A touchy subject to say the least, but our homie Morgan Bernard shares some of his thoughts and experiences on Surf Localism and Surf Etiquette, dive in below as we tackle one of the more sensitive subjects in surfing - Surf Localism and Surf Etiquette, the Delicate Relationship Every Surfer Should Understand…

An Introduction

Before we get into it let's take a look at few relevant concepts from the surfing world: 

What is Surf Localism And Etiquette?

Surf localism refers to the informal but deeply ingrained set of rules and norms enforced by local surfers to protect their home breaks. It's a system based on respect, experience, and sometimes, seniority. While sometimes controversial, surf localism aims to ensure that everyone gets a fair chance at catching waves. operating on a give-respect-to-get-respect basis, localism makes sure the surfing environment remains safe and enjoyable. 

Surf etiquette, on the other hand, is a broader set of guidelines that all surfers should follow, regardless of their location. It includes respecting the right of way, which means the surfer closest to the peak of the wave has priority. Paddling out in a way that avoids getting in the way of someone riding a wave is also important. Always wait your turn, don’t drop in on someone else’s wave, and be mindful of other surfers around you. By following these guidelines, everyone can enjoy their time in the surf and reduce the risk of accidents or conflicts.

Unhealthy VS Healthy Localism

Unhealthy localism takes surf etiquette too far. Instead of a friendly understanding of who's been surfing a spot longer, it becomes about aggression and intimidation. This can ruin the fun for everyone, creating a tense atmosphere where surfers feel threatened or unwelcome. Unhealthy localism often involves shouting, intimidation tactics, or even physical confrontations, which are never okay.

Not all localism is bad though! While unhealthy localism can create tension and conflict, there is a positive side to localism that can benefit everyone in the lineup. Sometimes, experienced surfers who know a spot well can help keep things running smoothly and safely. Healthy localism helps maintain order and safety in crowded surf spots by ensuring that experienced surfers guide and manage the flow of the lineup.

Surf Localism And Etiquette For Morgan Bernard

“As a traveling surfer, I have mixed feelings about localism. On one hand, I loathe the anxiety I feel when paddling out at a tense lineup for the first time. I always sit down the line away from the main peak to get my bearings and observe the pecking order. I’m content taking the few waves that come my way during my first session at a new break”

“Still, nothing is worse than waiting all day for a peak to pop up in front of you, only to be burned at the takeoff because I’m not a local. On the other hand, I’ve seen waves I love devolve into chaos, especially since the Covid surf boom sent scores of new surfers to lineups all over the world. It’s clear that surfing cannot function without order, not with crowds at least.” 

“Localism and surf etiquette work together to provide the order and structure lineups need to function. Localism is a give respect to get respect system that has evolved from violent origins to its current state, but it’s still often taken too far. Given the current state of surfing, what role should localism play?” 

What Does Unhealthy Localism Look Like?

“Beyond the obvious, like parking lot fist fights and mid-surf screaming matches, unhealthy localism has many forms. When I think of unhealthy localism, I think back to a foggy morning surf in the Pacific Northwest, when I paddled out to a single peak lineup to find a frustrated middle-aged surfer,” 

“The surfer was yelling that people sitting down away from the peak were in his line. He might have been right if set waves were the majority that day. The swell was dying, and most of the waves that came through broke farther inside down the point. Every ten or so minutes, when a set wave came through, the rest of the lineup paddled out to sea to clear the way for whoever was on the wave. If most of the waves that day were set waves or the other surfers had been sitting directly behind the angered surfer, a real issue might have occurred. Instead, this unhappy man took out his frustration with the crowd on anyone who would listen and soured the mood of the lineup. After each set wave, the angered surfer paddled back to the peak by passing everyone else in the lineup, including locals.” 

“Eventually, enough people barked back, and he paddle off. On a more critical day, the angered surfer may be right to warn other surfers to clear his path. In another scenario where the older surfer had been repeatedly dropped in on by or snaked by the other surfers in the water, his behavior would be warranted” 

“In this case, he was unnecessarily attempting to assert his dominance in mellow waves and created conflict with several other surfers. The enraged surfer that day broke one of the most vital localism and surf etiquette rules, you must give respect to get respect. He immediately disrespected the entire lineup with his rage-filled tirades and bypassed the usual, established etiquette protocols for the main peak.” 

Localism As A Tool For Surf Etiquette

“Healthy localism allows the lineup to function like a well-oiled machine and brings order to the chaos of a crowded peak. Let me tell you a story, I think this was in North County, San Diego,” 

“I went out for a sunny afternoon surf. A paddle boarder was in the mix at the peak, but it was clear he was absolutely not in control. He dropped in on me and several other surfers unknowingly and failed to make the majority of his waves.”

“After a few more failed tries from him, one of the lineup regulars told the paddler that he was dangerous and each wave he had taken had put someone at risk. Blunt but effective. While the paddler might have felt he was within his right to surf that peak, it was clear the wave did not match his skill level.” 

“Localism, when practiced correctly, shouldn't prioritize exclusion. Rather, proper localism focuses on safety and order. If a surfer is a regular at a spot and the most skilled in the water, they will likely get more waves than the average surfer. Their skill level allows them to do more with each wave, and their seniority gives them their place in the lineup. If a surfer of any skill level paddles out to a lineup for the first time, I think it’s customary for them to sit outside of the peak and wait till the local surfers have taken off on a few waves before entering the mix. That’s basic really.” 

The ending thought? Localism may be a controversial topic, but without it surf lineups would devolve into chaos…"

The relationship between surf localism and surf etiquette is both delicate and essential. Surfing is about more than just riding waves; it's about being part of a global community that values respect, safety, and shared stoke. 

Are you getting out to explore the localism factor that may or may not exist in some new waves? Make sure to get your hands on Faro’s travel surfboard bags or canvas surfboard protectors, to make sure your surf trip goes without a hitch! Whether you need a longboard bag or one for your shorter funboard, we have a perfect fit for every size.