If you want to become a surfer, we recommend you learn the rules of the sport, called surf etiquette. Is a list of dos and don’ts that apply worldwide to every break in the world, so try to keep them in mind while surfing, otherwise there will be a risk for injuries and misunderstandings.
Please try to adhere to these rules as much as you can, to keep yourself safe and out of trouble, and to be able to enjoy surfing and the beauty of every wave.
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.
- Learn the Right Way to Paddle Out:
This includes not ditching your board or paddling into the path of other surfers. Take a moment to observe the waves and time your paddle out accordingly with the timing of sets and use your best judgment to avoid other surfers.
- Surf Spots for your level:
Try not to pick a spot that is out of your ability range. You’ll only end up upsetting the other surfers by getting in the way or being potentially hurt. Always surf accompanied.
- Right of Way:
The fundamental rule in surfing tells us that the surfer closest to the peak always gets priority.
- Don’t Drop-In:
The general rule of thumb is one surfer, one wave. In most cases, you can’t have two surfers riding the same wave in the same direction.
When you disrespect the right-of-way rule, you’re “burning” someone’s wave and showing a lack of respect and you are actually ruining a wave for someone else like you, who also enjoys surfing.
The result can be many injuries and damaged surfboards, so don’t do to others what you wouldn’t want to be done to yourself.
Relax and wait for your turn and be patient. There are waves for everyone.
- Don’t Snake
Snaking is very common and disrespectful behaviour. Repeatedly paddling around someone to get into the inside position on a wave is a no-no.
Paddling around one or more surfers to get closer to the peak and gain priority is rude conduct.
- 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.
- Don’tDont Throw Your Board
Surfboards are dangerous weapons, not only for yourself but for others around you. Always be aware of where other surfers are and where your board is, always wear a leash in good condition and avoid ditching your board as much as possible.
If you kick out, fall, or wipe out, try to control your stick.
- Communicate What Will 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 can enjoy their ride down the line without wasting what the wave has to offer.
- Never Dive Head First
Whether you’re surfing over reef or sand, do know that the ocean floor can severely hurt your head, face and neck.
Try to use your surfboard to protect from the impact and protect your head with your arms whenever wipe out.
- Respect the Beach, the Ocean and Mother Nature:
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. Invite your Friends to every beach clean up!
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, and build commUNITY.
If you’re surfing in a place you don’t know, respect the locals. And whenever an outsider visits your home break, treat them with respect and share a few waves. Always be friendly and Purapura Vidavida while you surf. Keep a Todo Sano state of mind.
- Help other Surfers
Always aid another surfer in trouble. Surfing can be dangerous and even fatal, look after each other. Always surf accompanied.
