I remember in the 90's the hate that was spewed on me when I would longboard a heavy line up. I have not seen much of this around So Cal in the last 10 yrs.
I now feel the major hate again because I have started SUPing on the small days.
I feel like self defense fighting might happen if I try to stay at a certain spot. I surf this spot regular all the time for the last 25+ years. I have SUPed it all week with no problem, but last Sunday I was verbally assaulted, threatened, and told to leave. I stayed a bit to argue my case, fell on deaf ears, and things were escalating. I chose the high rode, and paddled away. I know many locals there, they have mixed feelings on the SUP. I find it fun as hell, and won't be chased off my point.
To set the record I won't SUP on any day over 2 ft....Won't go out in a big crowd....won't hog waves like I could...the day I was harassed, I had paddled for 45 min with out surfing any waves, just paddling for exercise. I then picked up only one wave, and was harassed. By a longboader.
If the world hates the SUP, then oh well, it is so damn fun, and the core exercise is unmatched. I will keep doing it.