Op-ed: Who’s The Real Threat To “Secret Spots”?

“Don’t even think about taking out a fucking camera! This isn’t [redacted]… it’s different here.”

I had arrived at the beach no more than five minutes prior to receiving this warm welcome by a few old boys at a novelty wave in the Pacific Northwest. This was my first time at the spot and these gentleman were eyeing up my camera bag, the tripod a likely giveaway.

I’m not the most confrontational person, so I responded with all the classic diffusing methods in hopes of turning this situation into an honest conversation. I explain that I’m not here to blow up their wave. I never geotag on social media or spot name in surf media outlets. I can shoot tightly to avoid obvious landmarks. I’m a surfer myself, so I understand the sensitivity of it all.

None of it mattered.