Surfing Etiquette

It's important to observe the correct etiquette while out surfing, otherwise things will just descend in to total chaos. Most of the do's and don'ts here are explained in more details in the articles elsewhere on the site. Do try to stick by these unwritten rules, keep yourself out of trouble, and enjoy your surfing. Also take a look at the surfing rules for related information.

Observe Right of Way:
Learn who has the right of way on the wave. Please take a moment and read all about wave priority. For those in a rush, here is the condensed version:

• Furthest out: the surfer that is furthest out or that has been waiting longest
• Furthest inside: the closest surfer to the peak of the breaking wave
• First to feet: the first to feet or first onto the wave
• Communication: the call of "Left!" or "Right!" if the wave is dual-peaking

Don't Drop In:
Cutting in front of other surfers who are up and riding is a quick way of getting yourself in trouble with the locals. Observe the right of way and you should be fine.

Don't Snake:
Repeatedly paddling round someone to get into the inside position on a wave is a no-no. Where would we all be if everyone did this?

Don't Hog the Waves:
Share them around. Even if you can paddle furthest outside and catch the waves first every time you reach the lineup, don't do it. People will quickly get annoyed at this sort of behavior and will simply start dropping in at every opportunity. Again, everything descends into chaos!

Do Apologise:
If you drop in on someone, run over someone, or breach the etiquette and rules in any way, just apologise. It's just plain good manners. We've all done things that we shouldn't have when out surfing, saying sorry goes some way to smoothing things over. (Obviously snaking, dropping in, hogging the waves and running everyone over will probably end in a beating, no matter whether you say sorry each time or not.)

Respect the Locals:
Keep in mind that the locals surf the spot every day. Give respect and behave while visiting a spot, keep things friendly, earn some respect yourself. Don't mob surf spots in large numbers. Don't rush straight outside, take your time.

Learn the Right Way to Paddling Out:
This includes not throwing your board or paddling into the path of other surfers. Take a moment and read up on how to paddle out to the lineup.

Surf Spots that Suit your Ability:
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 a potential hazard for everyone.

Help other Surfers:
Always aid another surfer in trouble. Surfing can be dangerous and even fatal, look after each other.

Respect the Beach:
Leave only footprints. Don't litter, graffiti, vandalise, or otherwise impact the beach or surroundings.

Have Fun:
After all that, lets not forget this one.

Do try to stick to these guidelines. The more experienced you become, the more you will come to appreciate the need for everyone to try and stick to this sort of behavior.