Yeah, the effort thing.I've surfed it 1000+ times. It is a surf spot that rewards effort. It's a big playing field, so analyzing what is starting to happen where, and getting on it when it is just starting to happen will yield results. Then paddle away and let the pack vie for what they just saw you doing. You've got to move around, preferably away from guys who are tougher to get waves from.
It can be a reeally frustrating place. There are enough good guys, guys on bigger boards, and guys who shouldn't be on bigger boards but are on bigger boards to make some sessions pretty waveless. And it's a huge playing field, with big rips. And you will get caught inside. So unless you practice acceptance in that regard, that some days you are just not going to get a decent wave, you'll end up pretty dejected at times.
And again, the effort thing - you're wasting your time if you don't put in the effort.
I don't think the herd mentality is stronger anywhere else either, it's fascinating to watch.