Who’s fault is it?
Over the last couple of weeks I have observed a new breed of surfers take to the water & it’s equally comical as it is scary to watch. From heavy nose dives to the constant struggle of paddling & getting nowhere, all beginners journey through beating after beating in a desperate clamber to ride the waves. As I guiltily entertain myself by taking enjoyment in all of this I do feel mixed emotions for those exhausted limbs & helpless face expressions. It’s a journey & experience that I know all too well & for those of you who have reached that competent level of being able to catch your own waves you will smirk & remember your time of poundings. Another situation a beginner will find themselves in is the awkward experience of colliding with another surfer. So who’s fault is it? There are surf edicts to follow in the water which are the traffic police of the waves, however this does not stop the odd collision from happening. Sometimes its clearly someones fault & in that case an apology should be made & an offer to pay for any board damage. If it is unclear to who’s fault it is or if its caused by a helpless & novice surfer then it may mean taking a deep breath, sucking up your pride & realising that learning to master the waves means making mistakes.
Tim’s Tip: If you see a beginner, offer words of encourage rather than going off at them.
