BajaNomad - Surfing's Autocratic Mind-bending Regime

Surfing's Autocratic Mind-bending Regime

jakecard - 2-1-2012 at 04:48 PM

Why are surfers so territorial?

Where does one surfer get off telling another surfer to avoid posting the exact locations of surf spots "discovered" in Baja?

What level of self-anointed hubris allows one surfer to admonish another surfer to "crop out" landmarks identifying surf spots in photos?

And why, why in God's wide-world would any self-respecting surfer acquiesce to that type of tyrannical brain-washing?

Indoctrination which is among the most puerile aspects to this forum!

Now, please tell me where I am wrong. Because I am always happy to learn!

(edited for punctuation)

Jake

[Edited on 2-2-2012 by jakecard]

woody with a view - 2-1-2012 at 04:55 PM

yeah, i always wondered that myself.

Islandbuilder - 2-1-2012 at 05:03 PM

Jake, buddy. Take a breath!

I sort of agree with both sides of this debate. I have been privlideged to live and surf near some of SoCal's best waves, and never felt like they were "mine", even when I could see my house from the line-up.

However, I did bristle when some east of I-5 grom started getting territorial about "his" spot! Turns out I was an angry local my own self!

I always figured when surfing anywhere I didn't live, or even if I did live there, that the vibe was more important than getting the most waves, or riding better than the others in the water.

I lived in Santa Barbara for several years, and drove into LA a couple of times a week to deliver fish downtown. It was amazing how many times I saw surfers along the Ventura county line dukeing it out IN THE WATER! I just couldn't understand why you would take a Cage Fighter attitude into the water?!

However, some of the surfers on this, and other, forums have gone through a lot of trouble and expense to find their own little points and reefs. They had great and wonderful adventures along the way, and, on one hand would like to keep the easy access crowds under control. On the other hand, they are making it possible for you and I to have our own wonderful adventures finding those points and reefs on our own.

As long as once we get there we aren't greeted with a stink eye before we can even say howdy, I'm fine with that approach.

BTW, when surfing in Mexico, Costa Rica, Hawaii or any other surfing Mecca, I always defer to the folks that have obviously been there a while. I will sit all morning, giving waves to those whose place it really is, and then come back the next day an hour earlier to get some waves to myself, and get it dialed in without having to compete.

BTW, parking your motorhome on the cliff DOES'T make you a local!

paranewbi - 2-1-2012 at 05:22 PM

My backyard fence led into a canyon and cliff line with one of the best breaks anywhere. Days went by with no one out. Then I told a couple of friends about a place called 'Sunset Cliff' of the west side of the point.

Ah, Toronto St. 1962. Used to be Horny Toads and Trap Door Spiders there in that canyon just on the other side of Cal Western Law School.

Secrets should just stay that sometimes

woody with a view - 2-1-2012 at 05:41 PM

thems were good times, before my time, but good!

Islandbuilder - 2-1-2012 at 06:05 PM

I had a good friend in High School who lived in La Jolla Farms. One of the perks for those home owners was that Blacks was the community beach, sooooo, he had a key to the gate! I would get to his place at 0700, wake him up and we would drive down to the parking lot on the beach and wait for the sun to get over the cliff before paddling out alone. Morning after morning.

Sure beat falling down the cliff like I used to do before meeting Steve. Best buddy ever!

MMc - 2-1-2012 at 06:17 PM

Surfing is a very individual sport. Nobody else will experience the wave that you are on the way you do. Most surfers will get about 10 to 15 waves per hour. The more surfers the less the waves per surfer. When you're learning to surf nobody will talk to you, you're a kook. After you figure it out and start to earn your way your way in the line-up, we begin to let you in. Getting burned by a kook who does not know the rules, just dropped your wave count. peees some guys off. Most surfer are self-centered when it comes to waves. That is the nature of surfing.

Edit. What would a golf coarse look like with without tee times, hole numbers or marshals, OH!!! and the tracks get mowed when ever it happens. Just think of the mayhem on any given weekend. So you drive (?) hours and get the links with less (? ) people golfing. Is it it's better for you and your friends with or with out a crowd. Would you shout it from the mountain tops? or would you try for the down low? THAT IS SURFING IN BAJA. Feel free replace your sport.

Well, some us of believe that you shouldn't post all the beta about a spot on a web site that is visited by lots of people everyday. Is the info out there, YEP! Doesn't mean I have to add to it, NOPE. If we are sitting around a fire, very often we'll trade info on spots. Some of us have seem great surf spots go to hell because of the crowds. So the less we post up on them, the less we contribute to future crowding.

As for myself, I love planing and figuring out a trip. The wonder of pulling up to a spot and experiencing it for the the first time is priceless to me. It's what makes the wrong turns and the wondering if we missed the turnoff all worth while.I want some misery and newness. If somebody plans and gives me all the info complete with photos/videos and turn by turn directions it lessens the experience. I don't want somebody to do my heavy lifting. I am ready to pay for my mistakes, and enjoy my success.

It is priceless, when you are watching a wave and you realize that it's THAT WAVE. The one that looked so prefect and that you should surf it. You figured out the clues.

The things I value the most took the most work and effort.
Places that have been dear to me have been made less by those that don't get it.

I know, I'm am in a minority here. Baja is getting getting smaller and that it's always changing (Progressing?). When it comes to to remote Baja, I don't do have to help the kooks as they try to figure it out.
MMc Self-centered surfer and butt head at large

[Edited on 2-2-2012 by MMc]

MMc - 2-1-2012 at 06:30 PM

I live in the 909 and surf more then most. It's funny I have a place in the line-up at three beaches, the boys think I'm one of them.
Attitude, will go father then anything else in the water. Works most places in the world as well. MMc

jakecard - 2-1-2012 at 06:31 PM

MMc, thanks. Compelling case for self-centeredness!

Jake

Terry28 - 2-1-2012 at 06:32 PM

.......Too many kooks spoil the froth.......

goldhuntress - 2-1-2012 at 06:45 PM

Everybody's got special places they love to go in Baja, whether it's a surf spot, a rock to sit on with a good view, a camp spot in the mountains or whatever. I personally love the adventure of discovery. I'll share my favorite places with people I know but not on a public forum.

bigzaggin - 2-1-2012 at 06:53 PM

First of all, keeping a spot secret has nothing to do with the assumption that we "discovered" it. I keep a handful of Baja spots "secret" that people have known about and surfed for years...but more often than not, I surf them alone. Is the behavior "morally defensible?" Probably not...but it's hardly selling kids into slave labor. It's just a thing we do. Same way fisherman don't give away their favorite holes and pitchers don't give away their forkball secrets and day-traders don't give away their picks-to-click.

Yes, the world belongs to no one...but there's no malice in keeping a secret. Punching a dude out or slashing his tires...no good but that rarely happens in Baja (outside of San Miguel).

This might never make sense to you, but it doesn't sound like you surf, so no biggie there.

watizname - 2-1-2012 at 06:55 PM

The guys that found those "secret" breaks, took the time to look at and study maps, chance the off road, sometimes no road experience, to get there to enjoy the stoke solo, or with a few close friends willing to do the same. There is no one is stopping any of the younger guys from doing the same. What, you just want directions handed to you, so you can check the wave charts and show up, when it's on, get the gravy and go home? Some things you just gotta earn. :coolup:

[Edited on 2-2-2012 by watizname]

Ateo - 2-1-2012 at 07:11 PM

Surfing sucks. Don't try it. It's dangerous.

elgatoloco - 2-1-2012 at 07:27 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by ateo
Surfing sucks. Don't try it. It's dangerous.

What he said. :saint:

MMc - 2-2-2012 at 12:01 AM

I just finished my edit. "Only a surfer know the feeling". It's not about sharing,it's about respect. If you are willing to show some, you will get some, if not you will learn.
When we hang out and talk story, you get all the details, other wise you get what is here. A little of this, and a little of that, some of which is true, only worth what you pay for it. :lol:

The AM looks good. I am on it!

[Edited on 2-2-2012 by MMc]

Cardon Man - 2-2-2012 at 07:36 AM

When it comes to surfing...or surf fishing....why would anybody ever want to broadcast on the internet where exactly they are catching waves or catching fish? There are only so many waves and so many fish in any given spot. More people equals less fun and more kooks. The East Coast surf fishermen have a name for it..."Spot Burning". Aptly named.
A better question might be..What gives any particular person the right to decide to post exact locations when those who were there before choose not to? Why does everything have to spelled out on line for the masses? Why not just let people get out and earn it...put their time in and find the spots and earn their place amongst those who are already there?
It seems to me when people insist on being the "pied piper" of any given location or activity they are doing it to inflate their own ego and show the world just how dialed in they are! It seems to me that it's almost always a newbie that broadcasts in this fashion.

Cypress - 2-2-2012 at 07:51 AM

The "herd mentality"? Some people are uncomfortable when they're alone. Maybe they feel safer in a crowd?

El Jefe - 2-2-2012 at 10:35 AM

Jake, respectfully, do you surf? If so,are you new at it? Just curious. Most people that surf regularly know the answer to your questions. And to them the behavior you are alluding to may not appear so reprehensible.

Surfable waves are a scarce good. Truly good waves are few and far between. So it is all about numbers.

Consider a nice south swell hitting the beaches on the east cape. The waves come in sets about every 10-12 minutes. Maybe there will be three good waves in a set. So if I'm out there sitting and waiting for a good one with two of my best pals, we can maybe each get one wave from any given set. The world is in equilibrium and all is well. In an hour and a half in the water I might get 10 decent waves. I'll go up to the house feeling like I'm king of the world. Now mind you, waves like this happen maybe 30 days out of the year. So I'm smiling big.

OK, now consider what happens when two rental Suburbans show up loaded with hungry surfers from the crowded north. Fifteen guys paddle out and join my pals and me in the lineup. Now how many waves do you think any one of us will get in the next hour?

Paddle out at Swami's or Cardiff reef in San Diego county on a good day and you will be lucky to get a couple of waves in an hour. Too many surfers and not enough waves. It is that simple. To the young hard chargers in the lineup, it is like going to war. Everybody is jockeying for position to get priority on the next wave. The vibe is not what I would call fun.

So that is why we (ahem) seasoned veterans of this sport like to keep our little "discoveries" close to the vest. Surfing is unique in this way.

And by the way, if you do happen to join me in the water one of these days, I'll greet you with a welcoming smile and pleasant conversation, because we are surfing uncrowded conditions together in paradise. Life is good. Just don't bring six of your buddies along for the ride!

oladulce - 2-2-2012 at 11:03 AM

I'll go out on a limb and say it's a credo/belief system not to blab about certain places, but only like-minded wave riding people are going to understand anyway.

It's not a right-vs-wrong thing which is why when this subject comes up a few times per year, it never goes anywhere but downhill. If you don't already get it, you won't just by posting a challenge to "prove you wrong" on an online forum.

I'd recommend going out and have your own experiences. Not everyone becomes a convert after surfing with only 2 or 3 people in the water - some can't help but blab due to underlying diseases processes. But experiencing it for yourself, no matter what the outdoor activity is, will be the path to understanding. Hmm, kinda Buddha-sounding...

Bajamatic - 2-2-2012 at 11:15 AM

Surfing with just you and a friend or two is one of life's greatest gifts if you are a surfer, and you either have to pay a LOT of money to get it, or protect your knowledge. No one is saying stay away, they're just saying its better not to broadcast the location of these gems because being unpopulated is precisely why they are gems.

[Edited on 2-2-2012 by Bajamatic]

woody with a view - 2-2-2012 at 12:42 PM

even though when pics are cropped the wave still gives itself up due the the overall layout of the lineup. those who have been there know it when they see it.

those who are still following the crumbs will appreciate all the more to find it on their own (sort of!).

and like someone said above, stories around the campfire after a day of trading sessions (instead of EVERYONE hitting it at sunup) are shared much easier.

Lee - 2-2-2012 at 01:35 PM

Think I'm as seasoned as anyone surfing and this is meaningless to me. 65 y.o. surfing 55 years, last 25 years 100+ days a year.

Fish/surf everyday they're biting and it's breaking at Punta Lobos and San Pedrito.

If a van with a dozen surfers stop at 9 Palms, we get along. I don't care. They'll leave eventually. Not a big deal to me.

Couple days ago, this happened at Pedrito. It felt crowded, mostly with shortboarders, longboarders were further out and I have a longboard. Many of the waves I started paddling for had a number of shortboarders paddling directly in front of me. Catching a wave and starting to stand, I'd pull out of the wave rather than run over these guys. When I start getting pi$$ed, I stop surfing or move to another spot.

I think surfers generally have a scarcity mentality. Not enough to go around, if you catch a wave (win), I don't (lose). I don't count the number of waves I catch in an hour.

I measure my session by other things. In the end, it's about Aloha, and nothing else. There really is room for everyone.

Just a thought: I think most surfers are connected. THose down here (Todos area) know when the next swell is coming, the direction it'll hit, where it'll hit, and they're on it. If you don't live down here, you may fly in to be in the lineup, or drive down.

Whatever the case, it'll still be good, and surfing will still be a vehicle to practice Aloha and have fun.

wessongroup - 2-2-2012 at 01:42 PM

Nice one Lee.. always tried to look at it the same way..

woody with a view - 2-2-2012 at 02:02 PM

yeah Lee, that's a respectable view of the crowded beached at Pedrito/Cerritos.

there are however, other places "the area that shall not be named" where we'd prefer it not get like Malibu.... :light:

paranewbi - 2-2-2012 at 02:40 PM

Sometimes fences make the best guardia.
Use to sneak into the Ranch up north. Camp at Jalama State beach and walk south. Stupid to walk the railroad tracks cause the cows above would walk along with you and watch. Pretty soon Smitty would drive along in his truck, look for cows, let you walk good and far into the Ranch. Then just as you go into the surf area, He'd be waitin' for yer with his sidekick and black gloves on. Take your boards and gear, make you walk out with just your wetsuit on...2 + hours back, to meet him at the gate and get your stuff.
Good day when a buddy finally got a boat to lauch off the Gaviota pier for $2.50.
Bad day when Smitty died.

paranewbi - 2-2-2012 at 02:42 PM

Amen Lee,
Rather go down the beach and surf slop then let a crowd get to me. Guess I'm getting old.

jakecard - 2-2-2012 at 06:15 PM

So many interesting and valid points of view. Thank you all. I've learned a lot!

Jake

woody with a view - 2-2-2012 at 07:50 PM

good soundtrack! now off to pirate bay to stock up the ipod......

David K - 2-2-2012 at 08:16 PM

Funny how Baja is not mentioned much above, but places like Swammi's and other crowded SoCal breaks are, as if there is ANY comparrison between the Seven Sisters and Cardiff-by-the-Sea or San Onofre or (fill in the place)...

1) People are scared of Mexico now... so there's a big reason Baja breaks will be empty or nearly so.

2) People are broke... so unable to travel far or take time to surf in Baja.

3) Most people don't have 4WD or ORV's to get near some of the points... however, MEXICO is paving and grading roads... blame them.

I do agree that anyone who doesn't want to share, doesn't need to! BUT, don't play God and tell others what they can say on a forum. To each his own.

When I did a trip report in July, 2007, it was about the dirt road along the Pacific, and had NOTHING to do with surfing, naming breaks, or anything other that the road and sites along the road. MY God, if a couple of surfers here had an attack as if my trip report was opening the flood gates to all the kids in California! I made sure to downplay any of the beaches and added how 'cold' and 'ugly' the coast was to appease one Nomad here... and was negative about the fish camps too...

Even after altering my normally positive (about all things Baja) to a negative on the area, I was still lambasted... I guess, I should have taken it as a complement that somehow my trip report is sooo good, that all the other guidebooks and maps of this area don't get any concern here! :rolleyes:

Baja is a big and mostly empty place... That you enjoy a few days a year at Punta Blanco or The Wall doesn't meant that everyone else going will be there the SAME days as you... Aren't the waves long enoug to share with another IF you happen to be there the same time? Really? Sad if you can't have a good time with another Baja Nomad surfer the same day...

Don't worry, for the reasons I named above, you will have a great time surfing Baja the rest of your life!

woody with a view - 2-2-2012 at 08:24 PM

:barf:

wessongroup - 2-2-2012 at 09:21 PM

"gimme some more" :biggrin:

... QSA gets down

[Edited on 2-3-2012 by wessongroup]

watizname - 2-2-2012 at 09:34 PM

About sneaking into the Ranch. About 64- '65, the combo on one of the locks at the gate at Jalama was four zeros.----- Leave Ventura about Midnite, at the gate at +_ 2:00 am. Lights off past the foremans house, no music to wake the dogs, and down on the beach at Perco's. Then Coho to Gov'mt Point on the beach thru the day till you can't paddle anymore, and then a mad dash to the gate with your buddies, dust, four wheel slides around corners and ---0000, your thru the gate, and on your way home. I was lucky to be able to do that, take our own crowd, get the waves with all my friends, and we sure didn't broadcast the combo to the gate. I understand the the guys that "Go Long" to get their waves wanting to keep the competition to a minimum. There really aren't enough to go around. If you think there are, go to Malibu or Rincon on a day when the swell is up. Sharing is good, getting some alone is better. Besides, it's always cool to be able to tell your friends "Wow man, you missed it"

Ramon - 2-2-2012 at 09:42 PM

...DK dont surf... double :barf:

DianaT - 2-2-2012 at 10:41 PM

Too much information can destroy that special feeling of a successful discovery --- not discovery in that no one else has been there, but a personal discovery . JMHO

Just a local surfing difference. I have taken photos of two or three local surfers sharing the same wave while laughing and pushing off each other. Many of them just are not so territorial and instead of lining up, they all jump on the wave. As one of our surfing friends says, they are just having fun and that is how they do it. It just is how it is when they are not in a tournament. Not a better way, just different.

[Edited on 2-3-2012 by DianaT]

woody with a view - 2-3-2012 at 06:34 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by soulpatch

I imagine south Emma and all that north of Stables is gonna be reeling and empty!

i remember, "Emma Wood was Unreal!"

:cool:

paranewbi - 2-3-2012 at 07:51 AM

Watizname...
DROVE THROUGH THE GATE!!!
Man you guys in the 60"s were psycho!
Get caught...probably would have had to walk out in your tighties!

I thought my crew were crazies!

oladulce - 2-3-2012 at 08:47 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by DianaT

Just a local surfing difference. I have taken photos of two or three local surfers sharing the same wave while laughing and pushing off each other. Many of them just are not so territorial and instead of lining up, they all jump on the wave.

That's interesting Diana- I didn't realize this might seem like a selfish or territorial issue.

What you're describing has more to do with the size and quality of the waves the kids are riding. You'd think a bigger and "better" a wave would allow room for more riders, but it's opposite. Knee-to-waist- high crumbly waves are more forgiving and the kids can take off in multiple places along the way and ride for a while without decapitating each other. The more the merrier for them.

When waves are bigger, faster, or ones that look like my avatar photo, it becomes a safety issue. Often it's not safe for more than one person to be riding. It's not a selfish need to have a wave all to yourself, it's distracting when others are trying to ride the same wave cuz your focus becomes watching where the other guys are so you don't collide instead of enjoying riding the wave. It's not as critical when the waves are little or not good shape.

But almost as important as the issue of safety is the Golden Rule. When the waves are good, even if there was room for more than one person you don't go if someone is already riding the wave and I would hope that others wouldn't take off on me. It's enjoyable to be paddling out and watch a person ride a beautiful wave all to themselves- I'm happy for them. And I would hope they'd be "happy" for me by not taking off when it's finally my turn :biggrin:

My perspective is from a 50-something year old-lady who got sucked in to this lifestyle 40-something years ago. I'm not competitive or confrontational and never will be and sitting in a pack of 40 people haggling for waves I refuse to do. When it's my turn, I'm not backing down but I don't enjoy the jockeying for position crap. But I can only sit out so many of the crowded days until I find that I'm not surfing at all. Unfortunately we chose to live at a place that's remote but well known and extremely inconsistent. Just not that many days with waves here. It makes other places all the more precious.

shari - 2-3-2012 at 09:03 AM

this has been an excellent thread...intelligent discussions...well presented viewpoints and opinions...civil banter. Thank you surfer dudes and dudettes for your thoughful insights...I learned alot.

watizname - 2-3-2012 at 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by paranewbi
Watizname...
DROVE THROUGH THE GATE!!!
Man you guys in the 60"s were psycho!
Get caught...probably would have had to walk out in your tighties!

I thought my crew were crazies!

Coming out one time, we passed the Ranch Mgr going in. He did a U'y, and chased us out. We locked the gate behind us just as he came around the last corner. Drove off laughing. What a hoot. :lol:

Lee - 2-3-2012 at 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by watizname
I understand the the guys that "Go Long" to get their waves wanting to keep the competition to a minimum. There really aren't enough to go around. If you think there are, go to Malibu or Rincon on a day when the swell is up. Sharing is good, getting some alone is better. Besides, it's always cool to be able to tell your friends "Wow man, you missed it"

Right on that, and everything is relative. I surf Rincon, take off with 10 surfers taking off left/right of me. We all catch the wave and maybe a foot between boards, no way to kick out. Most are pi$$ed. Don't surf there anymore.

OK here's one. Line starts at 5am for the gate opening at 6am at SanO on a Summer Saturday. By 10am, there's a 2-3 hour wait to get in and a very long line.

Picture 10 Mexicans on a wave at Aquapulquito, Old Mans BCS on a wave we all catch and everyone is laughing and it's fun. Don't know why but I'm laughing too.

It's fun to rip alone but to me as much fun riding 2 on a wave both on the nose scooting 200 yards. That was Pedrito last week with a local. We hooted much of the ride. Maybe that was 100 yards. He said 200.

woody with a view - 2-3-2012 at 11:01 AM

good point, Lee! we all have our way of looking at the lineup. once in the water the world seems to fall by the wayside.

'specially if no one is around!

BFS - 2-3-2012 at 11:15 AM

...because when it's good, it is soooooo good.
If you just scored the most insanely beautiful woman/man of your life, would you be broadcasting her/his phone number to the world?
I didn't think so...

Pedrito fun today Lee, what board are you on?

frame grab from last saturday:

woody with a view - 2-3-2012 at 11:36 AM

Snapshot 1 (2-3-2012 6-03 AM).jpg - 11kB

oladulce

DianaT - 2-3-2012 at 11:49 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by oladulce

Quote:

That's interesting Diana- I didn't realize this might seem like a selfish or territorial issue.

I should not have used the word territorial as it does have too many negative connotations---just a different way of looking at things would have been better. Sorry for that.

While most of surfers from the US that I know, really enjoy finding that lonely wave and being there totally alone, or with only a couple of friends. These guys love to all head out to the same surf spot in groups -- the more the merrier. I don't want to say it is a cultural difference as I believe it is more of an individual thing. I know we like to find places with absolute solitude and others prefer traveling in groups.

But here are a couple of pix of what I was talking about and I questioned it because while we don't surf, we watch the surfers in IB a lot and we have never seen them surfing like this and have been told by other US surfers that this is not OK to them.

Just a different way of looking at things. A young lady we met the other day from Ensenada told us that surfing there is more like it is in the US and less like it is here.

Again, I apologize for using the word territorial and it sounded like I might be casting negative aspersions on some surfers and that was not the intention. Beyond the safety issue, I fully understand the desire for solitude in many situations.

Diana

[Edited on 2-3-2012 by DianaT]

wessongroup - 2-3-2012 at 12:31 PM

Super thread... super activity.. even if ya can only watch anymore... thanks to all

"spaghetti arms" .... :biggrin:

http://theshaperstree.com/Bing_Copeland.html

A different time.. lucky to have been around .....

My dad built me my first from Popular Mechanic's... in 53...

[Edited on 2-3-2012 by wessongroup]

Lee - 2-3-2012 at 03:00 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BFS
Pedrito fun today Lee, what board are you on?

This a.m. looked squirrelly. Maybe tomorrow. Usually out about 9am. Yell my name, South end lineup.

10' Robert August, Mark Martinson model, Hawaiian floral print nose.

I ride enough solo waves that party waves (more than 1) are fine with me. If someone is trying to hop on a wave further down from me, I encourage them to hurry and paddle harder.

The way I remember surfing with friends/family in the 60s at 'Nofre.

Dewey - 2-4-2012 at 10:27 PM

Not been surfing as long as Lee but almost. Two kinds of spots in Baja, easy ones to get to, and harder ones to get to. There will be fewer people at the harder ones. There are no secrets, surfers can never resist letting their surfing friends know all about how they scored. Hey Woody, just missed meeting you. We saw you leaving on the paved road. I was with George and a friend who had just paid their taxes in Punta Prieta. It picked up on Wednesday. The islands point was going off.

[Edited on 2-5-2012 by Dewey]

vgabndo - 2-4-2012 at 11:05 PM

Given the crazy crowding of So Cal, it is easy to understand why those who will EARN an empty spot in Baja would defend it somewhat. I want to shout out how grateful that I am for my addiction, here in rural California. Wednesday at the ski park, I stopped with two buddies to puff over our twin tips, and nowhere on the mountain was there another human being in sight. Our own personal ski area. A $99. seasons ticket and a 12 mile drive.
Sheeeeeeesh. Being poor ain't so bad!

wessongroup - 2-5-2012 at 01:00 AM

Good one, vgabndo.... hit the slopes ... forgot what time of year it is... :lol:

WOW this old age is REALLY getting bad... :biggrin:

Oh ... just noticed it's medication time...

[Edited on 2-5-2012 by wessongroup]

woody with a view - 2-5-2012 at 08:32 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Dewey
Not been surfing as long as Lee but almost. Two kinds of spots in Baja, easy ones to get to, and harder ones to get to. There will be fewer people at the harder ones. There are no secrets, surfers can never resist letting their surfing friends know all about how they scored. Hey Woody, just missed meeting you. We saw you leaving on the paved road. I was with George and a friend who had just paid their taxes in Punta Prieta. It picked up on Wednesday. The islands point was going off.

[Edited on 2-5-2012 by Dewey]

right on. maybe next time?

David K - 2-5-2012 at 08:54 AM

Thanks Lee.

woody with a view - 2-5-2012 at 09:26 AM

what i got most from this thread is that our hero had to stick his nose in to defend himself when nobody even mentioned his name.

:barf:

just when it seemed we were getting somewhere.....

Roberto - 2-5-2012 at 09:54 AM

Woody, it's all about him. All the time. Have you noticed the direction the camera is pointed in on most of his pics? But, maybe that's a coincidence. :lol:

woody with a view - 2-5-2012 at 09:55 AM

yeah, that's it. coincidence!

David K - 2-5-2012 at 10:02 AM

So much for being nice... You two can't help yourself... Rude for life?

Ateo - 2-5-2012 at 10:02 AM

Empty lineups, like empty ski resorts and empty skateparks, are better than crowded lineups, crowded ski resorts and crowded skateparks.

I believe crowds bring out the worst in people. Surf Swamis any day of the week and you'll see what I mean.

woody with a view - 2-5-2012 at 10:06 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
So much for being nice... You two can't help yourself... Rude for life?

look in the mirror. nobody mentioned you and you come out swinging.

David K - 2-5-2012 at 10:19 AM

That is a beautiful camp and photo Don Jorge!

Ateo - 2-5-2012 at 10:27 AM

Don Jorge, sweet shot.

Roberto - 2-5-2012 at 05:59 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
So much for being nice... You two can't help yourself... Rude for life?

Stop! You're killing me! :lol:

No mirrors in your house? Or self-observation in your soul?

MMc - 2-6-2012 at 12:56 PM

Don Jorge,Great camp, and spending time with your family is always priceless.
I sure hope that the on coming changes are slow and you get to get a few more trips there alone. It is becoming harder to to find those places.

pappy - 2-6-2012 at 02:21 PM

i agree with what MMc had to say.
the reason-i think- certain corwded so cal spotswere mentioned is tio illustrate what we DON"T want to see in baja, especially at the more remote spots that some of us here have spent years of making wrong turns, building roads where none existed, mechanical breakdowns,etc, to get to an enjoy.( many of these one time uncrowded spots have become very crowded) why in the hell would i want to expose a nice, uncrowded spot to a whole bunch of people i don't know? my friends and i go there to get away from the crowds and chaos of daily life. now, if somebody has gone through all the trouble on there own to get "out there" and roll up to camp and are respectful, all is cool. make a bunch of noise, leave trash laying around, tear up the envirnment,etc. you will be "asked" to leave.

wessongroup - 2-6-2012 at 02:26 PM

Ditto's

MMc - 2-6-2012 at 03:37 PM

I am amazed that people believe that Baja won't get crowed haven't been to some of the major points during a swell. Go to oladulce's place during a big south and see 30, 40 camps. Yes, most of us will get along and share waves. We get question's here about that road 2 or 3 times per year. Places less than 15 hours get packed on swells. With Surf forecasting, the days of siting and praying for surf are mostly gone.

Some of us just don't believe in it should be as easy as some like to make it. If you aren't prepared to take on the adventure should you do it? We all understand that where are no secrets. The most valued things and memories I have are the things I worked hardest for.

I guess that if I promoted a spot and it gets to crowed then maybe I should go surf the lesser wave on the other side. Some of us are not willing to promote a spot that we love in the hope of it staying the same for a bit longer. We know it won't last, but we can hope. MMc

[Edited on 2-6-2012 by MMc]

Lee - 2-10-2012 at 07:33 PM

Pedrito Beach and South sounded like cannon fire overnight. Earth shaking waves. It was double overhead this a.m. Lots of people and surfers watching, and, from at least a couple qualified surfers, not wanting to get pounded. Couple few longerboarders out with respectable showings.

Sorry I didn't have my cam.

Ateo - 2-10-2012 at 07:41 PM

Yeah it's been pretty good size the last few days and looking to stay that way into next week. I'm heading down next week. Keeping fingers crossed for waves.

watizname - 2-11-2012 at 06:14 PM

Ate fish tacos on the pier in Ventura on Friday afternoon. The Point was ON FIRE. The tide was starting to drop, and the inside sections were working cherrily along. 11 guys out. HUH??? Looked like the old days. No need to go to Baja that day to get some by yourself.