Yes, even when you are shredding that wave, etiquette should be practiced. It is one of the basic and most important things to learn prior to setting foot in the surfing area. Aside from the rules of this sport, surfing etiquette – the dos and don’ts of surfing are what you should bear in mind too, as you ride.
Commandments in Surfing
The best thing about surfing is not having to deal with too many regulations. No need to wait for that court to free up from players or wait for a referee to show up before riding. Just get up, paddle, and ride.
While there is no governing authority to tell you what to do, it is still rather acceptable to surf and ride by the unspoken or unwritten commandments surfers have to abide by.
Observing The Precedence
Study and be aware of who has the right of way. Wave priority should be practiced. This is to ensure peace and composure in the surf. Many times you will have to ask, “Your wave or my wave?” To put it simply wave priority is:
- Farthest out – the rider that is the farthest out. He/she has been waiting for the longest
- Farthest inside – the surfer that is nearest the peak of the breaking wave
- First to feet – the rider that is the first to feet or the first one to set foot onto the wave
- Communication – calling “left” or “right” for waves that are dual-peaking
Never split the peak, otherwise, you will end up running into each other and crash.
Not Dropping In
Nothing brings you into so much trouble with the locals as well as other surfers than cutting in front of other riders who are already up and riding fast. Observing the right of the way keeps you from getting jammed.
If someone drops in on you, try to get the attention of the rider. Make a sound. Whistle. Anything to let the other person know you are preparing to catch that wave.
Do Not Snake
Constantly paddling around a rider to get into the inside position of the wave is impolite.
No Hogging of Waves
The ocean is vast and wide! Sure you can paddle the farthest out and catch waves quickly every single time, but that is just too b*tchy a move. This will instantly get people annoyed and may start dropping in or worst, snake around you. Share!
Say Sorry
If by any chance you dropped in, run over, or snaked, without really intending to offend other riders, say sorry. It’s just the basic good manners even toddlers are taught early on in life. Apologizing goes a long way especially in smoothing things over with other riders.
Respecting the Locals
The locals know every inch of that surfing spot by heart. After all, they are the ones who run and ride the spot every day. They live and breathe in this area.
Paddling Out the Right Way
This involves not tossing your board or paddling it into other surfer’s path. Paddle out the lineup safely and in no hurry. Paddling out should start by taking a good look at the lineup and deciding where you should be. From there, determine what is the simplest way to get there.
If paddling wide is not possible, go for the white water of the wave rather than going to the shoulder.
Consider a few things – the best way out, using a rip to help, the route that will not put you into incoming surfers’ path. In short, use a bit of your common sense.
Do Not Dive with Head First
The ocean floor can brutally hurt you, whether you are surfing over a reef or sand. Your surfboard can help in keeping you against the impact of any falls and protect your head (or your body) in a wipeout situation.
Do Not Toss Your Board
Always control your board. If you get kicked out or wiped out or you get frustrated, do not throw your board. Surfboards are dangerous arsenals, not just for yourself but for others riding, too. Wear a leash to keep the board from getting ditched.
Ride Only the Spots That Match Your Surfing Skills
It sure can be exciting to ride that huge wave, but if it is beyond your level of expertise, don’t even think about it. This will only upset other riders if you get in their way. It could also cause a lot of hazards for everyone.
Recognize the Break
This is often skipped but is actually a crucial step for surfers of any level. Before surfing at a new break, take a moment to watch the waves. Observe where they are breaking, where the channels are often, and the direction of the current or riptide.
You may ask other surfers about the spot. Be sure to share what you know with other surfers who have no idea.
Help Other Riders
Surfing, as fun and exciting, as it is, is dangerous and could even be fatal. No harm in aiding another surfer caught in trouble. You would want other riders to help you out if you are in a bad predicament.
Respect the Beach
Be sure to be part of the community that guarantees the beach will still be around 50 to 100 years from now. Take care of the surroundings, and do not litter, vandalize, or do anything that will negatively impact the beach.
Have Fun
Above all else, enjoy the waters! And, while doing that, do not forget to be polite and smile!
Your Responsibility As A Surfer
Simple. Your responsibility is to know, understand, and practice the surfing commandments by heart. Never ignore surf etiquette signs that are mostly posted around the beach.
Conclusion
While these commandments aren’t carved in stones just like the 10 that were mentioned in the bible, it should be a piece of common knowledge for every surfer. They are not there for nothing. These etiquettes and manners are for the safety and respect of everyone.
More importantly, they try to correct the kook in a rider. A kook is someone that has no understanding of social and sartorial standards of surfing. You wouldn’t want to be the kook.
Related Resources
- How to Wax a Surfboard
- Surfboard Sizes
- SUPs for Surfing
- How to Stand Up on a Surfboard
- Quad vs Thruster Fins
- How to Catch an Unbroken Wave
- How Long Does It Take to Make a Surfboard?
- What Causes a Surfboard to Turn Yellow?
G’day, my name is Luke and I’m the proud Founder of Surf Hungry. I am a former xxx athlete. I’ve worked in the surf industry and lived at many of xxx’s best surf spots, sparking a life-long love of the ocean and a passion for surf sports which also rubbed off on my two young sons! I am also lucky to spend a lot of ocean-time in my favorite second home,xxx. In addition to SurfHungry I have founded several other websites in my areas of passion, namely xxx and am also a regular xxx.
