When perception and prejudice collide

DANCE AWAKE: Why would one hate on someone who does this? Photo Jeremy Bishop / Unsplash

Something happened the other day that got me thinking about how we as surfers percieve each other. I had an unpleasant experience at a popular and oft-times overcrowded multi-peak beach break. Someone crashed straight into me as I was paddling back out after catching a wave. So intent was she on out-paddling another surfer that she only saw me at the last moment. Before she could stand up, her and her heavy longboard came crashing down in a thundering cascade of white water.

I frantically ducked out of her way, and luckily, she narrowly missed my face but her heavy longboard smashed into my arm, breast and ribs. I bled for about 24 hours and doctors were very concerned about the severity of the contusion on my arm. It was touch and go whether I would have to have a skin graft.

At the time, she apologised. In pain and seething, I was less than gracious, but the incident passed, and the wounds are healing. But what eclipsed the incident, what stung and humiliated the most, was this: A random chump sitting nearby, on hearing my yell of pain and indignation, called out to me: "This is Muizenberg. If you don't want to get hurt, you shouldn't be out here!"

STEREOTYPES: Would the 'clod' have said the same to this surfer? Photo Chris Osmond / Unsplash

Yip, I, the hapless recipient of a careless action, had only myself to blame - for being in the water. Monumentally strange logic, at best. It's probable that the clod would have said that to anybody, whether man, woman, young or old, but to me the intended contempt of his putdown and tone was aimed at what he undoubtedly saw through his narrow prejudiced vision: a woman of a certain vintage that he believed ought not to be participating in this pastime.

It probably also implied that because we were surfing in a non-threatening surf spot, there are no holds barred and anyone not understanding the notion that older people shouldn't surf ought not to be in the water.

Is this sort of offensive attitude to be tolerated? Because if this rogue contention is acceptable, then anything goes and every irresponsible behaviour is to be condoned. And how would that end up? What chaos could that result in?

JUST RELAX: We all quest for a sense of soul but often to little avail. Photo Yann Bervas / Unsplash

This sort of experience is not unique to someone of my gender or cohort, as there are intermittent flare-ups between testosterone-fuelled young men and every combination of surfer class in between. But that doesn't make it okay. It is not okay.

In a less woke era, that person could have been beheaded for a similarly disparaging remark. His assumptions led me to thinking about our perceptions of fellow surfers. What, I wondered, is the most likely reason for his silly outburst? (I also have preconceived notions). I decided to ask some hard questions, a mini survey, as it were, from surfers I know. I knew it would be difficult to get honest, candid answers and I do realise that my survey has bias. I don't know many "a" holes who would give me the perspective I was seeking.

Of the several dozen people I surveyed, almost all had similar answers: the notion of respect was foremost. So I must conclude that within the parameters of this survey, the chump was an outsider. And that's is gratifying to know.

However, as more and more very young kids are surfing and more older surfers are staying the course, and places are becoming ever more crowded, attitudes towards "lesser" beings need to be examined and possibly improved, or we could all be in an abyss of carnage and mayhem.

IT'S SIMPLE: If we are respectful, conflict has no oxygen. Photo Lechat Valentin / Unsplash

So, for an exercise in self examination, here are the questions.

(1). Who do you consider should be given preference in the line-up, given that so many surf spots are crowded these days?

1. Grommets, as they are the future.
2. Ballies, as they were the pioneers and will give way soon enough through natural attrition.
3. Kooks because they need our tolerance most.
4. Women of any age.
5. Other.

Give reasons for your answer.

(2). Who do you respect in the water?:

1. Do you admire older men and women who surf?
2. Do you aspire to be that way one day?
3. Do you feel embarrassed on their behalf because they are a little slower, can be clumsy, seem incapable sometimes, get in the way and so on?
4. Are you afraid that one day you will look like they do - old, wrinkled, sun blotched and altogether inelegant?
5. Do you enjoy seeing very young kids being pushed into waves by proud-looking fathers?
6. Do you prefer that only young athletic cool dudes surf?
7. Other?

Give reasons for your answers.

(3). What is your attitude towards atypical surfers?:

1. Do you think older surfers in the line-up are a joke?
2. Do you take kids in the lineup seriously?
3. Do you lose patience more readily if a ballie gets in your way or transgresses the rules of etiquette.
4. Would you be less impatient if he/she was a gorgeous young thing in a skimpy bikini?
5. Do you fear for older or very young surfers in rough conditions?
6. Would you feel the same about athletic looking surfers?
7. Other.

Give reasons for your answers.

There are no right or wrong answers: just take this as a window into your attitudes in the water and your level of respect for fellow surfers of all descriptions. Ancient wisdom has it that a life without introspection is no life at all. A careless act can have repercussions. That’s a chance you take. But should you stop surfing because of others’ bad attitudes?