This single-paragraph editorial, by publisher Don Thomas, ran in the February 1972 issue of Surfing magazine. It was preceded, in the same column, by a short piece condemning the behavior of American surfers abroad. This version has been slightly edited.

Closer to home, conflicts are even worse. Every local area has a group of vigilantes whose self-determined destiny is to keep their surf spot available only to locals. Visiting surfers beware! Witness—Purpus’ article on Oregon. The fights at Topanga, Malibu, Hollywood by the Sea, Rincon, etc. No photographer is safe at Sunset Cliffs. Slashed tires, broken windows, stolen racks and wetsuits. Four locals chased a visiting surfer off the beach with pipes and rocks at Oxnard. Rubber hoses have been used at Topanga. A year ago it was all brotherhood and nature. Now it’s "don’t come to my beach, brother, or I’ll bust your head. Ride my waves and you’ll eat a foam sandwich." Jesus, what’s happening here? Do the waves only belong to the aggressive strong guy? Do the beaches only belong to those who take and defend them? There are miles and miles of US coastline. There are breaking waves all along it. But battles rage over this or that spot. And while the mini-battle is fought, the city council sends in the guerrillas to close the beach to surfing. Or the state officials send out the bulldozer militia and build a highway or boat harbor. If all the effort that was expended on bad vibes went toward the opening of closed beaches and the creation of surfing reefs, crowded conditions would diminish for sure. But is that really the problem or the solution? I don’t know, but to my way of thinking the problem is mainly a matter of attitude. And so is the solution. Think about the Golden Rule a minute. Consider its application to surfing. "Do Unto Others As You Would Have Them Do Unto You." Consider its application to life! Spend one day at the beach, one full day, and apply the Rule in every way possible. I’m not saying this is the answer to all the difficulties we experience but it sure helps my outlook. Someone must make the first move. Why shouldn’t it be me? Why shouldn’t it be you?

"LOCAL TROUBLE" 1972 SURFING EDITORIAL

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