Good reading

"For me, the modern approach[internet and phone reports] to getting waves hinders the ambition to make surfing a part of you, to completely immerse yourself in a unique, ever-changing world. With the growing effort to control surfing, package it, and make it more convenient for the masses, you'll find fewer Tom Blankes, George Greenoughs, fewer Bob Simmos, and fewer Jim Banksout there because surfing will no longer require a unique, creative lifestyle. Besides, from what I've seen, internet forecasting is often inflated. I'll be out on some crappy day and hear a guy whining, "But Collins said..." It's obvious why reperts tend to overhype swells: More hits on their website justify the selling of ad space. By logging on, you've become part of their picture instead of creating your own. You might as well buy your board from Costco too"
- Jeff Johnson, "Lost in the Fun Park," The Surfer's Journal Volume 14, number 2.

Don't let your surfing become mundane, homogeneous, and like so an'd so. Buy your boards locally, from someone who actually knows what the waves are like where you live, and in turn supports your community.

Part of surfing's rich heritage is the local shaper/surfer/builder. It would be a shame to see that disappear, and everyone riding the same white, 3 fin surfboard...