Surf-rage had emerged among older surfers in Hawke's Bay with one of them landing in court.
Susie Smith, 62, said a man slammed into her board last week and held her head underwater for more than five seconds. She claimed the incident was caught on camera.
She said she and her husband had been targeted by other surfers since moving to Haumoana, 10km northeast of Hastings, because she was a good surfer, Hawke's Bay Today reported.
Trevor Richards, who gave his age as "over-50", said the Smiths were unreasonable.
He said they rode wave after wave, giving other surfers little chance.
"It's so frustrating. It's like putting a whole row of 20c pieces on the pool table at the pub and playing all night - it wouldn't make you popular."
A 58-year-old has been charged with assault and will appear in Hastings District Court next week.
Mr Richards said he wanted Mrs Smith to take responsibility for her role in the row.
"It's quite sad for them and us. It's going to be pretty uncomfortable out there."
