Hey Dibi: How Do I Stay Cool When the Lineup's A Circus
Editor’s Note: Have a question for Dibi Fletcher? She’s definitely got answers. Or at least a perspective. Don’t hold back, shoot her a DM on Instagram and ask away. Here’s this week’s dispatch from the Matriarch of Radical…
Hey Dibi… I volunteer for what I consider all the great causes to preserve the beach lifestyle. I feel like all the hours I gladly spend are such a waste as the beach is just washed away with every hightide. Do you think sand replacement will eventually have a lasting effect? - Bring Back the Sand
Hey Bring Back the Sand… I’m sorry, but I think it’s a bit of wishful thinking. The problem didn’t happen overnight. It’s just the glaring result after years of over-building without the awareness of the unintended consequences and the unsuccessful ways the problem has been dealt with. I think at this stage the only fix that may have a chance of mitigating further erosion would be to consider “finger jetties” (structures that project into a body of water to protect a coastline or harbor from currents and erosion) about every quarter mile. It would change the coastline dramatically, so I don’t see it happening but dumping sand is a costly band aid not a long-term solution.
Hey Dibi… I’ve been surfing the same spot for 20 years and now it’s packed with beginners and influencers filming every wave. I catch myself getting angry in the water-something I swore I’d never do. How do I keep the chill when the lineup feels like a circus? - 2’s 2 Many
Hey 2’s2 Many… I’m asked often about crowds, and I wish I had some great answer. It’s a subject I think about frequently as it’s now a part of everyday life, not just in the lineup. The streets, the beach, the neighborhood, everywhere that used to be part of a quite little beach town is now more crowded than ever and E Bikes have made even the harder to get to destinations accessible to overcrowding. It’s only going to get worse with the hills being carved up for more housing and honestly who wouldn’t want to enjoy the beach lifestyle, which has certainly been discovered, packaged and sold to one and all, so I guess the best attitude to adept is “the more the merry” and enjoy the Ride…
Hey Dibi… My kid just turns 18 and wants to chase the pro dream full-time. Quit school, travel, the whole thing. I’m proud but terrified he’ll end up broke and burnt out. What would you tell a parent in my spot? - Anxious Surf Mom
Hey Anxious Surf Mom… Sounds like a dream. You didn’t mention a few of the practical facts that would be part of the decision-making process. One of the first considerations, does he have amateur surf stats to build on that are the baseline for going pro? Does have sponsors that will help with expenses, or are you bankrolling the adventure. What you have said is so vague that I can’t give an honest opinion. The way you’ve worded it I have a vision of some young man without any life experience wanting to set out on a life changing adventure with a few bucks in his pocket, a surfboard, trunks and a bedroll like Herb did at 17, but times and opportunities were different than and the world was a bit easier to traverse and I totally understand the desire, but I think he needs a better business plan if you have any expectations of success.
Hey Dibi… My 12- year- old daughter is getting good and wants to compete. How do I support her without pushing too hard? - Surf Girls 2
Hey Surf Girls 2… I believe after raising a few kids myself and each being so different, there’s no pat answer, or one size fits all formula. I remember some of the kids competing when my kids were young made it to the contests with friends and some parents were at every event. I imagine if I could speak to those kids now each would have something to say about their parents’ involvement or lack thereof. Raising kids isn’t an exact science and the best we can do is the best we can do. Play it by ear and enjoy every minute, it’s over all to quickly.
Hey Dibi… What’s one piece of gear every new surfer should own that actually makes a difference? - Gearing Up
Hey Gearing Up… A great traction pad! It makes all the difference with fin and rail control. It may seem a bit premature when you’re just learning to stand but you’ll progress faster when you can use your weight to maneuver the board making it an extension of your body that a good traction pad enhances then spending many sessions standing on top trying to maintain your balance until the feeling of the board beneath your feet finally clicks in and it becomes responsive to your bodies commands. Having the best equipment you progress faster to a state that increases the Stoke factor…