Had to add something else as well...
I've been surfing on and off now for 15 years and went from a shortboard to a mal then just recently to a SUP. It appears to me that an awful lot of short board surfers are loosing the 'cool' out of surfing - they rip waves like they are high on anger....
I see Mal riders and SUP surfers as bringing the cool back into surfing - lets not forget that SUPing was the original surfing was it not?
in my view longboarders and SUP surfers bring back the 'cool' in surfing and you know what I reckon we are by far the nicest guys in the line ups - we talk to each other - even strangers and remind everyone else what surfing is about - having fun with your friends !
Don't get me wrong I admire and have a lot of time for an awful lot of shortboard riders - but they have to take responsibility for their actions and behavior in the ocean, I saw a tourist last year get verbal abuse by a local and it must have ruined his day and maybe even holiday - I stuck up for the guy and gave some back - luckily I am not a small guy!

Shortboard surfing seems to be attracting some right drop outs.....not cool.

Anyway could not help get that off my chest - interested to hear what the rest of you think,
thanks guys and stay cool out there 'cos I think you guys rock !

Rob