Boscombe Pier

comment by Anonymous, 2009-11-27 16:42:15

localism and tourism (hand in hand)
Surfed here for years never had any issues, more friendly than Bournmouth Pier, most of the daft comments on here are put on by kids who are bored with facebook. We all started somewhere and now when I jet of to surf in some warm blue water in someone elses backyard I'm not a local either. Respect and you will get respect. Most of the time I'd sooner drive to Devon anyway and i live here!.oops I'm not a local there either. Just a Nomad.

comment by Kill Bill , 2009-09-21 20:40:06

Kill Bill
One last comment........I drive a 140 mile round trip to come to surf. I buy local fuel and food, spend money on hotels and nights out yet, won't drop in, respects the locals and has a laugh.

If there are 30 people out with foam boards and getting in the way, who's driving that? It's the local surf shops pushing lessons and encouraging more people into the water.

Next time you visit N Devon, check how many lessons are out, how much they charge for car parking and camping and see how much the true locals pay for food and beer!!

I bet you feel ripped off!!!!

comment by Kill Bill , 2009-09-21 20:28:32

Back to basics
I've been visiting Bournemouth and Boscombe for years. Before I could drive we used to cycle (with boards under arms) for 6 miles to get to the station to get the train down and then cycle (with boards again) down to the beach.

I've always loved the place and even now check the cams and forecast and bunk off work as often as possible to drive the 70 miles down. Slop or clean, I just want to get in the water.

Some of the comments on here are disturbing though about localism. I really appreciate that the locals are pissed about the "wannabes" spending thousands of pounds on equipment and getting in the way.........however, not everyone has been blessed with being in a position to live near the coast.

I started surfing when I was 10 and had to beg and beg to be taken for a surf. I'm in a position now where I can go whenever there's a wave which is a wonderful thing.

I've found the locals nothing but accommodating and friendly, even having a laugh if a "kook" may have found themselves in the way.

The reef may have caused untold publicity, however, when the "kooks" see what the paddle's like, they won't even try it.

Please let's not lose what's currently a great vibe because there's more people in the water. With some gentle education (tell them to read up on surf etiquette), all breaks will be a pleasure to be at.

Remember, we all had to start somewhere and some take longer than others. Let's not start degrading a superb sport and encourage those who want to take part.

Next time you suffer a drop in, think of the Croyde, Fistral etc locals in summer or the many locals in all the ski / snowboard resorts in winter. They manage to make use of the tourists whilst sharing a great environment.