Opinion: Surfers being incredibly arrogant

HOW incredibly arrogant for surfers to seek to ban fishing from Trigg Beach, (Blood in the water, Stirling Times, November 22).

Surfers place themselves at risk of shark attack by doing what they do. That is their choice.

Surfers increase the risk of shark attack to other beachgoers.

Furthermore, surfers place swimmers at risk of serious head injury when they take over a beach.

They somehow consider it their right to do this wherever and whenever they wish, according to the prevailing surf conditions and generally with scant regard for other beach users.

Their complaint that a few small fish heads thrown into the water from the beach increases the risk to themselves of shark attack is utterly ludicrous.

Surfing is generally the pastime of young and fit individuals, but beaches should always be available to the public, including the elderly or incapacitated and families with young children, to bathe or to fish.

Ideally if you go to the beach to fish and find someone surfing, then cast your line well clear of them.

If you go to surf, but find someone fishing at that spot, then move well clear of them.

If people can’t manage this simple courtesy, then better there be designated surfing areas with the rest of the coast left for the general public.

PETER FAJDIGA,

Doubleview.