Want us to drop into your inbox?

Search

Joe Turpel on what Malta can learn from Hawaiian Surf Culture

In part II of the Joe Turpel episode, Joe shares what us surfers in Malta can learn from our Hawaiian brothers and sisters

We’re a group of small islands in the sun, Hawai’i is a state consisting of a group of small islands in the sun. Now we’ve got a firm grasp of the obvious, we can dive into the similarities of our culture and see what the Maltese surf scene can learn from the great ancestor of surf. BOMBA Surf Magazine caught up with the voice of the WSL Joe Turpel who shared his tips on what we can do to preserve our surfing culture, but before that, get clued up about those gorgeous islands in the Pacific.

OAHU, HAWAII – FEBRUARY 21: Molly Picklum of Australia and WSL Commentator Joe Turpel after winning the Final at the Hurley Pro Sunset Beach on February 21, 2024 at Oahu, Hawaii. (Photo by Tony Heff/World Surf League via Getty Images)

A deep dive into Hawai’i

Hawaiian surf culture, deeply rooted in tradition and respect, has evolved from ancient practices into a globally recognized lifestyle. The islands of Hawai’i, where surfing was born, have long been revered for their powerful waves and idyllic settings. Surfing, or heʻe nalu, dates back centuries, with ancient Hawaiians using wooden boards to ride waves as a demonstration of prowess and spiritual connection with the ocean.

The atmosphere in Hawaii’s surf spots is a blend of respect, camaraderie, and reverence for nature. Surfing is not just a sport but a way of life, and this philosophy is evident in the local etiquette and rules. Respect for the locals, the environment, and the surf hierarchy is paramount. Newcomers are expected to show humility, learn the unspoken rules, and earn their place in the lineup. Dropping in on someone else’s wave, is a major faux pas, and such breaches of etiquette can lead to confrontations.

Hawai’i boasts some of the world’s most famous surf spots, each with its unique charm and challenge. The North Shore of Oahu, often called the “Seven-Mile Miracle,” is home to legendary breaks like Pipeline, Waimea Bay, and Sunset Beach. These spots attract the best surfers from around the globe, especially during the winter months when waves can reach towering heights. On Maui, Peahi, also known as Jaws, is renowned for its massive waves and tow-in surfing. Waikiki Beach, with its gentle, rolling waves, offers a more accessible experience for beginners and longboard enthusiasts.

Despite its idyllic image, Hawaiian surf culture faces several issues. Overcrowding at popular breaks leads to tensions and environmental strain. The commercialization of surfing has brought economic benefits but also challenges, such as the erosion of local traditions and the gentrification of surf communities. Climate change and coastal development threaten the very waves that are central to the culture, causing shifts in wave patterns and coastal ecosystems.

Hawaii’s surf scene has evolved and seen it all. Our local stores are still virgin compared to our sister islands in the Pacific. Surfing has picked up now; it’s peaking right now. And our main bay is crowded—these things are completely unavoidable. We’re proud to be a part of the growing surf scene here, and Joe Turpel shares his best advice from Hawaii. Surfers here are experiencing record numbers of drop ins, and with snakes a plenty, the solution Hawaiian surfers use is effective.

It’s all about respecting the elders

“Definitely, I think the best thing you see in lineups is the respect for the elders.” opened Joe, “…and as you get older the amount of respect that you have. When you start paddling slower, you’re not catching as many waves. (Tell me about it!)

“At Rocky Point, there’s a guy named Uncle Butch. Everybody knows him. He’s got white hair. He’s been surfing his whole life and he’ll paddle out on a big longboard these days always picks the best waves. But as soon as he turns around, nobody’s going …it’s like the coolest thing that every time Uncle Butch turns, he’s gonna get the wave.” 

All it takes is for the elder surfers to turn their board, and the other will back off. Hint, hint guys and girls, respect the elders in the lineup, and respect the locals.

Joe’s travelled worldwide and says, “That doesn’t always happen.” This would be a good example of etiquette to keep in mind of what we can do to surf better as a community. 

“Sometimes it’s a total dogfight just to get anything no matter how old you are. I really love that respect, on land and on water for the elders and taking time to listen to them pass on wisdom is really beautiful.”

We’ve got plenty of elders to learn from here, your writer included… but surfers like Valerio are so crucial to the knowledge-sharing side of surfing, and he’s always keen to share tips and tricks in the sea. On land, it is fascinating to see many surfers turn here for life-advice, always reach out when you need it folks, BOMBA’s DMs are always open, here on @ Stribesun! 

“So, I think it’s the best thing if you could integrate that on the island; I think that would be pretty magic.” concluded Joe. Magic is one of the best words in the English language. Life is magic, keep that in mind!

Keep the stoke alive

Joe had more tips for what we can do to keep this sport healthy and growing but the main importance is community building. He was overly kind in complimenting Bomba for doing “a great job as a voice for the community first,” and the recognition from one of our heroes is immense. What we do as BOMBA is put the community first; we’re proud of this. 

“I’ve been on the North Shore for about eight years now and that’s where my family’s from. So it’s really fun to see a tight community look out for each other. And so I think that’s a really cool model for you guys to carry in and out of the water lift each other up and support each other and keep having fun riding waves…”

We’re all doing our part in building Malta’s surf community, whether it’s coaching, sharing updates, photos, organizing events, parties and get-togethers… it’s important that we all stick together. Our sport is about to experience phenomenal growth on the island, so let’s ensure it grows in the way we want it to grow: respectfully and fun. Stick together boys and girls, we’ve got the coolest community on the islands and as we hear comparisons between Hawaii and Malta, it looks like we’re on the right track with the North Shore as our beacon. 

Share:

More Posts

September: you were insane!

We’re taking a look back at September, a month that had everything for us surfers, including an epic Summer Snap comp!

Send Us A Message

In part II of the Joe Turpel episode, Joe shares what us surfers in Malta can learn from our Hawaiian brothers and sisters