The Cult of the Costco Surfboard • Hacker News Board

Re: The Cult of the Costco Surfboard

#41

Post by peterwwillis » Sat, Aug 19, 2017, 2:02 PM UTC

Dylanfm wrote: post #36

dogruck wrote: post #12

I wish surfing culture wasn't so hostile. Unfortunately, there are a finite number of breaks and waves each day. So as the number of surfers increases, it amplifies the tension in every lineup. It's like biker culture -- if there were only a handful of roads. The only way I've been able to enjoy surfing is by paying an instructor to help me navigate the lineup and actually catch a wave.

The hostility depends on many factors. Some areas are more hostile than others, and individual spots. Here are some things that could lead to a negative atmosphere developing, from the point of view of a non-local surfer arriving in the lineup: - snaking (cutting in line) - dropping in (taking off when someone is on the wave) - sitting at the main take off with the locals (many spots it takes time to earn a place the…

Sounds like a sport for assholes

Re: The Cult of the Costco Surfboard

#42

Post by cat199 » Sat, Aug 19, 2017, 2:03 PM UTC

bitwize wrote: post #5

The Wavestorm sounds like the Raspberry Pi of surfboards: a cheap way to get n00bs on board (no pun intended) quickly and a basic board that even the experienced can get use out of. I hope it fosters a culture of teaching n00bs the basics and manners of surfing rather than making fun of them.

n00b. off mah lawn.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eternal_September

:)

Re: The Cult of the Costco Surfboard

#43

Post by mathgeek » Sat, Aug 19, 2017, 3:07 PM UTC

deltamidway wrote: post #4

As a surfer living and working in Venice California, I love wavestorms. We can identify noobs from a distance. I am glad that Wavestorms are democratizing surfing. Previously you would need to buy a fragile $800 surfboard to start.

> We can identify noobs from a distance.

I'm assuming you were being a bit sarcastic here, but these kinds of comments do come across as judging people just because they're trying to learn a new hobby with certain equipment. It can be construed as a type of shaming.

Re: The Cult of the Costco Surfboard

#44

Post by BASH_hockey » Sat, Aug 19, 2017, 3:08 PM UTC

The founder is also a legend at the Bay Area Street Hockey league, playing at the James Lick school in Noe Valley. He was probably the best player for the better part of a decade, having played hockey at some Ivy League school, IIRC. Another startup connection is one of the founding or very early members of Zynga used to play in that league as well.

Re: The Cult of the Costco Surfboard

#45

Post by Pils » Sat, Aug 19, 2017, 3:21 PM UTC

mathgeek wrote: post #43

deltamidway wrote: post #4

As a surfer living and working in Venice California, I love wavestorms. We can identify noobs from a distance. I am glad that Wavestorms are democratizing surfing. Previously you would need to buy a fragile $800 surfboard to start.

> We can identify noobs from a distance. I'm assuming you were being a bit sarcastic here, but these kinds of comments do come across as judging people just because they're trying to learn a new hobby with certain equipment. It can be construed as a type of shaming.

As a skier, being able to identify weaker skiers is very important. Collisions are extremely dangerous, I assume even more so for surfing. Knowing to give certain people a wider berth is generally mutually beneficial.

Re: The Cult of the Costco Surfboard

#46

Post by [deleted] » Sat, Aug 19, 2017, 3:30 PM UTC

dogruck wrote: post #40

fapjacks wrote: post #29

Earlier quoted context omitted.

This completely. Even in traditionally hostile places, if you show up enough times and get to know the regulars, you'll be totally fine.

This culture sounds like, "at first they wouldn't hire me, because I looked different. But I kept coming around, and they let me start sweeping the floor."

[deleted]

Re: The Cult of the Costco Surfboard

#47

Post by mark212 » Sat, Aug 19, 2017, 3:42 PM UTC

nnd wrote: post #13

dogruck wrote: post #12

I wish surfing culture wasn't so hostile. Unfortunately, there are a finite number of breaks and waves each day. So as the number of surfers increases, it amplifies the tension in every lineup. It's like biker culture -- if there were only a handful of roads. The only way I've been able to enjoy surfing is by paying an instructor to help me navigate the lineup and actually catch a wave.

Not every place is hostile, from my personal experience surfing all around the world (Brazil, Peru, Mexico, Philippines, etc) I only experienced hostility in SoCal. So maybe it's just the US thing.

you've never been to Hawaii, apparently

Re: The Cult of the Costco Surfboard

#48

Post by mark212 » Sat, Aug 19, 2017, 3:45 PM UTC

peterwwillis wrote: post #41

Dylanfm wrote: post #36

Earlier quoted context omitted.

The hostility depends on many factors. Some areas are more hostile than others, and individual spots. Here are some things that could lead to a negative atmosphere developing, from the point of view of a non-local surfer arriving in the lineup: - snaking (cutting in line) - dropping in (taking off when someone is on the wave) - sitting at the main take off with the locals (many spots it takes time to earn a place the…

Sounds like a sport for assholes

no, it's the opposite. Arrive with an ego and an attitude and you'll get an adjustment

Re: The Cult of the Costco Surfboard

#49

Post by jacobolus » Sat, Aug 19, 2017, 3:47 PM UTC

peterwwillis wrote: post #41

Dylanfm wrote: post #36

Earlier quoted context omitted.

The hostility depends on many factors. Some areas are more hostile than others, and individual spots. Here are some things that could lead to a negative atmosphere developing, from the point of view of a non-local surfer arriving in the lineup: - snaking (cutting in line) - dropping in (taking off when someone is on the wave) - sitting at the main take off with the locals (many spots it takes time to earn a place the…

Sounds like a sport for assholes

I’m not a surfer, so I imagined that Dylanfm was describing driving:

Here are some things that could lead to a negative atmosphere: –tailgating, –slamming on your brakes for no reason forcing everyone behind you to stop, –swerving in front of someone, –running stop signs, –stopping in the middle of the lane to unload passengers, –turning without signaling right in front of an oncoming car, –driving the wrong way down a one-way street.

If you think folks rebuking people for antisocial behavior and not following simple community norms are “assholes”, I imagine you must find an abundance of assholes in just about every aspect of life.

Re: The Cult of the Costco Surfboard

#50

Post by randocalrissian » Sat, Aug 19, 2017, 4:28 PM UTC

mathgeek wrote: post #43

deltamidway wrote: post #4

As a surfer living and working in Venice California, I love wavestorms. We can identify noobs from a distance. I am glad that Wavestorms are democratizing surfing. Previously you would need to buy a fragile $800 surfboard to start.

> We can identify noobs from a distance. I'm assuming you were being a bit sarcastic here, but these kinds of comments do come across as judging people just because they're trying to learn a new hobby with certain equipment. It can be construed as a type of shaming.

It most certainly is a type of shaming. I am new to surfing, own a Wavestorm, and I suck. I am happy that my board sends the message that I am a n00b. They are judging me and pretty accurately at that. It gives them a heads up as to whether they should help me or stay away lol.

Why care about feeling shamed or embarrassed? You are trying something new and there is a high probability that you are going to be terrible at it and look like a fool. Why let "judgement" stop you from doing what you want to do? I am awful.. and I am going to keep going out there until I am less awful. I aspire to learn local etiquette and become good enough to surf with the "best".

If you are afraid of being judged or shamed, try and find a spot that is less populated. Take a long board and go out on days with smaller waves. Where I live, the experienced surfers mainly come out on days with 4 ft plus waves. The point I am trying to make is that there are options. Just don't stop trying!