Ale is a great surfer, a surf instructor for the Algarve Surf School in Portugal, as well as a dear friend of mine. He's been one of the first ones teaching me how to surf and the etiquette to follow in the line up. Today he is here to share a few DO's and DON'Ts that everybody should respect in order to have the best surf session.
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Have you ever paddled to a line up and right away noticed a couple of those unwelcoming looks directed to you?
On one of my first trips to the Basque Country in 1998 I got verbally harassed (in Basque language which didn’t really help to understand the reason why) and kicked out of the water by a screaming local guy. I started to say “sorry” and ask “why?” but eventually had to leave to avoid a punch on my face. I really couldn’t figure out why and I surely can’t remember what I did to make him so furious at me but I do remember two things:
1. An awkward mixed feeling of embarrassment and disappointment
2. The hate towards the local claiming his right on the waves
