Lots of speculation on here about why or how this might be reasonable. Bottom line, no matter what is happening here, foiler is in the wrong just by being there. We are bottom of the totem pole in the surfing world, we have the most dangerous and scary craft in the lineup, we can’t be around other riders, full stop. Similar to kiting…Rule #1 is thou shalt not endanger others in chasing your fun. And also coming from surf world, sounds like he got off lucky in only get his foil smashed.
As for multiples in a crowd, you NEVER have priority if you already caught a wave in the set. It is piggy and can be dangerous, show some restraint, give someone a wave. The crowd will notice, you will gain respect, everyone will be happier and stoked. Think the long game, for the next session or for your foil buddies next session, build up the karma for you and everyone.
That happens to me all the time. In that case I just share waves like i would on any other craft. usually with just 2 in the water theres still plenty of waves for everyone.
Yeah, was just throwing a scenario out. It seems like pretty much everyone on this forum has the sense not to foil into to a crowded lineup. Luckily the beaches are pretty slow down here on the Space Coast; I definitely feel lucky not to deal with the West Coast/Hawaii lineups, even though they have more size and consistency.
My personal etiquette comes down to if someone’s is uncomfortable, I leave. The last thing I want to do is leave people with a bad impression of the sport and people that foil.
Some things I do to increase surfer comfort:
Act like a surfer- if I’m riding a “surfing wave” I will do my best to act like a surfer. This means staying in the pocket, only pumping out as far as the farthest inside surfer, or even not pumping at all. No connections. Be predictable.
Stay away from beginners and kids- the only thing worse than an angry surfer is an angry parent. If there is a kid on the inside, I wait for them to clear before taking a wave
Wear a leash
Show Aloha- be kind and respectful you’re on the bottom of the pecking order, if someone tells you they’re uncomfortable you don’t argue.
What did not help our cause is, we’ve seen many videos where foilers were using surfers as slalom marks in the water and don’t even give the waves
When a surfer try to catch it. We need to play ultra safe if we don’t want more bans!
As foilers, we can hurt other foilers, surfers, swimmers, etc. We should give right of way and get out of the way. The beauty of foiling is not to have to fight for position in a traditional line up. Let’s protect that vibe.
For double + dippers or guys like Oscar Johansen foiling for 2:46!!, I subscribe Sky Rama’s view. “Double + dippers always give way to those getting on their 1st wave.”
You are assuming that the foiler is taking off here. He could have taken off way out back, the surfer may have technically dropped in on him and the foiler is simply falling off in the closeout. Whatever the case, I agree that the surfer is guilty of pushing his position but that is what surfers do when they see anyone on their outside. As everyone is saying the foiler just should not have been there full stop.
There are folks who can foil in a crowded break, there are folks who can foil the crowd but chose not to (sharing is caring, but for some the beast has to eat) and then there is a group who shouldn’t for a number of reasons.
The issue of foils near surfers and swimmers isnt a new issue, and it will continue to be as popularity and gear open up foiling to a diverse skill set. Foiling is fun, its techincal and like kiting strangers watch and are going to ask questions. People who dont surf are going to learn, and we can hope they find the forum, are welcomed and educated here on the best way to have fun foiling.
This thread makes me realise how lucky I am to have a local break that is unsurfable but great for foiling at any level.
There is another local spot that is a favourite for all foils when its on, the takeoff is out on a point, but about a minute into the wave you reach the longboarder takeoff zone and often have to carefully negotiate surfers. I have taken a lesson from another foiler to verbally tell surfers where I am going (left / right of them or infront/behind). I also try and get out further onto the shoulder before I hit this zone so that there is a peak behind me for a surfer to take well clear of me.
That said, I am not perfect and have got myself in situations where I shouldn’t be. Usually with less experienced (so non agro) surfers. This makes it a bit easier to say sorry and leave without a fuss.
That’s similar to our main spot, we can be partially separated, but some mingling often becomes inevitable on some swells and tides. Which doesn’t have to be deal killer if you be smart and thoughtful about it.
I think communication is key, especially with beginner surfers … give a smile, stop to chat on the paddle back, explain the situation. My line is that surfers have priority, so go on anything, feel free to drop in on us foilers, we have choices and we can make room by turning back or kicking out. Then if you are riding one from the outside and see them paddling, give them a hoot and encouragement. Because they are likely not going to make the wave or immediately fall off 95% of the time, so you get the ride anyway, and look like the nice guy. Everyone’s happy!
This is particularly important if there are kids out and they are nervous of foils…as protective parents are a session ender, possibly extending beyond that session depending on the spot!
Second key is to give them lots of room. Do not cut the corner close enough to scare anyone. We silently come out of nowhere, so if you are close enough that you may startle them, make your presence known way in advance or turn well in advance to avoid close contact. But above all, do not attempt that rad trick right in front of surfers … because if you don’t make it, you may shoot your board right into them, or get washed into the pack. And that can be really really bad…so above all, don’t be that guy.
Stir the pot a bit with this clip. Comment would be that Gman definitely would not be making friends with that first wave, maybe the hat is narrowing the peripherals?
I think it is really tricky to paddle out with a foiler on a wave, as you just never know where to aim, and we/they move so fast. Even with a buddy on a wave, no idea where they are going to go…
(not innocent myself to taking the odd wave on the inside and having to work through the odd cluster)
