Ratel, I agree that the bottom pivot would best be placed at the bottom of the gate, but my two bob's worth on the surfer is that it gives the design a whimsical element and changes the design from a nice set of curves to a wave.
Hokusai placed a boat in his design to show a relationship between man and the sea. The surfer also shows a relationship, but in this case one where man harnesses the sea, rather than being threatened by it.
Wow, that's deep! Maybe for my next post I'll analyse the psychological implications of an "S" hook.