Opinion: Noosa's surfing 'elders' should know better

Surf Travel

Noosa's surfing 'elders' should know better

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 18 June, 2012 : - - Surfers travelling across the globe to surf Sunshine Coast waves are leaving with a sour taste in their mouths after being abused by locals who believe they own the breaks. Older surfers are the worst offenders. One observer noted the attitude, language and aggression of some older surfers was sad. Basic surf etiquette has gone out the window.

In perfect, challenging waves in Australia and abroad, such behavior would not be tolerated for an instant. The problem is especially rife at Noosa's Tea Tree Bay. The 'elders' of the local variety are unashamedly bullying anyone younger, female, less experienced or visiting surfers who patiently wait their turn for the opportunity to catch a wave.

Some visitors have travelled from as far as Europe only to be denied the experience by a grumpy, greedy, miserable, nasty, bitter old man taking wave after wave as if it was his right.

It is understandable that local surfers are being swamped by disrespectful visiting surfers and become protective of what they see as "their" break. Former pro surfer Robbie Sherwell, said some local surfers did feel ownership of surf breaks. "At the same time I don't like it but I understand where they're coming from," he said. "Noosa is just too crowded now. It's not just the locals who are causing problems though... I've heard of fights in the car park between visitors."

Sherwell said his last surf at Noosa was about 20 years ago when he was hassled so badly he swore to never return. "The simple thing is at Noosa...expect that or just don't go," he said.

Read the full article at the Sunshine Coast Daily

Source: Sunshine Coast Daily

Author: Patrick Williams, Damon Bereziat

Tags: Lennox Heads, Localism, Limited Resources, Damon Bereziat, Patrick Williams, Tea Tree Bay

Surf Travel: Surfersvillage