Editorial: Surfers should stop being so narrow-minded

Opinion

There can be few more territorial pursuits than surfing. Favourite spots away from well-populated breaks are guarded jealously and interlopers are told in no uncertain terms that they are not welcome. For many years, Taranaki surfers have benefited from the province's relative isolation, not to speak of the often excellent conditions along the province's Surf Highway. It is not altogether surprising that some of them are less than enchanted by the encroachment of a women's World Championship Tour event this weekend.

Somewhat ironically, the arrival of the world's top 17 women surfers is largely the result of the success of Paige Hareb, a Taranaki native who last year became the first New Zealand woman to qualify for the elite tour. Critics blame her for bringing "corporate" surfing to what has been a traditionalists' domain. They worry that international exposure will result in the area being flooded by surfers from overseas.

At one time, Hareb might have had a smidgen of sympathy for their concerns. Asked 15 months ago what was her favourite venue, she replied: "I always like to come home and surf my local spot at Rocky Pt because it's not crowded and it's one of my favourite waves." But she surely cannot have imagined that those concerned about overcrowding would resort to harassing her and threatening to disrupt the tour event.

The protesters need to abandon their narrow-mindedness and adopt a less selfish pose. There are enough surfing spots in Taranaki to accommodate an influx. Any increase in popularity is, in any event, unlikely to be overwhelming, given that the explosion in interest in surfing means few areas of the world have not been assessed and publicised. The protesters should celebrate Hareb's success and what it says about the conditions they are able to enjoy every day.