There Are More Surfers Now — But That Doesn’t Mean There Are Less Waves
For the past weeks, I’ve been surfing with my son. A friend heard that and told me something I’ve heard for more than twenty years:
“Surfing isn’t the same anymore. Too many people in the water.”
And yes — it is true that more people surf today. Lineups are busier than they were. I saw it in Morocco years ago. Then again in Indonesia at Uluwatu, Canggu — everywhere. Different continents, same sentence.
But here’s the interesting thing: I almost never experience the crowd the way people describe it.
Crowds Are Real. A Bad Session Is Optional.
Some surfers paddle out already defeated. They look at the lineup and immediately think: “Too crowded. No chance today.” And the moment that thought lands, the session is already over. They surf small, hesitate, get tense — and of course, they don’t catch waves.
Meanwhile, the waves are still coming. There is always another set.
Attitude Shapes Your Surfing More Than the Crowd Does
When I paddle out, I choose to look for possibility:
- I smile and greet people.
- I take my turn. If someone drops in, I let them know — clear and calm.
- If I drop in by mistake, I apologize and move on. Next wave.
When the vibe is friendly, the lineup opens. When the vibe is tense, I stay grounded and still take the waves I’ve earned — respectfully, but confidently.
Surfing is part ocean awareness, part social awareness, part mindset. If you show up negative, you see scarcity. If you show up open, you see abundance.
Respect First. Confidence Second. Both Always.
New spot or home break — the essentials stay the same:
- Say hello. Make eye contact.
- Respect locals and the natural order of the peak.
- Sit where your skill fits — then move up.
- And when it’s your turn, go. Commit.
If people around are tense or territorial, I don’t shrink. I take the waves I can ride well. I show that I belong through action, not aggression. This is how the lineup negotiates itself.
Why I’m Still Teaching My Son to Surf
I will not keep my son out of the ocean because there are people in it. Crowds are part of life.
Surfing teaches him:
- Patience and presence.
- Reading energy — in waves and in people.
- Respect and boundaries.
- Confidence without arrogance.
These are lessons worth learning in a lineup, not in isolation.
If You’re on the Fence About Surf Crowds
- Yes — there are more surfers.
- No — that does not mean there are fewer waves.
- And no — a negative attitude won’t bring you more waves.
Bring warmth. Bring awareness. Bring courage to paddle when it’s your turn. There are always waves for those who stay alive in the moment.
Crowds exist. So does joy. Which one you meet is often the one you brought with you.
See you out there. 🌊
Struggling With Your Surf Mindset?
If crowds, nerves, or hesitation are costing you waves, let’s fix that. Book a short clarity call and I’ll help you craft a simple mindset plan you can use in your next session.
15 minutes. Practical tools. No pressure.
About the author: Dris — surfer, coach, and founder of La Crique Surf House in Morocco. Helping people build resilience, purpose, and a life aligned with what matters.
