How NOT To Surf S-Turns

Don’t shit in people’s outdoor showers.

Funny. We never even considered that as a possible tip for the “How to Surf S-Turns” piece in our July issue, on newsstands next week. But apparently — embarrassingly — it should be rule Number One (or at least Number 2), as Mirlo Beach homeowners discover the offense as often as three times a week.

“Last fall we finally prosecuted someone,” says Midgett Realty property manager, Jennifer Hooper, who handles many of the homes in Rodanthe's first neighborhood, which fronts the famous sandbar. “I didn’t want to, but after so many offenses, we couldn’t drop the charges. I mean, we’ve found it not just in showers, but on decks. We’ve even found it on grill tops.”

That’s right: grill tops.

Now, we here at SURFING are more than willing to fight for surfers’ rights to Outer Banks breaks —from ORV access on the Cape to maintaining the road through Pea Island. But – crapping on food preparation surfaces? That shit’s indefensible. Literally. Not only is it just plain wrong, it stinks for the overall surfing community as we now must face increasing scrutiny from homeowners, who might otherwise look the other way at more minor offenses like a parking in the wrong spot, using a vacant deck to check the waves, or changing in a towel.

“The frustration level is very high – to say the least,” Hooper continues. “Not only is there the defecation issue, but we’ve had people walk into vacant houses, leave water running in showers. People park in driveways and block other vehicles. It’s gotten to the point where we now have a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to trespassing. Private property is private property.”

That zero-tolerance policy by Mirlo Beach homeowners has now trickled onto Rodanthe’s public streets where cars frequently swerve to avoid surfers changing outside their cars or crossing without looking. As a result, S-Turns surfers will find more “No Parking” signs than before and greater scrutiny by law officers. So, to make things easier on everyone — and make to make sure we don’t face another huge access fight in the future — we beg you to ignore what the current mag says about where to park and access the beach, and obey the following rules:

1. Park in the refuge, on the west side, before you get into town. That will eliminate any hassle with any homeowners.
2. Keep four wheels off the road and don’t change in the street. (Even if it means getting your little tootsies sandy.)
3. Look carefully before crossing – watch the nose of your board.
4. Pay attention to all no parking/no trespassing signs while in Rodanthe.
5. Don’t use the Mirlo Beach access—cross over at S-Turns and walk down if necessary.
6. Don’t talk smack to any homeowners or officials. It will only make things worse.
7. Police other surfers. If you see anyone acting up, let them know what’s up before any other authorities can get involved.

Outer Bankers are surfer-friendly by nature. It’s only the rampant offenses that brought on the restrictions. With a little compromise and respect, the people of Rodanthe could be surfers’ greatest ally in working toward a long-term solution. Without it, they could our worst enemy.

“I don’t know who to contact,” says Hooper, “But I think our civic association would love to see a permanent access as close to the S-Curve as possible. We’d love to see a parking, and port-a-pots, and a boardwalk to help keep the foot traffic down because we need that dune to stabilize. We love surfers. It’s only the 5% of people who abuse the situation. The other 95% are all very kind and considerate. Those are the ones who need to get the message out — and let ‘em know, we’re willing to prosecute to get that message across.”

Reader Comments 

Posted Fri May 9, 2008, 3:40 PM — By NCwilmin

Seems its the job of this article's writter to be the parents of every surfer out there. I wonder if this writer has a house there and someone shit on his porch. I know after writing this article someone will look him up and give him a nice steamy suprise on his doorstep. GET OVER IT. YOUR OLD, STAY INSIDE AND BITCH AT YOUR WIFE, NOT SURFERS. GET A SHOTGUN, STICK IT TO THE GUY SHITTING IN YOUR SHOWERS HEAD AND WAIT FOR THE POLICE. DONT BITCH AT THE SURFING COMMUNITY, BITCH AT THE SMALL FEW. I hope this website isnt a place where has been surfers can try to police the world.

Posted Sat May10, 2008, 5:14 AM — By Fenriz88

he's not bitching. there's nothing wrong with using the website to get a message across.

Posted Sat May10, 2008, 9:14 AM — By OBX

Making assumptions... is your first wrong turn, regarding S-turns. The writer does not live at S-Turns, I do believe he does surf there when the opportunity arises. 'DONT BITCH AT THE SURFING COMMUNITY, BITCH AT THE SMALL FEW' If you think he is talking directly to you, why? If you are part of the 95 percent, you are the 'surfing community' not the five percent. This isn't your fight, he is asking that you keep an eye out for that 5 percent, IE be part of the solution if you are not part of the problem.

Posted Sun May11, 2008, 8:15 AM — By Icanceledmysubscription

First, there is no how to surf s turns, the bar moves on every storm and if the guy writing the article surfed there more than 3X a year then he might know what hes talking about. The reason we are having problems is because of all the publicity, now every swell s turns is loaded with cars from out of town before the locals are out of bed its horse shit. By the way Walker I saw you kooking out back in January, getting worked on about every wave and your the one writing the article, shows you know what your talking about. Stay out of NC and by the way VB sucks

Posted Sun May11, 2008, 10:38 AM — By local

I grew up on the outer banks.....and a large majority of the "locals" arent locals at all but punk transplants that live there for a couple years and try to enforce local authority. And the funny thing is they cant even surf.......just try and act tough. the 8:15 a.m post is probably one of them.......vb might not get better waves.....but any respectful heterosexual male knows u have to get off the banks to get laid......

Posted Sun May11, 2008, 12:50 PM — By not local

i think its funny that so many of you are getting defensive over an article that may or may not have anything to do with you. the fact is, this is not an issolated situation. across the country a very very small percent of surfers have brought a bad name on all of us by being thoroughly disrespectful and inconsiderate. while there are some rich bitch pricks out there who just hate surfers because we have more fun than they do (just ask their wives). truth is some self policing might ensure a better reputation for the surfing community as a whole. who shits in a grill anyways?

Posted Sun May11, 2008, 11:53 PM — By IknowWHAT

I bet a coon shit in his grill after eating some left overs. Locals, who was born on that sandbar? Thats why all the so called "locals" get washed away every fall. Summer homes gone? Better not talk shit to anyone else when your sand bar washes away. Then were will you surf. Then who will protect you.

Posted Mon May12, 2008, 2:49 AM — By I-Bet

Maybe a coon, however... I bet that guy had a car towd from his his house and the guy how was stuck walking gave him a present.

Posted Mon May12, 2008, 8:39 AM — By Frank Rizzo ( R-I-Z-Z-O , Rizzo )

yep - it's a shame " Pea Island " isn't quite the out of the way spot it was ages ago but the waves have not changed much and all the writer has done with his informative piece is to try and clue you in that the stupid actions of a few could have serious repercussions for all . And if you travel to any breaks outside " yours " - wether it be a few mile posts up the road or to another country - you have no right to say a thing about those who are not locals coming to your home break . unless you just like being a loudmouthed hypocrite that is . respect the locals, respect the ocean and don't be a douchebag to the home owners nearby .

Posted Mon May12, 2008, 2:44 PM — By stop spewing and think

since some of you can't understand simple 'do unto others' reasoning (i.e. nobody would be stoked to come home to a steamer in their shower or a blocked driveway, etc.) try this: there are laws specifically on the books about parking, trespassing, public shitting/peeing/nudity. no judge will ignore those in favor of 'we were surfing here first.' and the more rich bastards buy beachfront property -- and the more money they pay for those houses -- the more they will push/pay to have those laws enforced. if you think compromising now is a pain in the ass, wait until the powers that be decide this is way too much trouble and simply say 'no surfing'. it can happen. (look at vb). and they likely won't be calling the press to warn surfers before they push it through. you used to be able to park on any side street in kitty hawk/kdh. now there are no parking signs everywhere because a few homeowners got blocked in. all that happened under the radar. no public commenting period. no no

Posted Mon May12, 2008, 5:06 PM — By wrJ

Maybe the homeowners should fight back by shitting on the hoods and door handles of surfers' cars. Or better, pop thier tires and break thier windows. I love the whole "save our beaches" a lot of surfers put on as they are making us look like idiots

Posted Mon May12, 2008, 8:30 PM — By Motherboard

As an member of the Outer Banks Surfrider Chapter we have had to listen to complaints from various homeowners and businesses regarding the situation in Rodanthe. The Surfrider Foundation is the one group here that actually represents surfers. S-turns is no secret! Neither are some of the other spots that I have seen shut down in the 8 years I've lived here. The more spots that get shut down the more crowded all the others will be. Do us all a favor - the next time you see someone being an idiot, let them know. If you care about surfing on the Outer Banks get off the couch and come to a Surfrider meeting. Thanks for the heads up Mr. Walker. I still trust that for every stupid comment there are 9.5 surfers who appreciate the info.

Posted Tue May13, 2008, 3:37 PM — By RubyinletcroW

Everyone remember, It is our Right as a citizen of the Unites States of America to be able to enjoy our natural resources. NO ONE can never keep you off the beach and from surfing, (this isn't California backball) They can only keep you from parking at the beach or side of the road in the dunes. From the high tide line to the water is federal property. And blocking the right to reach that property in easement is a federal crime. California only gets away with it locally because they are protecting the safety of others, swimmers, not be hit by surfers. SO you who thinks you have enough money to complain, take your best shot rick mother Fu&*r. Even during segregation AAs were allowed to go to the beach. What makes you think you can discriminate by how much money you have and where your can afford to buy your house.

Posted Tue May13, 2008, 3:56 PM — By firewire

you just said it though: california still gets away with it. but here's a thought: instead of bickering online, try actually getting involved in your local community. there's a surfrider meeting on wed. may 21, at the pit in nags head. starts at 6:30pm. by staying informed you can make sure something like this doesn't happen.

Posted Wed May14, 2008, 4:11 PM — By The Man

Together as One, We can Stick it to The Man...LOL

Posted Wed May14, 2008, 5:07 PM — By Kalii

Seems to be no problem to me. Oh, wait, is this Hawaii where we "BUST EM HAOLEE'S FOR SURF DA LOCAL SPOTS?" I think not! The "LOCALISM" has taken control in many surf spots all over the world. Best advice, someone give you trouble because you break the law, and don't respect the beach, and or private property, "DON'T COME BACK BRAH!" Good thin you don't live Hawaii.

Posted Wed May14, 2008, 6:23 PM — By DD

There is fiery stuff in these posts but some don't want to see the point of the article. This comes down to some surfers having no respect for the rest of the world, whether it is property owners, other surfers or even nature. We participate in a beautiful sport, just a man or woman, their board and nature. Yet, I see surfers littering their own beaches. This bad treatment of property owners is just an extension of that stupidity. It will come back to bite you guys. You will have no right to complain when you lose access to your favorite spot. Today I parked in a classy neighbourhood so that I could surf my favorite break. Surfers who pulled out of a spot near to me left their empty bottles in the street then left. Do they think that littering will be accepted by the residents? As it is we have very limited parking in that area. Is it so tough to take your litter home and throw it in your own bin? I removed the bottles to protect the rest of us surfers who do care for others and our surroundings.

Posted Wed May14, 2008, 6:28 PM — By fernando edy chavarry marquez

hola soy del peru y estoy interesado en esta pagina

Posted Wed May14, 2008, 9:20 PM — By Shaka

I must admit that loggin a grill was something I would have done when I was a young & rebellious surfer. Now I believe in doing my part to repair the damage done by people that act the way I did as a kid. Whats the difference, I guess I grew up. Point is, I agree that showing a little respect goes a long way towards getting beach front homeowners, who may not understand the passion we have for what breaks in their backyard, to in return respect why we NEED to hang out there. I am all for policing the 5% that make it hard for that respect to come my way. My surf camp, www.shakacostarica.com, is new to Costa Rica so we are especially active in helping out the local beach in order to gain the respect of the locals. Respect is never mandatory, its always optional and needs to be worked at to get.....Pura Vida.

Posted Wed May14, 2008, 9:25 PM — By C from Oz

Get it together! For those of you pumping your chest out and trying to fight the Man stop fronting up and trying to be cool by say "they can go f**k themselves, no one is gonna stop me from being a menace!" For those of us lucky enough to surf everyday means that we need to respect not only the breaks and beaches we surf but those that live near them. How would you like it if I came to your place parked on your curb, left bottles in your yard and then sh*t in your driveway . . . oh yeah, since your such a bogan you would probably come out and king hit me in the head . . . Get a life and learn respect!

Posted Thu May15, 2008, 11:27 PM — By Easterner

Homeowners themselves aren't complaining; it is the RENTERS who are complaining. I rent a place for two weeks right on S-turns every summer and I camp on Pea Island year-round. I'm not a local, but I respect the place and the people. When I'm there, I'm always inviting fellow surfers to park in our driveway, use our shower, have a beer, hang out, whatever. I have NEVER met a dickhead surfer at S-turns, local or not. But sh*tting on my grill? Don't effing let me catch you doing that or you'll be talking to Debbie at the Rodanthe Surf Shop about a new board: one shaped for a d*ckless wonder.

Posted Mon May26, 2008, 1:54 AM — By joe smoe

i think everything people are saying on this is bs. i live there, i do what i want and personally mind your business. unless you own a house like i do on the cape your should keep your mouth shut. find somewhere else to go kook out at.

Posted Tue Jun 3, 2008, 5:37 PM — By Eat My Shit

Whatever...allz yallz are clowns....what does everyone expect? You eat a meatball sub from subway then heavily drink, the next day your ripping until.......what do you know, i gotta go. you think im gonna shit myself? Naw....I would rather pay the $150 fine to shit on your lawn, grill, or grass. Cali doesnt mind the localism policy, if you live there like me, start enforcing it yourself and save the cops, judges, and dare county the trouble. Only big stink here are the rich millionares who spend the ever so occasional weekend in Mirlo, oh and those millionars are lawyers or politicians.....

Posted Thu Jun 5, 2008, 9:11 AM — By Bob

DJ SLUTZ came to one of our secret spots (no road, boat access only) with some of his East Coast Pro Whores and snapped lots of pretty photos. Then turned the world on to this locale and the spot went from the norm 10-20 lineup to 100 plus during the next swell. NICE!! So it goes... Nothing is sacred in the surfing community. I hope he got paid well for his photos.

Posted Tue Jun10, 2008, 6:20 PM — By hatman

Unfortunately, this entire story is entirely true. Rodanthe/Mirlo surfers regularly relieve themselves publicly and openly in the sight of residents (and vacationers)---including minors. I've seen it; my family has seen it. I've found mounds of crap piled up underneath houses. I see Hwy 12 with bare asses (must be a new gay pick up attraction initiated by the surfer community) hanging out for all public traffic to see (watch out Key West!!). The surfing community tramples dunes, hangs out and uses on private decks/hot tubs, and in general has a blatant disregard for private property. The surfer community should be ashamed for this behavior...although, as the comments on this public site demonstrate, they obviously have no regard for public decency. As the writer emphasized, the surfer community needs to become better neighbors, and better citizens in order that their actions do not get them in trouble legally.

Posted Tue Jun10, 2008, 8:13 PM — By relno

Hey Hatman...Good one. The gay surf crowd scene in Mirlo! Hang Ten.

Posted Wed Jun11, 2008, 4:55 AM — By Bingo

D**M. I've always suspected Mirlo had a strongly gay element to it. One time, I was wondering what was "going" on in a hot tub when I accidentally stumbled across a group. Didn't look right to me. Know my fears are confirmed. I'm outta there. D**M.

Posted Wed Jun11, 2008, 7:16 PM — By billy barnhard

Finally, it is alright to come out of the closet! Everyone come out 'cause Mirlo is the place where it happens. I'm proud to be a gay surfer.

Posted Sat Jun21, 2008, 9:55 PM — By HyRider

Yep. The S-turns are known to be a gay hookup.

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