A real surfer always has wax

I started surfing 18 months ago. I have been hooked ever since. Although I am still a rookie (or kook in surfers terms), my skill levels are increasing steadily.

A few months after starting I decided to take a drive out to Milnerton, the waves were 1 to 2ft, with a nice gentle offshore blowing, conditions were perfect for learning.

Wax on. Wax off.

I suited up, grabbed my board and as I was running down to the beach I realised that I had no wax on my board. Rookie error, I admit. There were plenty of surfers around, so I went up to this older guy (maybe in his early 50's) in the parking lot who had just finished his surf, and I asked;

"Hey man, can I please borrow some wax?"

He looked at me reluctantly for a few seconds and then gave the following response;

"A real surfer always has wax."

Not the answer I was expecting. After an awkward few seconds, he threw some wax at me. I smeared my board quick and thin, thanked him and was on my way. I didn't want this wankers wax on my board but I didn't have much choice.

This response opitimises the attitude and arrogance that I have found surfers to have. In the Western Cape at least, that is. Rarely is there any greeting of any kind in the water. I get that okes don't paddle out to have a social gathering but a little common courtesy and a smile to a fellow bru in the water isn't gonna kill you.

Sharks will.

Surfing in Sea Point a few months ago I was struck on the head by a fellow surfer's board. I was fine. He was not. Once he found out that I was OK, he insisted that I pay for the repair to his damaged board. After refusing to do so (as it was an accident), he then tried to get me to agree to pay for half the repair.

I paddled out after that. In disbelief.

Note to self (whether you're just starting out or you're a seasoned veteran), if you want you want to be a real surfer, always have your own wax.

Kelly doing his thing.

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In 2010, Kelly Slater won his 10th World Title reinforcing his status as the best surfer ever. 
He started 2011 where he left off previously, winning the first event of the ASP World Tour and is currently in 1st place after 2 events.
Jordy Smith, South Africa's hope at a World Cahmpion is currently 3rd overall.
There are 9 events left.

SS.