Danger: Biggest issue hitting Gold Coast surfing

LOOK out, there’s a new danger in the surf, writes Surf Scene.

LOOK out, there’s a new danger lurking in the surf.

It’s a hipster wearing a manbun that surfs on a log (old malibu longboard) and without a leg-rope.

Predominantly male, these throwbacks think they are from an imaginary time back in the 60s prior to leg-ropes.

They think it’s cool to go surfing without a leash and then lose their board in a crowded line-up with horrible consequences.

From Byron Bay to Noosa they are a plague, a blight on surfing humanity and have no responsibility or care for others.

Seriously they are a deadset worry. And quite frankly shouldn’t be allowed to impose this type of negligent reckless behaviour.

In the past three months I have had many complaints.

It’s important surfers wear a leg-rope, especially in overcrowded locations, for the safety of all. Picture: Luke Marsden.

Gold Coast councillor Gail O’Neill raised the community concerns at a local stewardship committee for council’s World Surfing Reserve management.

The council’s city beaches department is now working on a dual campaign with Surfing Queensland to encourage the surf safety message that includes wearing a leg-rope at all times especially in an overcrowded location.

I do remember that special time in the 1960s when you only had one board and a wipe-out from out the back would cost you a big swim to the beach.

Joel Tudor is one of the greatest longboarders of all time but can afford not to wear a leg-rope in competition. Picture: GLEESON/WSL

The locals at Burleigh had the worst looking boards from being punished on the rocks. Their boards were noticeably discoloured from being waterlogged.

I’m not sure who was the originator of the cord but I recall how crude the earlier versions were and fatalistic with many casualties resulting in blindness, nasty cuts and in the most extreme cases groin damage.

And not everyone was sold on the idea at first.

The surfing purists were saying it wasn’t real surfing and it was cheating.

I think Gordon Merchant was probably the first to use one made from surgical rubber at Burleigh. That was a couple of years before he established the Billabong company.

When Russell Hughes, one of the most charismatic coolest and stylish surfers on the planet declared in 1971 that leg-ropes were magic, the floodgates were opened.

It would be funny to observe these nostalgia posers if it weren’t for the carnage they are causing. Unfortunately, there’s nothing stopping them.

The last thing I would like to see is people being fined for not wearing a leg-rope.

This type of enforcement would be hard to regulate and should only be a last option.

So, what’s the answer then?

I would be strenuously encouraging everyone to be responsible and avoid accidents.

The culprits could be shamed, and I do suggest if you are hit or hurt by an out of control projectiles that weigh a tonne, I would seek litigation.

The victims should act against the perpetrators, gather witnesses, compile evidence and use your legal right.

Unless you are Joel Tudor in a World Longboard final, do the right thing, wear a leg-rope and promote surf safety.