Respect is the golden rule in surf etiquette. It encompasses respect for your fellow surfers and for the environment. As surf spots become more crowded, it’s crucial for surfers to remember that they are not the only ones in the water. This guide will help you understand the key aspects of surf etiquette to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
Understanding Localism
Every surf spot has its locals—surfers who live near and frequently surf a particular break. Locals in some areas are very protective of what they consider “their” break. For example, on the Hawaiian island of Oahu, locals use the Hawaiian word haole, meaning “non-local,” to refer to people they don’t recognize.
- North Shore of Oahu: This area has become especially popular. Respectful visiting surfers are rarely hassled by locals.
- West Shore of Oahu: Locals here are more protective and will make their presence known to haoles.
Aggression or violence is usually only provoked if visitors show disrespect. The bottom line: Be overly respectful when visiting someone else’s home break.
Out of the Water
Being friendly toward your fellow surfers out of the water is essential. Courtesy goes a long way. Lend people wax, never litter, and engage in friendly conversations. Most surfers are easygoing, but they won’t tolerate disrespectful behavior.
In the Water: Three Main Rules
- Don’t be a wave hog.
- Don’t drop in on others.
- Don’t endanger others.
Everything in surf etiquette falls under these three main rules.
Lineups
The lineup is where surfers wait for waves. When the waves are consistent and there aren’t too many surfers, the lineup operates smoothly. However, when it’s crowded, surfers can become more aggressive.
- Wave Rotation: After catching a wave, paddle back to the lineup and wait your turn.
- Crowded Lineups: When good waves are rare, many surfers paddle for the same wave, leading to collisions and tempers flaring. Novice surfers should be cautious in crowded lineups.
Lining up or sitting in a bad spot is also a no-no. Waiting too far left or right of the peak reduces your chances of catching a wave. Waiting too far inside puts you in the way of other surfers. If you’re tired, rest on the beach or far left or right of the lineup.
Right-of-Way
Determining right-of-way on a wave is simple: The surfer closest to the peak of the wave has the right-of-way. If a wave is breaking from left to right and you’re turning right, you need to allow a surfer overtaking you to have the wave. Sometimes surfers agree to share waves, but never assume this to be the case.
When two surfers take off at the peak of a wave that can be surfed either left or right, they should turn away from each other once standing. It’s customary to ask which way the other surfer intends to go before paddling for the wave.
Dropping In
The most important aspect of surf etiquette is not dropping in on or cutting off other surfers. Dropping in means catching a wave in front of surfers closer to the peak. Because they have the right-of-way, dropping in can interfere with their ride or cause a collision.
- Avoiding Conflicts: Always look toward the peak to ensure no one else has already taken off. If you accidentally drop in, turn out of the wave immediately and apologize.
Paddling Out
When paddling out to the lineup, stay clear of other surfers. Paddle around the breaking waves to avoid interfering with another surfer’s ride, especially when it’s crowded or the waves are consistent.
- Circular Pattern: Surfers who have finished a ride or unsuccessfully paddled for a wave should paddle back to the lineup around the breaking waves, maintaining a circular traffic flow.
- Whitewater: If you find yourself in a surfer’s path, paddle toward the whitewater to give them a clear path to the unbroken part of the wave.
Falling
When falling, try to grab the rails or any part of the board to prevent it from hitting someone else. This is especially important for beginners who tend to fall off the board often. A surfboard can quickly become a projectile if allowed to speed through the whitewater. Always stay in control of your board.
- Grabbing Rail: Hold on to the sides of the board during a fall.
- Bailing: Jumping off the board to avoid a wave is fine if no one is in the board’s path, but it’s a bad habit for beginners.
Common Sense and Safety
Use common sense when you’re in the water. The last thing you want is to hurt someone or make others angry. The more crowded the water and the bigger the waves, the more important it is to remain alert and watch out for others.
Pay It Forward
The surfing community thrives on mutual respect and kindness. If you let someone closer to the peak have the “wave of the session” or take the whitewater when paddling out, that surfer is more likely to return the favor to you or someone else. This creates a positive environment where everyone can enjoy surfing.
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By following these guidelines and showing respect in and out of the water, you can help create a safer and more enjoyable surfing experience for everyone. Remember, the waves are there for all to share, so respect your fellow surfers and the environment, and you’ll have a great time on the waves.
