SB_issue55_Digital

ontroversy
Kook by
A term often used to describe someone who isn’t
an accomplished surfer and/or does not yet fully
understand surf etiquette. ‘Kooks’ are recognised
the faux pas they commit out in the surf.
Let’s call it for what it is, it’s a derogatory term used by tools
to demean people. I can’t help but feel that most people who
resort to this kind of stuff have some deep-seeded insecurity
they’re trying to conceal and by putting down others, they are
trying to deflect attention away from their own shortcomings.
Sure, the said person may rip, which in their own eyes
justifies them labelling other lesser surfers ‘kooks’ but what
are they hiding? Perhaps they went surfing regularly at the
expense of going to school and are not the most intelligent
human beings or perhaps one too many bongs affected their
cognitive abilities. Maybe in the interest of being ‘hard core’
they never managed to hold down a decent job, or perhaps
don’t even have one. To that end, should people yell at them
whilst they’re standing in the dole queue, “Go home, you
bloody kook. We’re sick of paying your way because you’re
an imbecile” or bark at them when waiting at a roadworks,
“Hold the STOP sign straight you bloody kook!”
Think of any other sport/leisure activity/pastime and consider
how they treat newcomers. More often than not there is
encouragement and respect for those giving it a go, even
reflection on what it was like to start out at a particular
discipline. With surfing, however, there unfortunately appears
to be a significant number who wish to deride people who are
learning to surf. Don’t get me wrong, beginners attempting to
surf in critical take-off zones need to be directed elsewhere
but not admonished, abused and even ridiculed for it. They
possibly don’t know any better, so politely help them out and
steer them in the right direction. Don’t be a knob and threaten
them for their ignorance.
Interestingly, some people are so enamoured with the word
kook and so incredibly hip they have even incorporated the
term into the name of their brand. Think of the equivalent,
imagine if someone brought out a line of surf lifesaving rescue
boards called Deceased Nippers or Aussie Rules footballs
called Dear Departed Auskickers. Maybe I am reading it all
wrong and simply don’t understand this comical expression
because I am not part of that inner circle of naturally gifted and
incredibly talented surfers.
Personally, I prefer to dispense with this never-ending quest
to be cool in pursuit of simply enjoying my time out in the surf,
by myself or with others. What I will say though is that if you’re
insecure about something, get to work on improving that
aspect of your life. In the long run you will feel far better about
yourself than by humiliating someone else. And let’s face it,
that beginner is only going to get better but if you’re stupid,
things aren’t going to improve unless you start educating
yourself. Anyhow, that’s just my thoughts on the matter and
why I hate this derogatory term but what would I know, I am
only a kook.
words: dave swan
sb / #55 / 16