How territorial are HI surfers? (buy, living, safety)

[PalmSpringsDan]

Do locals take kindly to new residents who are beginner surfers paddling out and trying to catch a wave? Are most locals territorial about their surf spots?

[mdand3boys]

Which island, which beach? It will vary widely.

[Mar0]

I know guys here on Kauai who are very territorial. My friend from Oahu had some difficulty w/ it when first moving here.

[hotzcatz]

It depends on the break and noob the new guy is. Try Waikiki, nobody minds noobs there.

[SallyThompson]

In my experience, surfers are territorial everywhere. Never heard of any other sport in the world where people are rude (if not downright violent) when you try to join in the fun. Pathetic. Now, add to the fact that many locals (notice I didn't say "Hawaiians") can be territorial about people just living here. And finally, mix the two together and the answer is a definite yes -- if you're looking for more than Waikiki or Cove park in Maui -- there's probably someone going to be around that's a jerk.

[Calico Salsa]

As mentioned by others, surfers in general can be territorial. They can also be very welcoming.

I would say if you are a beginner, you need to watch out for getting in the way of the more experienced. Not in a bad way, just respectful and careful.

As a beginner, you probably aren't going to be sharing waves with the more experienced anyway, because you shouldn't be on the bigger waves. But if the only waves available are small enough for a beginner, then you have to realize that you are more likely to be the cause of problems for the others around you. You will probably fall off more, cut in front of others, lose your board, and collide. If people get upset with you, it may not be because they are being territorial, but rather because you are either inexperienced or unaware of the problems you are causing.

Experienced surfers could eventually (or quickly) get exasperated with someone who might cause them harm.

[Moth]

Calico is correct.

Find yourself a nice, easy beach break somewhere. Better yet, hire someone and take lessons. You will learn quicker and your instructor might be able to give you the straight dope on localism.

It will be some time before you are ready for the big breaks, if ever. Should that time come, realize that you are the new kid on the block- a rookie. That means being deferential and considerate to the locals. It means keeping your cool and maybe eating some crap so long as its not really serious. If you keep your cool and are skilled enough, you will eventually carve a niche and gain acceptance.

That may sound unfair but that is the way it is everywhere. Hawaii is no exception. Good luck.

[melaniej65]

As with everything you need to educate yourself regarding surfing etiquette. Just because you are a beginner will not buy you a pass if you (seemingly) disregard even the most basic of rules.

Dropping in on another surfer will almost always cause a fight (ANYWHERE one surfs- Hawaii, California, Australia, etc); this type of hostility can be avoided by learning the rules and trying to follow them. If you do commit a surfing faux pas it would serve you far better to apologize sincerely rather than try to 'brazen it out'.

People can be territorial about almost any activity and location- most surfers are laid back and are just out for a great ride; if you have the proper education and the right attitude there is no reason to have an issue at almost any surf spot. Hopefully, you will find the proper spots to surf while learning as choosing the wrong spot could injure or kill you if you overestimate your skill level. Safety first!

[PalmSpringsDan]

Thanks for the responses.... sounds like if learning to surf is something one wants to do in HI, then they better be semi-educated before paddling out. Maybe waikiki would be the place to start...

[KoaKine]

If your learning you will start at the remmie breaks and you will be with other beginners so you wil all learn together its all good dont worrie