The Basics of Surfing Etiquette
Lots of folks write in with questions concerning the rules of surfing. Some carry the calm tone of a curious wave rider while others drip with anger and frustration stemming from a situation in the water. While recreational surfing isn’t governed by hard and fast “rules,” there are some specific behaviors and guidelines that become understood once you spend a little time in the water, especially in a crowd. These are the basic guidelines (prompted by questions from readers) that will make your next surf session civil and drama free.
Who gets the wave?
When two surfers paddle for the same wave, the surfer closest to the peak (or whitewater) gets the wave...That's it. This rule goes for free surfing and contest surfing. This rule has never been written down in any official document, but you would be hard pressed to find a surfer anywhere on the planet who doesn’t know this. Whoever is deepest in the pit should get the chance to go for the wave. There is some play if a surfer is farther outside in the lineup, but closeness to the peak is the most important point. Side Note: Learn all about the parts of a wave.
What if I mistakenly drop in on a surfer?
If another surfer is closest to the peak of a wave and is paddling, and you also paddle for the same wave and take off in front of him, this is termed “dropping in on” or “snaking” another surfer. The “snake” is the sludge of the surfing world, but sometimes it happens by accident. If you mistakenly drop in on another surfer, try to ride to the top and off the wave as quickly as possible, thus attempting to avoid pushing the lip of wave over and closing out the wave on the other surfer.
Be sure to apologize and let the other surfer know it was a mistake.
What if another surfer drops in on me?
Stay cool. There have been incidents of irate and seemingly insane surfers who have kicked their boards at “snakes”. While dropping in on someone is a major mistake and totally uncool, it isn’t worth hurting someone over. Therefore, simply hoot, whistle, or yell to let the other surfer know you are there (in case it was a mistake). If the surfer continues and seems to be taking your wave on purpose, let him know how you feel, but avoid any major confrontation. It’s just not worth it.
What do I do when a paddler is in my way?
Sure, it is up to the paddler to do everything he can to stay out of the path of oncoming surfers, but since the surfer has the speed and the agility to change direction to avoid a collision, then the burden is on the one riding the wave to take evasive action. Even if the paddler is in the wrong place and has made a dumb decision, the surfer on the wave must put safety first and avoid injury even if it means missing out on a great ride.
What if I am paddling out and a surfer is riding right at me?
Again, the surfer should take action if you have no options to get out of his way, but the paddler should also be ready to do his part first. This means that you should paddle away from the open face and into the whitewater. This will free the open face for the surfer to ride by and probably get you caught inside for a few waves. However, it’s all about karma here right? If you would expect the behavior from another surfer, then you should do it yourself.
Again, these are just some basic questions that have come my way of late via reader concerns, and I think they are great ones since there are so many new surfers in the water. Adhere to these basic guidelines and you will insure your next session is all stoke and no croak.
Lots of folks write in with questions concerning the rules of surfing. Some carry the calm tone of a curious wave rider while others drip with anger and frustration stemming from a situation in the water. While recreational surfing isn’t governed by hard and fast “rules,” there are some specific behaviors and guidelines that become understood once you spend a little time in the water, especially in a crowd. These are the basic guidelines (prompted by questions from readers) that will make your next surf session civil and drama free.
Who gets the wave?
When two surfers paddle for the same wave, the surfer closest to the peak (or whitewater) gets the wave...That's it. This rule goes for free surfing and contest surfing. This rule has never been written down in any official document, but you would be hard pressed to find a surfer anywhere on the planet who doesn’t know this. Whoever is deepest in the pit should get the chance to go for the wave. There is some play if a surfer is farther outside in the lineup, but closeness to the peak is the most important point. Side Note: Learn all about the parts of a wave.
What if I mistakenly drop in on a surfer?
If another surfer is closest to the peak of a wave and is paddling, and you also paddle for the same wave and take off in front of him, this is termed “dropping in on” or “snaking” another surfer. The “snake” is the sludge of the surfing world, but sometimes it happens by accident. If you mistakenly drop in on another surfer, try to ride to the top and off the wave as quickly as possible, thus attempting to avoid pushing the lip of wave over and closing out the wave on the other surfer.
Be sure to apologize and let the other surfer know it was a mistake.
What if another surfer drops in on me?
Stay cool. There have been incidents of irate and seemingly insane surfers who have kicked their boards at “snakes”. While dropping in on someone is a major mistake and totally uncool, it isn’t worth hurting someone over. Therefore, simply hoot, whistle, or yell to let the other surfer know you are there (in case it was a mistake). If the surfer continues and seems to be taking your wave on purpose, let him know how you feel, but avoid any major confrontation. It’s just not worth it.
What do I do when a paddler is in my way?
Sure, it is up to the paddler to do everything he can to stay out of the path of oncoming surfers, but since the surfer has the speed and the agility to change direction to avoid a collision, then the burden is on the one riding the wave to take evasive action. Even if the paddler is in the wrong place and has made a dumb decision, the surfer on the wave must put safety first and avoid injury even if it means missing out on a great ride.
What if I am paddling out and a surfer is riding right at me?
Again, the surfer should take action if you have no options to get out of his way, but the paddler should also be ready to do his part first. This means that you should paddle away from the open face and into the whitewater. This will free the open face for the surfer to ride by and probably get you caught inside for a few waves. However, it’s all about karma here right? If you would expect the behavior from another surfer, then you should do it yourself.
Again, these are just some basic questions that have come my way of late via reader concerns, and I think they are great ones since there are so many new surfers in the water. Adhere to these basic guidelines and you will insure your next session is all stoke and no croak.
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