Surfing is just another example
The key to surfing these days is to have other interests that we enjoy doing with our time. To stop being one dimensional/boring in our pursuits
People say hit the road and go chase uncrowded waves but for the most part that’s just another marketing lie
The surf travel game has also become a congested f..up. Good for local tourism dollar but that’s about it
Travel half way around the world to surf any name place to surf with 100 new friends
I surf for fun and if it doesn’t look like fun I’d rather go do something else
A lot of people have also got to get out of the gotta get wet mentality and learn to drive away when it’s a bedlam. Go do something else
That’s why imo wave pools are pretty much the only solution
That’s my rant

2019 -2021 : 196,000 extra Surfers (2nd fastest growing Oz sport to Basketball)
As Dan alludes to...Yes! Overwhelming majority of Blowins are women...growing fast to 30% of crew.
Surfing's ugly Step Sister Skater Gurlz helped Olympic Ideal of 102,000 extra cruizers!
Outdoor Sports 15 > 21% > Beach 34 > 42%
However! Pools went Backward so too did Kidz Sport & Clubs...
(Rich Chix Covid Seachange) Wealthiest $200,000yr surf most to low income $40,000 surf least.
Surfing is fast becoming #1 VIP sport for the Rich & Famous! (Ski Aspen fly Lear Jet to Byron airbnb!)

Chix Rule...Oz women are putting off Childbirth & thereby less healthy to do so each year.
Govts worldwide throw everything & anything to keep Women fertile.
Free Girls Only Surfing Lessons with accommodating Softies fits perfectly!

Yes! Women & Disabled get up to 6 free Surf lessons & if deprived, get a free surfboard!
Here's a few examples of how they roll this out + any Hidden Detail add ons!

Govt fund Surfing Australia that align Billabong-Roxy > Ripcurl

Jan 2020 : Oz Govt $500,000 Women & Waves (Shore Thing) presented by Roxy
https://www.sportaus.gov.au/grants_and_funding/participation-grants/case...
AIS Layne trained 14 Surf/Yoga Mentors at HPC.
Each Mentor coached up to 50 Women to chill at 14 beaches
Each woman was gifted a Roxy Tote Bag - (Possibly Yoga Mat / Poncho)
Of interest is Steph rocked up at Layne's Goldie Visit!
(Note that was broken up Jan -Pre (Covid Wave) Post Nov 2020)

Nov 2021-June 2032 'Get her Onboard' presented by Roxy + SDS
https://surfingnsw.com.au/get-her-onboard/
https://assets.surfinginaustralia.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2021/12...
AIS Chelsea Hedges from HPC
NSW Govt funded 600 Chix Free Surf [L] by 10 Surf Schools or joining 10 Boardrider Clubs
Using Vid proof of hitting 20-30 targets per session...(No crowded Sister's Surf Rage > No Pay!)

Here's the dirt on Dan's Harem...
Feb -Dec 2023 (Booked Out) 'Surf Sisters' presented by Ripcurl / Urbnsurf
https://surfingqueensland.com.au/surfsisters/
https://surfingqueensland.com.au/surfing-queensland-launches-a-new-women....
Qld Govt bankrolls 1,600 Surf Chix to BYO weapon for 12 Free wkly Surf Lessons
As with NSW deal but all Qld Chix gotta sign up to one of 9 SEQ / 45 Qld Boardrider Clubs
Sunny 4 clubs + Goldie 5 Clubs (Again > That's a lot of Chix crammed into the SEQ Mix)
Ripcurl Tote Bag has Cap & Poncho maybe / other...but...big but...Here's the catch! (Fine Print)
tbb thinks either half the Lessons or at least the add on lessons are 'Free' via Online Coach?
Now this is vitally important...Sisters gotta listen to what tbb is saying...(Carefully!)
Lets say 4/12 wks = Month Online Free > but More than 1 month (5wks+) online costs $150
Yes! Be warned that Ripcurl / Urbnsurf are not upfront...see next...
Ripcurl /Urbnsurf { Surf Better Now } Can we bring that up tbb...coz that sounds suss!
https://surfbetternow.com/
Scroll down to T&C [ 13.1] "If we grant you a Free Trial Subscription (Tick!) & you don't Cancel...."
Crew know how the rest goes...Your Arse is ours until Next Billing Cycle & if you time yer pre 72hr Exit.
Now see how important yer (Surf Better Now) Billing Cycle is > 4 weeks (Free) or 5 weeks $150.(Now!)
Qld Govt / Qld Surfing / Surf Mobsters are fleecing 1,600 Qldurr Sisters right thru to Xmas 2023...
Once Surf Sisters blowin into the Clubs...reckon the Locals Only Kook Clubbies will be shown the door!

Victoria
Oct 2022-May 2023 (Current Dates + more sessions ahead)
'Surf Her Way' (Not Free) presented by Ripcurl / Urbnsurf Launch Vid
Although 'not free' Victoria are bundling similar Surf Brand / Urbnsurf Women's Surf Coaching
These links include a 2030 Vic Chix mission Paper of Sorts...includes Chix Surf Day / Join current Clubs
https://surfingvic.com/surfherway/
https://assets.surfinginaustralia.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2021/06...
https://www.ripcurl.com/au/blog/introducing-surf-her-way-surf-clinics-by...
20 sessions over 4 beaches Ripcurl Prize Pack / Voucher
[L] 5 Week Groups + Intermediate /Advanced one on one!

'This Girl Can' + $100,000 Indigenous Surfing Program 50% Women / YMCA Girls Surf Camp

https://thisgirlcan.com.au/activity/surfing/
https://sport.vic.gov.au/news/articles/indigenous-surfing-program-gets-t...
https://www.sportaus.gov.au/physical_literacy/case-studies/girls-surf-camp

Dan mentioned NDIS Surf Sessions
Sunny Coast Salty Souls offers 6 wk Surf Lessons + Free Start up Pack / Surfboard
https://saltysoulslegacy.org/#/

WOW offer Mental sufferers Free 6 week Surf Therapy Session lessons / 6 Free Wave Pool Sessions
Extends to Free Women's Health / LGBTIQIA+ / Migrant-Reffos / Indigenous / Sessions
https://www.foundationwow.org/surfing-experience

tbb has Disabilities + Card + Passed the Mental Ward Drug Test...
Paid 3 Physios fortnightly & only managed the One Wave in 4 years.
tbb thinks he could make that Urbnsurf Lineup to liven up their Pool Party!

Bodybashin' in a Wave Pool would fast free up tbb's dead hands & reawaken some spirit.
However! Can never happen!
Urbnsurf bans Natural Surfing Therapy > hugging or playing with our Waves is against the Law!
https://wavepoolmag.com/bodysurfing-man-made-swells-in-wave-pools/
Urbnsurf Caveat : "We only allow Fully Vaxed Handplanes at The Point!"

Wave Park operators are fuckin' mental...Only bashers can liven up yer Toxic Slab Pool Party...like durr!

tbb needs to free his hands while surfing not become more disabled strapped to a Handplane Caveat!
Roary's special playdate would die of boredom...feeling so lifeless with a handplane up me arse!
Advice from a Mental Basher...piss yer pool toys off so someone, anyone can surf yer concrete crab pot!

Urbnsurf: 'We mandate for tbb to be strapped down for an hour of Roary's beastly slab rehab!'

Surfing - a mental health cure?

Yes, for a few so inclined with access to uncrowded good waves.

And, helpful for those with patience, fitness, weather knowledge, free time, ability to wake early, skill and willingness to chase, fail and deal with frustration to keep healthy. But if that is you, your mental health is probably OK in the first place.

However, if getting off the couch to deal with depression or anxiety, is difficult, crowded Snapper or surf chasing fickle conditions in many locations might not motivate you enough or help much with peace of mind.

Over promise and under deliver seems to be in play pushing surfing as a cure.

TBB by my above comment i meant government, WSL, surf school operators and influencers pushing surfing as a general mental health cure all (and marketing angle) - not in reference to or in any way intending to diminish your surfing needs.

In your situation, with a long surfing history and difficult health issues, a simple, satisfying body bash on a peeling point or beach would have big benefits for your health and happiness.

The points are a battle but are the miles of empty Gold Coast shorebreaks not suitable for you?

I have often bodysurfed them when at the beach with my kids - mostly short rides but warm and fun. The sucky ones can be exciting even when just 2 ft

It appears Nate Florence having a similar experience / frustrations in Tahiti. Different wave, different conditions but similar phenomenon.

Interesting listen from 17:50 onwards:
https://m.

Yep, Surfing has lost it's way.

The biggest issue with crowds is the attitude. I've had great surfs with respectful crowds and terrible surfs with just one or two people thanks to their head-up-their ass attitudes. Yes, there is a numbers game when it's really crowded, which can make it hard to find a wave but it's those not so crowded days where you're surrounded by greedy fuckwits ruining your surf that are the worst.
Learn to share and play nicely you annoying fucks out there who think the world owes them every wave.
I truly get such a buzz when I give away a wave to someone else. Just a simple act of sharing but it has a powerful result at both ends. The look on their face is priceless when I say "Go, go" as they realize someone was willing to share.
Best to lead by example and show kindness to our fellow surfers, but I also feel letting greedy people get away with their ridicules actions is paramount to condoning them.
Surfing motto should be something simple like this = I will give you a wave any day but I will also school you if you dare cross the line.
If we all schooled the greedy fucks out there together, most would eventually get the message.
So when I have to tell some fool he/she was doing something very stupid/greedy/dangerous, please back me up or you all will also pay the price for their stupidity one day.

I would love to get some Wetshirts printed with surfing rules so that all the noobs out there could be educated while they paddle around.
Some rules would be
- By paddling up the inside of me, you forfeit your right to catch a wave and give me explicit permission to drop in on you.
- By paddling straight back to the top of the peak after just catching a set wave, you forfeit your right to catch a wave and give me explicit permission to drop in on you.
-If you fail to be aware of, and look-out for your fellow surfer you must immediately hang your head in shame and hand your board back in. [Surfing is dangerous and people die in the surf, so we all have a duty to perform a rescue where/when possible.]
-etc, etc

Excuse my unawareness but is "Back-paddling" another way of
saying "Snaking" or something else? ***disclaimer ; in the U.S. it seems Snaking actually means Dropping in. Im confused

Back paddling is when someone just paddles out or comes back after a wave and paddles right past you to a deeper position, Hawaiian term (maybe seppo?) , would be considered snaking also
Classic name and shame goofy footed drop in guy on above gold coast "enforcing"clip, well found @ lostdoggy, the profile shot pretty much says enough, social media ...why do people do it to themselves, I guess he is a celebrity now so pretty much achieved what is the socials goal being insta famous !

This is the "reality" video from the superwank. Not the shinny, everything is grand ones.

The goofy at the start who drops in multiple times is such a kook. I can't believe the audacity to be such a kook and think it's OK to burn everyone. Apparently he is a "Local" so that makes it OK.

Surfing Psychotherapy is a Freakout..
tbb has only just started to research the origin & end game!
Just gonna present the end game...this will blow yer mind!

International Surf Therapy Organization...(Think like a Mental International Rescue!)
https://intlsurftherapy.org/programs/

tbb thought if they can sell Surfboard Massage as Therapy.
Well, why not sell Surf Travel Insurance for Surf Therapy Safaris...

So we arrive at Premium Private Health Insurance Surf Recovery Safaris...well durr!
{ Surf therapy Travel }
Expert Facilitators will freak you out...If you tip them enough!

$4,550 Algarve Portugal 1week 5 Surfboard riding lessons + 2 Yoga Sessions (I feel better Now!)
100% Ultimate VIP Surfing Recovery pamper packs!
https://surftherapytravel.com/

don't cry for us frog, this is what southerners see when shire footage is posted:
https://www.facebook.com/thisisinsidertravel/videos/crowded-wave-pool/16...

Cool article mate. A conundrum I scratch my head about all the time. Just have to get off the beaten track. Still uncrowded waves out there!

Yep. I remember asking swellnet if the rumours were true. Were they really going to be adding all these new cameras along the coast? The answer was No but a few years later and look where we are!! The folk of Geelong can check the surf from their lounge chair on any number of beaches and the bank for the day gets hammered.

On a side note
I pretty much refuse to watch anything super bank related.
I couldn't think of anything worse of sitting out in that lineup.
The super nightmare.
Dream waves with no chance of riding them unhindered

War erupts in Bulli over Sandon Point Beach (vs) Maroubra Blow-ins!
News articles on colourful beach signage [Locals Only] [F_ _ K off Blowins] [F_ _K off Kooks]
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12329875/War-erupts-Bulli-Sando...

https://www.illawarramercury.com.au/story/8280091/rude-warning-for-blow-...

Stu gets an interview here:

https://www.news.com.au/travel/travel-updates/incidents/locals-only-sign...

maybe it's the same article? But I can access this one.

swellnet hodads thank Dan for sharing insightful wisdom.
Might just of opened up a new train of thought for Hodads to take control to sort out our own mess.

First gotta admit that Hodads run Tribal Surf Councils & Gromz just gotta suck it up & tow the line.
Wait their turn in the pecking order...But...there is much Hodads can do, to thin out impact zones.
Requires no quotas or restrictions but instead opens up more rides for even larger crowds.
Did tbb mention this will not cost one extra dollar or more coastline or new Wavepools.
It does require appropriate broadest mindset of all surfing possibility...say WTF is that tbb...(No idea!)

So wotz this Voodoo Magic that hodad tbb speaks of..."We Hodads call it Mindset!" ( See above! )
Sure! None of us know what it means but we know it's a good thing...maybe...but none ever tried it.
Let's pretend our Local Tribal Surf Council Sticker reads [ Mindset over Matter ]...Huh!
Kinda like Table Of Knowledge...sounds like the real deal & they'll sort all Lineup bingles!

We all see crowds of all ability flock to the impact zone...
Keep plasterin the same Stickers that clog yer line up to spew up & eat itself alive.
Going nowhere fast with each ride less rewarding than last...all know it & Surf Stoke is fading fast!
But that's 100% Hodad Surf Pro's Fault...How / Why!

All know why but never question the Mindset of dullard retarded Surf Progression.
A+B+C = More Kooks nailed in Impact Zone. (Kaboom!) Need not be that way!

Hodad tbb is willing to apply his insightful Mindset.
[Factcheck]
All sick of these excuses...
Local Pro : "Sorry bout mowin' ya down!"
Big Mouth Grom : "Chiko Chix can't surf Pipe!"
Chiko Chix : "So this is not the Party Wave...Oops! Oops! Again! & Again!"
Hodad : "Didn't hear ya..."Thru me Helmet!".

But wotz this one...only Hodads do this one & they never shut up about it...Shut up Pops!
Hodad Comp fan : "That's not a [10] Never even finished the ride...should deduct points!" OMG!
Bingo...After 60 years { Hodad Mindset Lights Up the Swtchboard } OMG...that's the Answer...Wot?

Quote # 1 Surf Journo Stunet..."Will the Pros Take Off Out the Back at Sunset!" OMG...Hodad Drool!
( Pure masterpiece of Surf Journalism) All know why...Coz Hodad sticks it to the Sticker Men! F.U.
Hodad Rebel stands his ground..." This is not Proper Surfin'...Stu is 100% right!
So wot Now! Hodads go back to sleep! Blah Blah Blah!

Hang about...Wot about environment + Sense of Belonging + Rewarding Progress + Economy of Scale.
Hodads know everything about { Economy of Scale }...so as for now, we apply that Mindset for starters!

Hodad surfers be like tree huggerz (vs) The Merch Men want the quick buckshot on tap. Bang! Bang!
So lets give all maniacs wot they want...are you crazy! Nope! Surf under waves thru the Sky...woteva

Let each surfer live out their dream fantasy & all yer line up problems disappear on their own! WTF!

If Surf Media / Judges keep rewarding Claims for a deep Pit / Next Big Air as [10] = Sudden Impact!
Ask! Where is all of tomorrow's everybody gonna hang for their fix...
The only place they know is...(Right There...X marks the Spot!) All seen it 1,000 million times over!
Only ever right there where every surfer ever judges the exact same [10]
Let's all hit the very same impact zone to secure our shit hot #[10] Silly Season Session!
Coz if we don't...no pressure! The whole surf safari is fucked & we're branded as Kooks...(Like Forever!)
Simply Perfect it's gonna be...That's everyone's Plan! Film the Perfect [10] ... #@*%! Can't breathe!

Now apply some Hodad Tribal Council Mindset to burn all Judges Score Scales...Coz they're all shit & all say so!
Judge stands his ground to reward Chiko Chix steepest ever Slab drop & recover...Scary as all fuck! [10]
Judge rewards smallest micro feather Grom for tackling furthest ever out to sea Sunset Peak...Plucky [10]
Judge rewards Oldest Heaviest Surfer extra points for Swithfootin' a kick flip ankle snapper-Wow Pops! [10]
Judge rewards Jock Pro for longest ever nose ride reform inside pick up...Nailed it...Old School Drool [10]
All totally justified if we Hodads shift our mindset away from severely impacted impact zone..All win Medals!
Not one air or deep pit...but all break new ground in surfing Progression in their own right...All can now come alive!

Tomorrows Stickers roll off the press...Like Disneyland...everyone gets a sticker & World checks it out!
New Surf Bucks are flowing further to all in all directions at once...Shackles are broken...We're Born Free!
The impact zone takes a breath...one by one each little critter returns to reclaim their Bikini Bottom!

Chix now sit deeper, now blowing more take offs! (Shoulder Hoppin' kooks claim their Dream wave!)
Helmeted Deaf Hodads & Dart tossing Dads can now swoop teetering kooks & leave the crew be.
Big fat lazy Dads are inshore wigglin' their Hodad hips for an end game claim for a bag of trix.
Jocks are driftin' far off shoulders to boss impossible reforms to sweat next week's extra micro point...Winner!
The cocky gromz...are where! Half way out to sea dreaming up WOTD.
Dolphins have less loops to hoop now bossin' faster inside Slam Fest...pests begone! Super Stoked!

All because the Local Tribal Surf Council changed their Mindset to reward Pure Surf Stoke!
Only we Hodads have the power to whip up this magic...How about it...then make it so.

Dry Docked Hodad tbb waves his consultancy fees...Happy to share the Stoke from the cheap seats!
Surf Stoke Line Up clearance is free of charge as it should be...
Just use yer brains to reward all Surfers for being their best...Line up remains an oasis for all critters.

Here's the best part...Surf Council is rewarded Enviro grants for detoxing their local lineup. Our Heroes!
The local now looks a million bucks & we got Crabs'n'Turtles all sorts of biting things & say wot!

Free to surf for those surfing freely...sorts itself out with a gentle loving wave of a Hodad Wand.
Only asking fellow Hodads to step up & live their Old School Mantra...so yer lineup can breathe!
Only you can make magic happen, by bringing out the best in fellow surfers you cleanse yer lineups!

Waves for everyone from here to eternity but the impact zone is shared by most worldly lifeforms.
Impact zone is the heart...let it remain pure & free as our cherished sacrosanct oasis for creatures to be.