Surf etiquette:
5 important rules of surfing for beginners
Lesson 3
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Introduction
“Why are surfers so mean?” – believe it or not, but this is a commonly used Google search term. The reason why surfers can sometimes seem mean or angry, is because their frustration towards other surfers, especially beginners, comes from others breaching the surf etiquette.
Imagine you’re out in traffic driving a car and someone cuts you off by running a red light, almost causing an accident- it’s frustrating and dangerous, right? In the surf lineup, breaches of surf etiquette can feel just as reckless. For example, imagine paddling hard for a wave, only for someone to drop in front of you when it’s your turn, ruining the ride you worked for and creating a potential collision. This kind of behaviour disrupts the flow of surfing and can lead to frustration among surfers, and that’s why you need to learn surf etiquette to make sure you avoid causing these types of situations.
Here are five fundamental rules of surfing to guide you on your surfing journey:
Surf etiquette: 5 important rules of surfing
1. Observe right of way
In surfing, the “right of way” refers to the established priority given to a surfer in the surf lineup to catch a wave. The general rule is that the surfer closest to the breaking part of the wave (the so called “peak”) has the right of way. This principle helps maintain order in the water and reduces the risk of collisions.
2. Don't drop-in
A “drop-in” refers to catching a wave in front of another surfer who already has the right of way or is in the process of riding that wave. It’s considered a breach of surf etiquette and is seen as disrespectful. The surfer with the right of way has priority, and dropping in on them can lead to collisions, frustration, and a disrupted flow in the surf lineup.
To avoid drop-ins and adhere to the rules of surfing, you should wait your turn and not paddle for a wave that another surfer is already riding.
3. Don't snake
First of all, you’re probably wondering: “what is snaking in surfing?”. Valid question! The term “snaking” in surfing refers when a surfer maneuvers around another surfer in the surf lineup, aiming to position themselves more favourably to catch a wave. Essentially, it involves paddling around someone who is already in the process of selecting or catching a wave. This behaviour is considered inconsiderate and goes against the principles of surf etiquette and the rules of surfing.
4. Don't throw your board
Beginners or less experienced surfers might throw their boards unintentionally due to a lack of control or understanding of how to handle the board properly.
Throwing a surfboard is generally discouraged in the surfing community for several reasons. A thrown surfboard can pose a serious safety risk to both the person throwing it and others in the water. The board can be unpredictable in its trajectory, potentially causing injury if it hits someone. Instead of throwing your board when a breaking wave is approaching you can push through the wave or to a turtle roll- learn how to do that in this lesson.
5. Don't get in the way of other surfers when paddling back to the surf lineup
While paddling back out to the surf lineup, practicing good surf etiquette includes “going wide of the break.” In surfing, this term emphasizes the importance of positioning yourself or paddling away from the area where the waves are breaking. By doing so, you not only follow a fundamental rule of surf etiquette but also avoid the risk of getting in the way of other surfers who might be riding waves or are patiently waiting for their turn.
If you’re paddling back out and observe a fellow surfer catching a wave, it’s crucial to consider surf etiquette. Adjust your path to steer clear of any potential interference. Rather than heading directly towards them, choose a direction that ensures they won’t be in your path as you get closer. Move to the section of the wave they’ve already surfed, positioning yourself behind them.
Lesson quiz: test your knowledge
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