SURFERS
Surfers range from absolute beginners to seasoned locals, each with their own quirks, habits, and reputations. Here's a breakdown of the main types you'll find out there:
The Kook: The notorious kook is often a beginner, but it’s more about their attitude than their skill. Kooks tend to lack self-awareness and often breach surfing etiquette, sometimes showing up with all the flashy gear but no clue how to use it. They might paddle out in crowded lineups, drop in on locals, or be overly cocky without backing it up. Everyone starts out as a beginner, but the kook earns extra points for being oblivious to the unspoken rules.
Frother: These are the surfers who are always frothing with excitement to hit the waves. Even if the conditions are terrible, the frother’s enthusiasm never dies. They’re the ones shouting, “I'm frothing so hard right now!” and can bring contagious stoke to the session.
Grommet (Grom): The groms are the young guns of the lineup. They’re kids (or sometimes just young at heart) who rip the waves and are full of energy. While some might still be figuring out their surf stance, others are already out-surfing the older crew with impressive moves.
The Local: The locals are the seasoned surfers who call a particular break home. They’ve earned their spot in the lineup and may not be thrilled to share it with newcomers, especially during prime swells. Localism can get pretty serious, and if you’re not respectful or overstep, you might be on the receiving end of some cold shoulders—or worse.
Soul Surfer: A soul surfer is less about the competition and more about the connection with nature. They’re there for the good vibes, peace, and flow, and often embrace a more laid-back or spiritual approach to surfing. They’ll seek out uncrowded breaks, often preferring longboards and smooth, stylish rides.
The Hodad: The hodad is a beachgoer who looks like a surfer but doesn’t actually surf. They’ll have the look down—maybe even some of the slang—but they’ll never be seen in the water. Think of them as the surf equivalent of a poser.
The Legend: Every lineup has a legend. These surfers have been around forever and have earned the respect of everyone in the water. They’ve ridden the biggest waves, survived the heaviest wipeouts, and know the ocean like the back of their hand. Their style and grace in the water make them stand out.
Weekend Warrior: The weekend warrior might not have the luxury of daily surf sessions, but come Saturday, they’re out there no matter the conditions. These surfers may work 9-to-5 during the week, but live for those weekends when they can hit the surf.
Each species brings its own flavor to the waves, but at the end of the day, whether you’re a kook, a frother, or a local, the ocean is there for everyone to enjoy—as long as you respect the lineup, and the sharks!
SHARKS
Requiem Sharks – The Big Family: This massive group includes sharks like Blacktips, Spinners, and Sandbars. They're like the ocean's extended family reunion—similar in looks and always showing up unannounced. With so many species in this crew, they're responsible for a lot of bites, but pinning down which cousin is which is tough! There’s always one around, but they’re usually too busy doing their thing to bother with humans.
Bull Shark – The Bouncer: Bull Sharks are the stocky bouncers of Florida's waters. You can find them lurking around in rivers and shallow beaches, just making sure everyone knows they’re in charge. You don’t want to mess with this one—they’re not here to play nice.
Blacktip Shark – The Speed Freak: Blacktips are all about that high-energy life, constantly zipping through the waves and showing off with leaps and flips. They're like the adrenaline junkie at the skate park—everywhere and always in a hurry to catch the next thrill. Occasionally, they might get a little too close in the rush and give you a nip, but it’s more of a “sorry, mate” than anything aggressive.
Spinner Shark – The Acrobat: These sharks are the circus performers of the sea. Their name says it all—they’re constantly spinning, jumping, and trying to show off their aerial moves. They leap and spin, but they’re mostly performing for the fish, not you.
Hammerhead Shark – The Weirdo: With their bizarre hammer-shaped heads, Hammerheads are the oddballs of the shark world. Sure, they look a little funky, but they’ve got eyes on the prize—literally. Their wide-set eyes make them great at scanning the ocean floor, though they rarely bother humans.
Sandbar Shark – The Sneaky One: Sandbar Sharks like to hang out in the shallows, blending in and keeping a low profile. They’re like that mate who quietly sneaks into the party and stands at the back, but make no mistake—they're always lurking just out of sight. They won’t come up and introduce themselves, but if you swim near them, they might give you the side-eye.
Lemon Shark – The Chiller: Lemon Sharks are the relaxed, tan surfers of Florida’s shark scene. You can spot them by their yellowish hue, just cruising along without a care in the world. They’re not looking for trouble, but they’re always down for a mellow hang in the shallows.
Nurse Shark – Someone’s Lazy Uncle: Nurse Sharks are the couch potatoes of the sea. They just want to nap under a rock and wait for food to come to them. They’re usually harmless, unless you poke them—and like any lazy uncle, that’s when they’ll snap back.
Tiger Shark – The Trash Compactor: Tiger Sharks are the ultimate scavengers, eating everything from fish to license plates (no joke). They’re like that friend who cleans out the fridge at 2 a.m., demolishing anything in sight. They’re big, bold, and not too picky about what’s on the menu. They’re not really people-focused, but if you look like an interesting item on their scavenger list, they might take a closer look—so best not to be shiny or splashy around them!
Blue Shark – The Deep Blue Wanderer: Blue Sharks prefer the open ocean and are the sleek travelers of the shark world. You won’t find them near the beach too often, but when they’re around, they glide through the deep waters like the cool kid who only shows up when it’s absolutely necessary. They’ll generally keep their distance from humans because, honestly, we’re just not that interesting compared to what’s out in the deep blue.
Mako Shark – The Rocket: Makos are all about speed. These sharks can dart through the water faster than a jet ski, but they like to stay offshore, away from the beach scene. If you ever catch a glimpse of one, it's like seeing a Ferrari zoom past you on the highway.