HOW NOT TO BE A KOOK: Surf Etiquette 101
PRIORITY / RIGHT OF WAY: WHO GETS THE WAVE?
If you find yourself in a rare circumstance where your are surfing without a crowd, priority is extremely easy. A line up operates just like any line or queue. First come first serve, everyone else makes an orderly line and waits their turn.
Most spots are going to have some kind of crowd factor, popular beaches during summer months will be packed and thats where the nuance of etiquittte comes into play. How do you know your spot in line when the line up is a jumbled mess of surfers?
The answer is in a combination of awareness, etiquette, and common sense. Crowded line ups can be intimidating and confusing, so before you paddle out observe. Where is the main peak? Where are most people paddling out? Where are the locals/very advanced surfers riding? Are there any obvious hazards you want to avoid when paddling or positioning? These observations will give you a good idea of your general positioning and paddle paths before you hit the water.
Once you paddle out into the fray thats when observation meets action, and we can dive a bit deeper into situational etiquette. Here are some ground rules to help give additional clarity once you can no longer tell who’s turn it is. If a surfer is closer to the peak then you, they have priority. If a surfer is already standing and riding, they have priority. Does this mean that if you have the ability to paddle faster and further than others that you are in priority for every wave that you want?
DON’T SNAKE WAVES… STEALING IS A CRIME!
Snaking is the go to move for sophomore surfers with inflated egos and core lord locals who aren’t looking to share the peak, in short, its stealing and its frowned upon. Snaking or back paddling is when you paddle around (behind to claim false priority or in front to cut off the other surfer. This is not only rude and aggressive behavior but its super dangerous and is frowned upon the world over.
CLEAR COMMUNICATION IS KEY TO A WELL FUNCTIONING LINEUP.
Communication is key to keeping the water safe and fun. Yelling out simple directions “going right” “going left” can be super helpful avoid collisions and to keep the line up flowing.
PADDLE OUT STRATEGY:
Paddling out is about avoiding the impact zone, paddling wide around the peak to avoid collisions and keep the path clear for other surfers. When in a situation where you find yourself in close quarters with a surfer standing and riding along the wave its your responsibility to both avoid contact with the surfer and clear their path of progression. That means you have to paddle behind the peak, taking on the white water, paying the price of taking the brunt of the energy, but at the reward of good etiquette, safety, and the stoke of having a clear wave and blank canvas to work with when the tables are turned.
SHOW RESPECT TO THE LOCALS!
When surfing new spots or breaks that you dont often frequent its always wise to yield to and respect the locals. Watch where they paddle out, where they position, and how they interact in with the waves in general. Be polite, if you have the ability to catch every wave doesn’t mean you have the right to. Showing respect goes a long way and goes both ways give respect and you will get it.
HOLD ON TO YOUR BOARD! (AND YOUR BUTTS):
In crowded lineups boards can be dangerous projectiles, try to always maintain control of your board at all times and wear a leash. In uncrowded breaks or if you have enough space around you, you CAN ditch your board to avoid clean up sets and walls of whitewater.,
BE PATEINT, KEEP YOUR COOL AND YOUR SMILE
Surfing is more than catching waves, its about connecting with nature, its about challenging yourself, its about the experience and the journey. Remember that respect and etiquette go a very, very long way