u/GoldCoastSerpent

I live in a region that is a destination for windsurfing. Usually they surf big open beach breaks by themselves, but they will also surf this one popular reef breaks when conditions allow.

Usually, there is never a problem. The windsurfers are only out when it’s cross-shore blown out garbage and the surfers only want clean conditions. However, today was both clean enough and windy enough to bring both surfers and wind surfers to the the reef break.

The windsurfers can get into the waves long before they break and they can easily get back to the peak before another set comes through. It was a masterclass in back paddling.

Taking every set wave not withstanding, what struck me most was the danger they imposed on the surfers. These guys can generate so much speed with their sails and they surf in the pocket through the lineup just like a short boarder would. They’re like a cross between jet skis and SUPs that can do airs. I saw a few near collisions with surfers that were genuinely terrifying. Arguing and cussing ensued.

Is this a common problem elsewhere in the world? What’s the general protocol, if there even is one?

Cad é mar atá sibh uilig. I live in a Gaelic speaking area of Ireland where (I believe) we speak an intelligible dialect to what’s spoken in by native Gaelic speakers in Cape Breton.

I’m planning on being in Cape Breton next week and was hoping to meet a couple native speakers and make a YouTube video about Cape Breton Gaelic. I’ll be reaching out to Colaisde na Gáidhlig in St. Anne’s, but I was wondering if there is anywhere else I should be looking?

I know it’s a longshot, but I would be very grateful for any tips! Go raibh míle maith agaibh

It’s well trodden ground that most modern pro surfers grow up with a privileged background- often equipped with house in a beach town like San Clemente, Byron Bay, Haleiwa, etc. and parents who will pay for surf trips and the lifestyle.

But why wasn’t this the case a couple decades ago? Kelly grew up poor in Florida, Bruce & Andy grew up without money, Mick Fanning’s parents were working class Irish immigrants, and Sunny Garcia grew up poor from what I gather.

It’s not like there weren’t other rich kids surfing from Florida, the Gold Coast, Oahu, and Kauai during the same era, but somehow nearly every world champ from that era is from a working class background. Is that just pure chance?