Tory,
After marinating in the drama of the exposure of the “secret spots” on social media, I want to POINT out a few things. (Pun intended) .
Let’s talk business. In a business man mindset, majority votes are wise to pay attention to. It’s no secret you are a good business man. I am certain you are likely to lean more towards a majority vote when it comes to showing cool secret surfing spots. Why? Well, why not? Bringing stoke to hundreds of frothing North Florida surfers brings in business or at least raises some attention.
Now, the other side. The minority. The “soul surfer”. The guys who enjoy a secluded session, or a clean empty beach with just a few fellow surfers who know how to do their homework. (swell direction wind direction and which spots work accordingly.). Exposing the dream, the seclusion, the joy of having a spot that isn’t completely blown up, is bound to upset these select few.
Tory, I believe you do everything with the best intentions. I also believe you are a business man, and a soul surfer. Something tells me your inner soul surfer has to be cringing at this situation. I personally was there the day you shot photos at said “secret spot”. What I witnessed was complete ignorance. I witnessed you show up for no more than 20 minutes, snap some shots, only to return home seeing the exposure. Now, let’s say you are very serious about photography, you snap an amazing shot, and post a photo or two. To me, that changes the dynamics of this situation. That seems respectful. Again, in what I believe to just be ignorance, you posted a photo that looks as if it was taken from a computer screen and then over the course of a few days seeing tons of photos and controversy. You know thousands of people look at SS. It’s distasteful. Not just the photos, but the complete lack of respect of a spot I have to believe you know is “secret” and would cause controversy. But then again, maybe that’s what you want. Controversy. It creates attention which in turn creates business.
In our fast paced , quick thrill day in age,with social media and the ability to connect instantly to the entire world, seclusion and isolation exists, but must be protected. I believe it is up to you to pick and choose what to post. For whatever attention you receive in return in this case of exposure, I can’t believe it’s worth tainting what is left of secrecy.
One last thing I want to point out is that your right about one thing. By the time you post the pictures, the spot may not be working anymore. That might seem like it eliminates people from catching it at the right time, therefore a crowd is unlikely to form. But people talk, frothers froth, and people are likely to figure out quickly when certain spots work. It just happens a lot quicker when it is exposed in such ways. Respect. Peace.
Joe McFadden
