How to avoid localism

We get a lot of letters asking what localism is and how travelling surfers can avoid it. Localism usually means local surfers grumbling about how crowded the surf is, or how badly the crowd is behaving (dropping in, getting in the way and so on).

Respect the locals. It doesn't matter how good or how bad they are, they're still guys who regularly surf the spot, know the place inside out, and are used to surfing it with just their mates. When car-loads of visitors start turning up at spots it increases the crowd. Four cars is an extra 20 people; this puts pressure on the lineup in a very short time.

Don't travel in large groups. Turning up a break with eight of your mates provides an instant crowd and puts everyone on the defensive straight away. If you are in a large group, go surfing in shifts.

Do unto others as you would have done to yourself. Never drop in. Never snake the peak. Never paddle out and try and take every wave that comes through. Pretty obvious really, but it's amazing how many people forget.

A friendly smile and a 'Hello' goes a long way. Think about it - everyone goes surfing to have a good time. When there's a friendly vibe everyone gets more waves.

If travelling abroad, learn a bit of the language.You don't have to have a degree in it, but if you make the effort you could make a new friend.

Give a hoot! If you're a good surfer you're probably going to get your fill of waves anyway, so why not give a few nice ones and some encouragement to others?

If you're a beginner, don't go at it like a mad dog; take the time to sit and watch and you'll pick up some tips from the better surfers or the locals about how to surf the wave (particularly good on reefs and points). Sooner or later someone will get a good wave and if they know you saw it, they'll stop to chat. Throw in a compliment and you could have a friend for life…plus a few tips and guided tour to more waves!

Always carry plenty of wax. Most surfers go on the scrounge for wax before they paddle out. If you've got loads in your bag, you're everybody's friend!

Don't get in the way. Its amazing how many surfers will continue to paddle out even though they’re putting themselves directly in the line of an oncoming surfer, ruining their ride and increasing the chance of a collision. If you are caught inside it's your responsibility to stay out of the riding area. If you can, paddle out wide of the peak. If you find yourself stuck inside with a surfer hurtling towards you, paddle in the opposite direction, or towards the whitewater. If all else fails, stop, sit up on your board and let the surfer have a clear path to continue his or her ride.

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