If you want to become a surfer, you must learn the rules of the sport. The so-called surf etiquette is a list of dos and don’ts that you should keep in mind while in the water.
When surfers don’t follow the basic commandments of surfing, accidents, injuries, and misunderstandings happen.
Remember that there are priority rules in the waves and that a surfboard’s nose can kill.
Surf etiquette is a set of guidelines for beginners, intermediate and advanced surfers. It applies to all line-ups of the world. Respect others and enjoy surfing.
Right of Way
The fundamental rule in surfing tells us that the surfer closest to the peak always gets priority.
In other words, if you’re paddling for a right-hand wave, and a fellow surfer is on your left shoulder, you must give priority to him or her.
Don’t Drop In
In surfing, the general rule of is: one man/woman, one wave.
Don’t Snake
Snaking is a very common, and disrespectful behaviour that can be seen, especially, in crowded line-ups. Paddling around one or more surfers to get closer to the peak and gain priority is rude conduct.
Select the best position in the line-up, and do not paddle around other surfers always wanting to catch all waves. Be patient. There are waves for everyone.
Don’t Get in the Way
Paddle wide, not through the peak, and stay in the water if you got caught inside and a surfer is enjoying his surf line.
The Furthest Out Gets Priority
Although some long boarders may not use this rule wisely – they should leave some waves to short boarders – in theory, they hold priority. Sense and sensibility tell us to avoid calling priority in all waves.
Do Not Throw Your Board
Surfboards are dangerous weapons, not only for yourself but to others around you. Always wear a leash and avoid ditching your board.
If you kick out, fall, or wipe out, try to control your stick. Surfboards can actually kill someone if they hit critical regions of the human body.
Communicate What You Do
In case two surfers are sitting in the middle of the peak, and the wave opens to both sides in an A-frame wave, they should tell each other whether they’re going right or left.
When that happens, both surfers are able to enjoy their ride down the line without wasting what the wave had to offer.
Do Not Dive Head First
Whether you’re surfing over reef or sand, do know that the ocean floor can severely hurt your body.
Try to use your surfboard to protect the impact and protect your head with your arms whenever you fall off the board or wipe out.
Respect the Beach and the Ocean
Never leave garbage in the sand or water and try to give back to Mother Nature all the hours of pleasure and joy you had.
Whenever possible pick up a couple of plastic bags, bottles or other garbage items after you conclude your surf session.
Give Respect to Gain Respect
Interact with other surfers in a civilized way, even if a minority is still learning good manners.
If you’re surfing in a place you don’t know, respect the locals. And whenever an outsider visits your home break, treat him or her with respect and share a few waves.
