JUST A REMINDER TO ALL THOSE SURFING FOR THE THE FIRST TIME- WHETHER YOU ALL OLD OR YOUNG, RESPECT OTHERS AND SURF SAFE!
RIGHT OF WAY: The surfer closest to the peak of the wave has the right of way. This means if you’re paddling for a right, and a surfer on your left is also paddling for it, you must yield to him or her. There are a couple variations to this rule:
If someone is up riding a wave, don’t attempt a late takeoff between the curl/whitewater and the surfer. If the surfer who’s riding the wave wants to make a cutback she’ll run right into you.
Just because the whitewater catches up to a surfer riding a wave doesn’t give you permission to take off down the line. Many talented surfers can outrun the section and get back to the face of the wave.
DON'T DROP IN: This is probably the most important part of surfing etiquette. Dropping in means that someone with the right of way is either about to take off on a wave or is already riding a wave, and you also take off on the same wave in front of him or her. This blocks his ride down the line, and is extremely annoying, not to mention dangerous. If you are tempted to drop in remember this: no matter how good the wave is, if you drop in on someone you’ll feel bad, the other surfer will be mad, and the wave will be ruined for everyone.
PADDLING RULES: Some common sense surfing etiquette rules that people don’t seem to realize are important. Don’t paddle straight through the heart of the lineup where people are surfing. Paddle out through the channel where the waves aren’t breaking and people aren’t surfing. Sometimes at spread out beach breaks this is hard, but usually there is a less crowded area to paddle through. When paddling back out, do NOT paddle in front of someone riding a wave unless you’re well, well in front of him. You must paddle behind those who are up and riding and take the whitewater hit or duckdive. You’ll appreciate this the next time you’re up on a wave
DON'T DITCH YOUR BOARD: This is important, especially when it gets crowded. Always try to maintain control and contact with your board. Surfboards are large, heavy, and hard. If you let your board go flying around, it is going to eventually clock someone in the head. This means if you’re paddling out and a wall of whitewater is coming, you don’t have permission to just throw your board away and dive under. If you throw your board and there is someone paddling out behind you, there is going to be carnage. This is a hard rule for beginners, but if you manage to avoid picking up the habit of throwing your board you will be a MUCH better surfer.
DON'T HOG THE WAVES: Don't try to catch every single wave that comes through. You will only create animosity amongst the others in the line up and will be seen as a wave hog. If you have the paddling power or a board that allows you to get into the waves a lot earlier remember this, learn to give and you will receive. Share the waves around and learn to give a few to the other crew. Respect gets respect.
SHARE AND RESPECT: Share the ocean, not only with other surfers, but also the marine life which lives in it. Don't practise your competition tactics (if you are a contest surfer) on those who enjoy the surfing for the life style and fun it offers. Leave that form of hassling for contests not free surfing. The sea is there for everyone to use and share.
DON'T SNAKE: 'Snaking' is achieved when a surfer deliberately paddles inside of a surfer who would normally have priority. It's a thin line between paddling for position and deliberately snaking someone. If a surfer for instance took off deeper on a longboard and was up and riding early and you then caught the wave further inside as it reformed and shouted him off then this would be considered 'snaking'. You might also sit tight until the last second and then paddle across someone who is paddling for a wave and take off deeper thus claiming priority. These are all considered to be 'snaking'.
BEGINNERS - DON'T PADDLE OUT IN THE MIDDLE OF EXPERIENCED SURFERS: This is kind of open to interpretation, but it still stands: if you’re a beginner you should try to avoid paddling out into the middle of a pack of experienced veterans. Try to go out to a less crowded beginner break. You’ll know you’re in the wrong spot if you get bad looks!
LARGER CRAFT: If you are riding a SUP (Stand Up Paddle-board) please try and respect those who ride shorter boards. If you are riding a SUP please avoid joining surfboards in a crowded lineup. SUP's are heavy, catch waves out to sea and cannot move out of a surfer's way. You will only cause friction.
