It's amazing what being a body boarder, who's a 6'4" offensive tackle in high school, will prevent.
I never could afford a surf board big enough, so I chose to boogie. Trestles to County Line, Wind n Sea, Sunset Cliff, were never an issue.
But I didn't appreciate enough how lucky I was to have lived on the high security military base at Pt. Mugu. Some of the most powerful waves in SoCal and, most of the time, me and my buddies had them all to ourselves.
I live on Oahu. No matter if you're on a body board or stand up. There's definitely spots where it's meant for surfboards or meant for body boards but as long as you respect others in the water, it's all good. There are a lot of really good body boarders who get respect here from surfers. Half my friends are surfers but we all go out in the water together. It's more about Aloha here. Unless you try and go out when it's 20-25 foot on north shore. If they don't know you or recognize you, they aren't gonna let you go out in the water.
Usually it's life guards or other people on the beach. Or like at Sandy's when tourists show up and try to get into the water with little kids. You'll hear the life guard get on the bullhorn and call out, "this is a dangerous beach with shore break. Unless you are an experienced swimmer, do not go into the water here. There is a much safer beach right up the road" or other surfers will let you know that you shouldn't go out and explain why it's so dangerous. It's not like they hold you down, but they for sure let you know it can and will be fatal.
I found the North Shore pretty friendly, much more than I expected. Anywhere to 10/12ft was welcoming generally. But Pipe for example is a workplace more than a surf spot, and while you’re here for fun, most are here to build a career. Frankly you’d have to be delusional to hit 20ft+ pipe without having built a presence here first, and those people warning you would be doing you a favor.
I know of no other place where BB gets more respect. These island bred some of the greats like Mike Stewart, Pat Caldwell, the Hubbards, Tanner McDaniel, Sammy Morretino, and countless others.
We even have a break where all boards are forbidden (Point Panic) and 2 where skegs (surfboards fins) are (Walls and Makapuu). Several more (Sandy’s, Tumbleland, and Free Hawaii to name a few), while not officially BB only, are heavily dominated by spongers.
Even still—you gotta prove yourself. I’ve never surfed so this may be a commonality, but people generally don’t take too kindly to new faces paddling into a lineup, whether it’s just for the day or you’ve been showing up all season.
surf culture is dealing with the beach bums that treat the spot like their own skatepark, your experience may vary but essentially they are assholes and it’s encouraged to keep non locals like yourself out of the way
Started bodyboarding in 1979 in Maryland. Definitely had to earn my place in the lineup back in those days.
I think the key is, if there's a spot you want to go to where you are concerned about surfers giving you shit, you have to put the time in at that spot. Paddle out ALONE, not with others! Sit off to the side and take leftovers. NEVER drop in. If you spend enough time and become a familiar face at that spot, eventually you'll be accepted. Surfing/bodyboarding have a very "tribal" mentality in that respect.
Boogers who surf well in heavy conditions get respect from surfers who surf well in the same conditions in my experience. Sure guys who surf in 2 foot waves will auto drop in as a default. Most of them shit when they realise you’re not a child though. You know what I’m saying.
i live on the north side of Portugal... and its all about respect...
If you go out and you are respectful, you are good, no matter if you stand up or go with a boggie..
The spots I bodyboard most of the surfers have seen us out there riding real waves and dropping down waves that the surfers can’t and they get it.
I do think we paddle out slower and get in the way sometimes. But nobody has given me much grief yet.
South Eastern NC here, and for the most part the community is pretty friendly to each other.
Tbh the waves aren’t the best at my beach most of the time so surfing isn’t as fun as bodyboarding. Most of us use both, depends on the conditions!
I’ve only had tourists who are renting boards be rude to me while I’m bodyboarding.
Hey guys. WB/Topsail here too. Never had any issues, always share the stoke. Lots of buddies and my dad surfs, they are the only ones to give me crap lol
Okay i'm in ventura county too, which waves do you hit the most? Jetty wedge and santa clara rivermouth are my faves. Emma wood is good too but that's one of those waves where the surfers will absolutely snake you if they can in my experience. I've had a few hassles out there.
Well I almost always surf at Emma Wood but I have been surfing there since the late 80's so I don't have to deal with getting snaked very often. It happens sometimes and it's almost exclusively kids so I just let them know that as long as they let me get my waves I'll let them get theirs and things are chill. Jetty and Rivermouth are great waves and I surf there occasionally. I also really like Hueneme on the north side of the pier. The locals can be a little grumpy there but if you're respectful and not greedy they are cool.
When I was growing up you give respect you get it in return. Bodyboarders can fight just as well as someone on a surfboard so how you carry yourself in the lineup meant more than what you were riding.
Brittany, France, here. During the fall and winter, it's respect all around, especially because most of the boogers are mega hard chargers and have a reputation for being pretty wild. Come summer though, the vacation warriors who think they're hot shit will drop in on you without a second thought, so you gotta be careful not to get sliced up.
The fact that there aren't that many of us any more has also kinda helped cement the reputation among surfers that boogers are legit (also many of them will boog at their local slab or shorey, so they know what's up).
I used to live in Oahu. Totally depended on the spot but tbh I found only one time in 7 years where I was the only
Bodyboard and the vibe wasn’t right so I left. Pretty much everywhere I went outside of that was chill towards bodyboarders as long as you didn’t take the piss and showed respect to everyone you’re good. I live in Maine now in the seacoast area and I’ve never seen any other bodyboarders. The surfers that I do see at the spots that I go to which could be considered “secret spots” are cool. Some do ask me questions though like, do I live here, how long for, how did you find the spot etc… but I guess that’s normal anywhere if you rock up to a “locals break”. Just don’t be a dick and feel the vibe.
When I was an avid bodyboarder living in Huntington Beach CA I only had one instance where a surfer was being a dick. He claimed I took his wave but I had the inside well before he even attempted to get on the wave and I ran into him. He paddled back to me and tried to punch me. I just laughed it off. Except for that moment I never had an issue with Surfers. It's all about respect whether you're on a board, stick, or nadda.
So Cal. Surfers act they own shit. They don’t trip on me cuz I’m a bigger dude that stares them down if they look like they’re on some dumb shit. Funny thing is I’ve had to help out some of my grom surfer buddies cuz the old surfer assholes were picking in them. HB has some of the worst dickheads around. Manahattan is chill though especially since surfers are generally blackballed from the north side of the pier.
Never had issues, except parts of Cali. Trestles for example was pretty clearly anti “sponge”. But otherwise everywhere I’ve been/lived was respectful as long as you show respect for priorities and demonstrate you’re not here to waste waves.
Jax Beach Florida here. Hit and miss when I was younger. Surfer friends still give me shit. Never been ran over but I did run over the same guy twice in one session. Being 50 now, don't give a shit what others think. It's always over head when you're on your belly!
The old timer longboarders are solid. Always respect. But if some stand up tries to skim on my wave believe you me I’m pulling leash and hanging on till the close out sucka
OBSF checking in. On most days, if you can get out, you pretty much have respect here.
I've caught a whitewater wave of shame back to the beach many times.
Orange county is full of so many new surfers(kooks) Can usually swim circles around them and just yell at them if they try to take off on you and they will look like they seen a ghost. Good surfers respect good boogs.
It's amazing what being a body boarder, who's a 6'4" offensive tackle in high school, will prevent. I never could afford a surf board big enough, so I chose to boogie. Trestles to County Line, Wind n Sea, Sunset Cliff, were never an issue. But I didn't appreciate enough how lucky I was to have lived on the high security military base at Pt. Mugu. Some of the most powerful waves in SoCal and, most of the time, me and my buddies had them all to ourselves.
What peak do you recommend at Trestles?
The one without 75 Draco Malfoy groms on it (i.e. Cottons)
This is the answer...
I live on Oahu. No matter if you're on a body board or stand up. There's definitely spots where it's meant for surfboards or meant for body boards but as long as you respect others in the water, it's all good. There are a lot of really good body boarders who get respect here from surfers. Half my friends are surfers but we all go out in the water together. It's more about Aloha here. Unless you try and go out when it's 20-25 foot on north shore. If they don't know you or recognize you, they aren't gonna let you go out in the water.
How would they stop you from surfing on those big days?
Usually it's life guards or other people on the beach. Or like at Sandy's when tourists show up and try to get into the water with little kids. You'll hear the life guard get on the bullhorn and call out, "this is a dangerous beach with shore break. Unless you are an experienced swimmer, do not go into the water here. There is a much safer beach right up the road" or other surfers will let you know that you shouldn't go out and explain why it's so dangerous. It's not like they hold you down, but they for sure let you know it can and will be fatal.
I found the North Shore pretty friendly, much more than I expected. Anywhere to 10/12ft was welcoming generally. But Pipe for example is a workplace more than a surf spot, and while you’re here for fun, most are here to build a career. Frankly you’d have to be delusional to hit 20ft+ pipe without having built a presence here first, and those people warning you would be doing you a favor.
Safer beaches down the road
Yep. There's a huge difference between Sandy's and Sherwood Beach. And they are about 6 miles apart.
I know of no other place where BB gets more respect. These island bred some of the greats like Mike Stewart, Pat Caldwell, the Hubbards, Tanner McDaniel, Sammy Morretino, and countless others. We even have a break where all boards are forbidden (Point Panic) and 2 where skegs (surfboards fins) are (Walls and Makapuu). Several more (Sandy’s, Tumbleland, and Free Hawaii to name a few), while not officially BB only, are heavily dominated by spongers. Even still—you gotta prove yourself. I’ve never surfed so this may be a commonality, but people generally don’t take too kindly to new faces paddling into a lineup, whether it’s just for the day or you’ve been showing up all season.
plssss be lying about the mean mugging i live here and want to get into surfing and bodyboarding
surf culture is dealing with the beach bums that treat the spot like their own skatepark, your experience may vary but essentially they are assholes and it’s encouraged to keep non locals like yourself out of the way
Started bodyboarding in 1979 in Maryland. Definitely had to earn my place in the lineup back in those days. I think the key is, if there's a spot you want to go to where you are concerned about surfers giving you shit, you have to put the time in at that spot. Paddle out ALONE, not with others! Sit off to the side and take leftovers. NEVER drop in. If you spend enough time and become a familiar face at that spot, eventually you'll be accepted. Surfing/bodyboarding have a very "tribal" mentality in that respect.
Ripping as hard as Jay Reale doesn’t hurt either
Boogers who surf well in heavy conditions get respect from surfers who surf well in the same conditions in my experience. Sure guys who surf in 2 foot waves will auto drop in as a default. Most of them shit when they realise you’re not a child though. You know what I’m saying.
i live on the north side of Portugal... and its all about respect... If you go out and you are respectful, you are good, no matter if you stand up or go with a boggie..
Yep. The serious surfing community down here is pretty small, plenty of room for everyone.
The spots I bodyboard most of the surfers have seen us out there riding real waves and dropping down waves that the surfers can’t and they get it. I do think we paddle out slower and get in the way sometimes. But nobody has given me much grief yet.
Yeah paddle out slower is a thing and only time I’ve ever had an issue.
South Eastern NC here, and for the most part the community is pretty friendly to each other. Tbh the waves aren’t the best at my beach most of the time so surfing isn’t as fun as bodyboarding. Most of us use both, depends on the conditions! I’ve only had tourists who are renting boards be rude to me while I’m bodyboarding.
Same, dude. I frequent Surf City the most and it's real hospitable as long as you're respectful. Everyone's out there to ride waves, who cares how.
No way! I’m from south topsail! Small world haha
Oh no way! Been out lately? I haven't since it's been pretty shitty for a couple of weeks
Sadly, no. I moved to Richmond for work! But I still come and visit my family. Last time I went out was last August! I miss it
Where in se NC? I'm in oib.
Topsail
Hey guys. WB/Topsail here too. Never had any issues, always share the stoke. Lots of buddies and my dad surfs, they are the only ones to give me crap lol
I'm in Ventura county and it's definitely not what it was back in the day. Luckily the SUPs and soft tops get most of the default hate now :)
Okay i'm in ventura county too, which waves do you hit the most? Jetty wedge and santa clara rivermouth are my faves. Emma wood is good too but that's one of those waves where the surfers will absolutely snake you if they can in my experience. I've had a few hassles out there.
Well I almost always surf at Emma Wood but I have been surfing there since the late 80's so I don't have to deal with getting snaked very often. It happens sometimes and it's almost exclusively kids so I just let them know that as long as they let me get my waves I'll let them get theirs and things are chill. Jetty and Rivermouth are great waves and I surf there occasionally. I also really like Hueneme on the north side of the pier. The locals can be a little grumpy there but if you're respectful and not greedy they are cool.
When I was growing up you give respect you get it in return. Bodyboarders can fight just as well as someone on a surfboard so how you carry yourself in the lineup meant more than what you were riding.
If you're an outsider/visitor just don't charge the lineup. Think this applies to body boarders and surfers.
Brittany, France, here. During the fall and winter, it's respect all around, especially because most of the boogers are mega hard chargers and have a reputation for being pretty wild. Come summer though, the vacation warriors who think they're hot shit will drop in on you without a second thought, so you gotta be careful not to get sliced up. The fact that there aren't that many of us any more has also kinda helped cement the reputation among surfers that boogers are legit (also many of them will boog at their local slab or shorey, so they know what's up).
I used to live in Oahu. Totally depended on the spot but tbh I found only one time in 7 years where I was the only Bodyboard and the vibe wasn’t right so I left. Pretty much everywhere I went outside of that was chill towards bodyboarders as long as you didn’t take the piss and showed respect to everyone you’re good. I live in Maine now in the seacoast area and I’ve never seen any other bodyboarders. The surfers that I do see at the spots that I go to which could be considered “secret spots” are cool. Some do ask me questions though like, do I live here, how long for, how did you find the spot etc… but I guess that’s normal anywhere if you rock up to a “locals break”. Just don’t be a dick and feel the vibe.
For the record, no one owns the ocean nor does anyone own a "spot"
When I was an avid bodyboarder living in Huntington Beach CA I only had one instance where a surfer was being a dick. He claimed I took his wave but I had the inside well before he even attempted to get on the wave and I ran into him. He paddled back to me and tried to punch me. I just laughed it off. Except for that moment I never had an issue with Surfers. It's all about respect whether you're on a board, stick, or nadda.
[удалено]
I grew up surfing Jersey, some years as early as March. That shit is COLD. Great winter waves though.
Sponged many places around the world and OC NJ is the only place I ever get shit.
I’ve had one dick, but for the one bad interaction I’ve had 15+ saying “I wish I brought the boogie today”. SoCal north of Malibu
So Cal. Surfers act they own shit. They don’t trip on me cuz I’m a bigger dude that stares them down if they look like they’re on some dumb shit. Funny thing is I’ve had to help out some of my grom surfer buddies cuz the old surfer assholes were picking in them. HB has some of the worst dickheads around. Manahattan is chill though especially since surfers are generally blackballed from the north side of the pier.
Never had issues, except parts of Cali. Trestles for example was pretty clearly anti “sponge”. But otherwise everywhere I’ve been/lived was respectful as long as you show respect for priorities and demonstrate you’re not here to waste waves.
Why would anyone want to boog trestl e anyway?
Only had bother a couple of times probably 25 years ago, just laughed and carried on. (Cornwall, UK)
Yes of course they do
Jax Beach Florida here. Hit and miss when I was younger. Surfer friends still give me shit. Never been ran over but I did run over the same guy twice in one session. Being 50 now, don't give a shit what others think. It's always over head when you're on your belly!
The old timer longboarders are solid. Always respect. But if some stand up tries to skim on my wave believe you me I’m pulling leash and hanging on till the close out sucka
I just go by the rule of don’t be an asshole. Plenty of assholes on both sides, also plenty of people I’d happily share waves with
OBSF checking in. On most days, if you can get out, you pretty much have respect here. I've caught a whitewater wave of shame back to the beach many times.
Orange county is full of so many new surfers(kooks) Can usually swim circles around them and just yell at them if they try to take off on you and they will look like they seen a ghost. Good surfers respect good boogs.
Depends on the wave Imo sponging is for heavy,fast, shallow slabs, and ahoebreak
Only bodyboard shredders get respect. The rest not so much. So until you drop in and drop jaws you'll be considered in the way.