Surfing Etiquette : A Comprehensive Guide for Surfers
Surfing etiquette is a set of unwritten rules and guidelines that help maintain safety, respect, and harmony in the water. Breaking some of those surfing rules can lead to uncomfortable situations with fellow surfers. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced surfer, understanding and practicing surfing etiquette is crucial so here is our fully comprehensive guide to some of the most important unwritten rules of surfing.
1. Right of Way
The surfer closer to where to wave breaks has the right of way. If someone on the inside decides to catch the wave, it would be considered “dropping in”. It is very important to understand who has priority on a wave in order to respect fellow surfers and know when you can catch a wave or not.
2. Dropping in
The act of dropping in on a surfer means taking off on a wave in front of another surfer who is already riding it. This is a basic rule that cannot be broken as it is a immensely disrespectful to other surfers. If dropping in was allowed or tolerated, surf spots would be absolute chaos.
3. Paddle Battles
If someone has the right of way and is trying to catch a wave, it can be frowned upon to see other people paddling strongly for the same wave. If that surfer in a priority position misses the wave, only then is it possible for another surfer to paddle and commit for the wave.
4. Sharing Waves
Typically, only one surfer should ride a wave at a certain time. However, with longer and mellow breaks, it is common to see a couple long boarders on the same wave. This is possible only through good communication between surfers and never invite yourself on a wave without permission. The surfer in position of priority will let you know if they want you to ride the wave with them or not. As a general rule, never try to catch a wave that is already being ridden.
5. Respect the Pecking Order
On a break that has a smaller takeoff spot like an A-frame or a reef break, everyone catches the wave from the same spot. There is then an unformal line-up that you should follow where the surfer who has been waiting the longest has a shot at catching the wave. If a surfer just caught a wave, it is frowned upon to paddle straight back in front of everyone to the takeoff spot.
6. Stay Inside or Outside
Depending on your skill level, you will sit at different places in the lineup. At a point break, more experience surfers will catch waves right at the point and ride them all the way in as beginner surfers will mostly be invited to stay on the inside and catch smaller waves. Make sure to understand your skill level and know where you belong in the lineup.
7. If in doubt, don’t go out
As a surfer, it is important to be aware of your skill level and to understand what the surfing conditions are like on any given day. It waves seem too big or crowded from the beach, chances are they will appear even bigger once you are in the ocean. If in doubt, don’t go out and stay safe.
8. Control Your Surfboard
In the surf, it is important to always have control of your surfboard. That means wearing a leash at all time and when the wave breaks on you, use the duck diving or turtle roll techniques to stay in control and keep the lineup safe for everyone else. Ditching you board can be very dangerous to other surfers and should only be an option of last resort when it is physically impossible to duck dive or turtle roll.
9. Communicate Respectfully
Communication is important in the water. If you are paddling for a wave and feel like you will miss it, you may call it to the next surfer down the lineup so he feels free to catch it. When you catch a wave and someone else is looking to go for, it is okay to call your wave and let them know that you are on it. If you make a priority mistake or get in someone’s way, always apologize for your mistakes, it will make the atmosphere much more friendly in the lineup.
10. Respect Locals
Local surfers have an unwritten priority and should always be respected in the water. Some spots are even extremely localized and tourists are not welcome. It is important to understand the surf spot you are surfing and notice what crowd is there.
By following these guidelines and demonstrating good surfing etiquette, you contribute to a positive and enjoyable experience for yourself and all those sharing the waves. Surfing etiquette is a way to preserve the stoke and camaraderie of the surfing community while ensuring safety and respect in the lineup.