Territorial Surfing in San Diego

• Overpopulation of surfers results in “heavy localism”
• Conflict results in territorial reinforcement, “kook” vs “local”
• Question answered by surfers. Who owns the ocean?

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Nestled on the edge of North County, Trestles beach ranks number twelve on the 50 best surf spots in the world according to CNN Travel. Contravene to the Aloha of surfing, a dark side of territoriality and localism abide in many of San Diego’s most coveted surf breaks, experts said.

Cautionary words mark the path to Trestles, “Death to Invaders, Locals Only,” “If you don’t live here, don’t surf here,” “The Surf Is Good but The Crowd Isn’t,” “Go Back.” From the border of Mexico to the edge of North County, familiar warnings fringe parking lots, signs and cement walls surrounding San Diego’s best breaks.

Warning on the path to Trestles beach. Photo by Steven Buriek.

San Diego is home to thousands of surfers with varying levels of skill and surfing prowess…