Is This a Pissing Contest?

Consider that the question of the day. Truthfully, it's the question of the month. It's something I keep coming back to when I consider a comment someone made about my most recent (and now outdated) quiver pictures. Why is it that someone with a quiver full of shortboards is complimented while someone with a quiver full of longboards is criticized? I remember one commenter suggesting, upon seeing the picture of my quiver, I have too many longboards. In sports, aren't you supposed to play to your strengths (and preferences)? I can surf a longboard with more than a modicum of skill and style. I'm intrigued by shortboards at times, but I do little more than flail around like a wayward sea creature when I'm on one. Part of that is due to the lack of water time on shortboards. The other reason for that is I can't wrap my head around me on a shortboard. I don't visualize myself on one . . . ever. It's not my thing. Now, I will surf a shorter board, but let's not confuse such a board with a shortboard. And this is why my quiver is full of longboards. Each one is different. I can tell you how and why they differ. I've seen pictures of shortboard quivers with boards that look virtually the same. Still, I know the owner appreciates the nuances between the boards. I also never questioned why there was no longboard in the quiver.

So I can't help but wonder why anyone cares what you or I surf? Shortboard, longboard, fish. You paddle, you pop up, you do your thing and you go home happy. Your wave riding vehicle of choice is of little importance in this equation.