It most certainly is a type of shaming. I am new to surfing, own a Wavestorm, and I suck. I am happy that my board sends the message that I am a n00b. They a

It most certainly is a type of shaming. I am new to surfing, own a Wavestorm, and I suck. I am happy that my board sends the message that I am a n00b. They are judging me and pretty accurately at that. It gives them a heads up as to whether they should help me or stay away lol. Why care about feeling shamed or embarrassed? You are trying something new and there is a high probability that you are going to be terrible at it and look like a fool. Why let "judgement" stop you from doing what you want to do? I am awful.. and I am going to keep going out there until I am less awful. I aspire to learn local etiquette and become good enough to surf with the "best". If you are afraid of being judged or shamed, try and find a spot that is less populated. Take a long board and go out on days with smaller waves. Where I live, the experienced surfers mainly come out on days with 4 ft plus waves. The point I am trying to make is that there are options. Just don't stop trying!