Hey Zuz, I am confused: Was it a surf scam?

If the worst thing that can happen to you in the surf is being told off, this little adventure from our reader places a close second. Embarrassing for sure, but totally survivable. The biggest question: was it a surf scam or…not?

‍ Hey Zuz, I’m confused

I’m a beginner surfer and went out surfing with a friend. Well… more of an acquaintance, if I’m being honest. We’ve surfed together before. I was on my board, she was on hers, and she asked me if I wanted to try it. I said sure—I’d never been on a hard top before. I didn’t like it in the end and couldn’t wait to swap back. But just as I was about to return it to her, I collided with another surfer.

Her board—the one I was riding—got damaged. I didn’t think it was that bad, but she said there were several dings and the tail was all scuffed up. The other surfer didn’t even notice. Of course, I offered to pay for the repair, and she said just to give her money and she’d take care of it at the local surf shop. So I did.

But the next time I saw her—and the time after that—she was riding a different board. And now I’m wondering if I got taken in. I really don’t think our little collision could’ve caused all that damage. And now I don’t even want to surf at that spot anymore. Every time I see it, I just remember the accident. I’m pretty sure she told her friends I’m a liability. I don’t even want to surf anymore.

Dear reader!

I’ll keep it brief: forget about it. Accidents happen. You did everything right. You offered to repair the damage. There’s not much more you could’ve done.

Your friend—sorry, acquaintance—knew your skill level and still suggested a board swap. That’s on her.

Now, are you wondering if this was just a long con to get you to pay for previous damage? Highly unlikely. She couldn’t have predicted a collision. It’s more likely that after the incident, she decided you weren’t surf buddy material and moved on.

You can, too.

Try not to dwell on it or over-analyze what other surfers might be thinking. You might be reading too much into it. And hey—even if she did say something unkind, it doesn’t define you as a surfer.

I know it’s hard to go back to a surf spot that feels “tainted” by bad vibes. But what’s the alternative? Surf somewhere else? Find a new buddy? Or decide that surfing is too important to let one awkward incident get in the way—and keep going.

I recommend the latter.

Author: The Wipeout Weekly team