CrapSurfer

There has been a lot of consternation in the west of Cornwall this last couple of weeks.

Many tiny coves and secret breaks have been over run with hords of surfers making it almost un surfable for the people who live locally.

Surfing is becoming huge and it is having some serious side effects for long time local surfers.

This topic is a very tricky one to handle. It can so quickly turn into cowboys and indians. Locals can look like Nazis and the 'wave poachers' can look like thick skinned idiots. This is often when cars start getting damaged and surfers start fighting. As a result, everyone starts to look a tad silly.

On top of all this, there have also been complaints that crap surfers are putting themselves in danger (again) and as a result putting everyone else in danger too.

"Crap surfers putting themselves in danger, how can this be?" I hear you cry "we only go surfing once a decade"

Well exactly, but we thought we should be seen to be doing the right thing, so here goes.

We belive that the waves are for everyone and no one owns the sea( unless you have a bottle of it stashed), however, a little bit of respect for other people can go a long way to keeping the balence right.

For this time of year when there are no life guards around we say :

1. Know your limits, do not try and mix it in the big waves with the hotties or you could end up being hurt, drowned or hurting someone else. 

2. Do not surf near rocks.

2a. Though we like to joke about rips, there are some really strong ones around, so try and work out what they look like. Have a long hard look at the beach before jumping in.

3. If you stumble across a secret break don't tell the world about it (lets keep the peace)

4.Find a small inside break and have fun, don't go out back just because you think you should. If you do. don't start dropping in on everyone. 

5.If you go alone (try not to) always tell someone of your location and what time you will be back.

6. Understand when you are getting tired. it's getting cold in the water, so know when you should get out, cramp can be a killer.

7.If someone gets agressive, think carefully before having a go back. Is it really worth it? Try humour, it can often point out to a person that they have lost the plot. " Did you know you face is covered in snot mate "Failing that, try doing the Egyptian sand dance then run like hell

8. read our rules in crap content and you should be ok

9.Feel free to surf naked. Those stupid OTT life guards can't say things like "Can't you see there are kids up the other end of the beach" No! those bleach blond experts in life saving and quad riding and hanging out have gone for the whole winter, hooray, ha, ha, glub, glub.........glub, help I'm drowning! 

10. Have fun,laugh, ha, ha, ha, its contageous.

If anyone has any other ideas for safe, peaceful ,fun surfing please add.

Mozo