Back 2 Basics

SL surfing has been incredibally rewarding for me. Not just competing but hosting, sponsering, judging and serving on the SLSA board of directors has been soooo much fun.

Recently, at an SLSA comp the tone had changed. The spirit that has always held us together as a community was poisoned by a few people that seem to have never really understood why we surf together.

This post if ever read, will inevitably infuriate those boneheads that find it neccesary to spam the staff at surf comps, trash talk in public chat in the stands and spread negative energy. Quite frankly I don´t care. I´m of the opinion that surfing in SL is about having fun. I´m of the opinion that griefing is hate and hate has no place at a surf comp. I´m of the opinion that 40 people having fun is more important than your right to grief. I´m of the opinion that sportsmanship and fair play must be our focus. I´m of the opinion that respect is a 2 way street and that those who choose to show disdain for their fellow surfers and staff members should be disqualified.

It is my hope that this was an isolated incident and that with some polite reminders pointing to the SLSA Rules of Conduct we can once again return to having fun and respecting each other. I have no problem listening to the concerns of my fellow surfers, complaints, protests, whatever. What I do demand is respect as should we all. Expect it not if your are not willing to give it.

Back 2 Basics – Surf because it´s fun! Cheer your fellow surfers on, regardless of team affiliation. Spread positive energy. Suck it up if ya have a bad day and cheer for others instead! Lighten up – perspective is in order. Give and recieve. Sportsmanship is classy, fair play is expected. Together we ride, together we belly

/V

Tags: sl surfing, SLSA, Surf comp, VW Sands