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| 335778 | 20655 | The Death of Surfing | 42 | alvar | Jan 21, 2025 | 2025-01-21T11:15:48-0500 | TudorsCooter said: It feels like we all know what's happening here… Since COVID, the number of surfers in the water has skyrocketed, and I think most of us can relate to the frustration. Breaks that used to see 5-6 people on an average day are now flooded with 15-30, even when the conditions are mediocre. Is this what Duke envisioned when he shared surfing with the world? I can't pinpoint one single cause, but it seems to come down to a combination of things: 1. Foam Boards and the "Soft Top Invasion" The explosion of cheap foam boards is not new, but it feels as though every day a new one pops up-Costco Wavestorms, Catch Surf, Almond, Jerry's and the like-have filled the lineup with people who might not otherwise be there. These boards have their place, especially for teaching beginners or messing around in shorebreak, but they've turned every break into a free-for-all. Foam boards make it easier for inexperienced surfers to paddle out into conditions they're not ready for, leading to dangerous collisions, reckless drop-ins, and a lack of respect for lineup etiquette. They lower the barrier of entry so far that breaks once frequented by skilled surfers now feel like playgrounds for clueless newcomers. Just the other day I saw a girl contemplate paddling out at one of San Diego's hardest reef breaks with her foamie because she thought the wave looked nice. Wtf. 2. Surfline and Social Media Live Streamers Surfline cameras and green conditions have completely killed the element of discovery. It used to take dedication-you'd check tides, track swells, and drive around to see what was working. Now, anyone with a phone can check Surfline or Instagram, see a glowing forecast, and flock to the break. Social media influencers exacerbate this by glamorizing certain spots, sharing exact locations, and turning surfing into a trendy spectacle. These platforms have stripped away much of the soul of surfing, replacing the joy of exploration with a rush to overcrowded breaks at the first sign of a swell. There are at least 3 La Jolla instagrammers that do live reports of the surf every morning, afternoon and evening. So much for the joy of a sneaky good session. 3. The Post-COVID Outdoor Boom The pandemic gave people more free time and a new appreciation for outdoor activities, which is great in theory-but surfing took a huge hit. Surfing became the thing to do and breaks became absolute zoos. Beginners crowd the lineup, floundering in waves they can't handle, making it harder for anyone to catch a clean ride. This massive influx of inexperienced surfers hasn't just led to frustration; it's created more unsafe conditions and diluted the culture of respect that used to define the sport. 4. Influencer Culture and Kook Collectives Groups like Apres Surf Club and accounts like @Surf_Casual promote toxic ideas like "sharing is caring" in the lineup, disregarding the fundamental rules of priority and respect. Hosting events or meetups where a wave is swarmed with beginners not only ruins the experience for others but also encourages bad habits that carry over to other breaks. This "kookification" of surfing undermines the discipline and effort required to progress in the sport, reducing it to a shallow, Instagram-worthy hobby. Though the guys at Hermosa are good dudes, I don't want the reefs to reflect the same instagramy/influencer crowd… I only shared two accounts, but I am sure each of us could name a few similar to these guys. I don't think this is fixable. Surfing feels like it's dying a slow death, turning into something closer to 3-hour ski lift lines than the soulful escape it once was. It's heartbreaking to see something so sacred and personal turned into a chaotic mess. I just needed to vent because, honestly, it's hard not to feel defeated sometimes. Bring back the Wolf Pak, or bite my tongue? Click to expand... All true and sad. But I think it points to the fact that on modern earth it's hard to keep good thing secret for long. Same with mountains, cities and natural resources. Even if it's less good than it was it's still an incredible privilege IMHO. |