San Diegans Dealing With Surf Rage
Surfing has always been a key part of the image of a laid-back, relaxed Southern California lifestyle, but more and more authorities are finding themselves dealing with surf rage.
• Perhaps in a time of road rage, and violence, and a general lack of civility, it's not surprising that the problems on dry land have spread to the water.
The problem stems from localism, according to surfer Brandon Maine. Three years ago he was boogie-boarding at Windansea Beach, in La Jolla. A local surfer got mad at Maine, who hails from Clairemont, and picked a fight.
"He pushed me and punched me in my face," Maine said.
Maine walked away, but it didn't stop. He ended up with a black eye, bloody nose, and injured jaw.
Six months later, he ran into the same surfer again.
He saw me and just started hitting me," Maine said.
Maine contacted police and the surfer was arrested. But Maine's experience is not an isolated incident.
Former Congressman Brian Bilbray is a longtime surfer who told 10News that recently an 8-year-old took issue with him for not being a local.
Bilbray said that the answer to surf rage starts with teaching surfers the proper etiquette when they're young.
Lifeguard John Greenhalj told 10News that he thinks all the surf camps popping up recently may also help to educate young surfers about how to behave. |
