Jonah Hill, the Hollywood actor, picked up surfing later in life, but he’s quickly become passionate about the sport. In a 2019 interview, he opened up about his secret dream: “I’ve been super scared of surfing for ages, but I finally decided to try it and now it’s one of the most exhilarating things I’ve ever done.”
However, as many know, the ocean doesn’t differentiate between regular folks and celebrities. Jonah recently found himself in a bit of hot water—literally—when a new video surfaced showing him in an awkward situation while riding the waves.
In the clip, filmed by former professional surfer Jake Halstead, Jonah can be seen belly-boarding a wave before crashing into another surfer. Once they made it back to calmer waters, the two seemed to get into an argument. Jake shared that he held onto this clip to reveal something important about surfing etiquette, stating:
“I shot this last winter at Pipes in Encinitas not to criticize Jonah or degrade his surfing journey, but to emphasize a key point.”
He added, “Regardless of your fame, the same surfing rules apply to everyone out there. Respect and awareness throughout the lineup ensure not only safety but also a positive atmosphere. If you miss out on these basics, it’ll make the whole experience much harder for you, no matter who you are.”
Related: Is Surf Etiquette Dead? Pro Surfers Raise Concerns
The intention isn’t to put Jonah on blast, especially given his status as a celebrity. Mistakes like this are common among beginners figuring things out. Every surfer goes through a learning curve, and mastering etiquette is a pivotal part of that process.
Jake further mentioned, “I’m sharing this video to highlight the importance of surfing etiquette, especially for newcomers or those getting attention in the sport. Jonah, if you happen to see this, I’d love to offer you some free coaching to help refine your skills. Let’s all contribute to creating a safe and respectful surfing environment.”
For those curious about surf coaching, check out Jake Halstead’s business, Beyond Surf San Diego.
Related: “Pulled a Switchblade”: Comedian Tom Segura Talks Surf Fight
