Etiquette is surfing’s unspoken language, a set of guidelines understood in the water all over the world. When the line up gets hectic, this helps to keep the peace and will also build your confidence. More waves, more stoke, fewer injuries.
Win, win, win, hey?
Surf waves that suit your ability
Improving at surfing requires some gumption, it is also ok to pick your moments for pushing boundaries. If the conditions look too big, super crowded, rocky, or more of an advanced spot, it is probably best to sit this one out. Until you can understand surfing etiquette and navigate quick, busy line ups, stay on beginner friendly beaches with lots of peaks and plenty of space. Always surf at a lifeguarded beach and in between the black and white flags. Surfing beyond what you are capable of can be dangerous to yourself and to others, ask the lifeguards for advice if you are not sure. If you want a supportive weekend to build confidence, try our Newquay Bodyboard Weekend.
Don’t drop in
In simple terms, this means you should give way and not take off if there is already another surfer on the wave. The surfer who is closest to the breaking part of the wave, the peak, has right of way, so let them continue their ride without you getting in the way. The best way to avoid this, look both ways before you start paddling.
NEVER THROW YOUR BOARD
No one likes a surfboard flying towards their face, fins are sharp. Do not ditch your board when you are paddling out or kick it away when you fall off or finish your wave. Always wear a leash and hold onto your board as much as possible to prevent injuries, even with a leash it can travel a long distance.
Snaking is a no no
Snaking is when a surfer intentionally paddles around other surfers to get closer to the peak and gain priority on the wave, you might see more of this in a crowded line up. It is like someone jumping the queue in front of you when you have been patiently waiting, it is annoying. Try to be patient, other surfers will respect your wave choice when you do decide to go. If someone is constantly snaking you, move to another peak, this may be frustrating, it is the best way to keep your good vibe.
Choose your route to avoid getting in the way
You should always let the surfer on the wave enjoy their ride. When you are paddling back out to the peak make sure to paddle wide enough to avoid the path of the surfer. If this is not possible, paddle towards the white water. We have all had that deer in headlights moment when you are paddling in panic as the surfer races towards you. By heading to the white water you will avoid their line, if you paddle to the green wave it is likely someone will be surfing this part. Try to turtle roll your board, even if it is not perfect you will have hold of your board.
Don’t hog all the waves
Sharing is caring, do not paddle for every wave, give someone else a chance, share their stoke when they catch a steamer.
Communicate and if you are wrong, say sorry
Be vocal with other surfers. If you are surfing along a wave and you see someone paddling, give them a shout, they might not have seen you. Let people know which direction you are surfing so you can share A frames, everybody wins. Most importantly, if you drop in on someone, pull off the wave and apologise. Learning etiquette is part of your surfing journey and everyone understands that. We all make mistakes, say sorry and let it go. The ocean is for everyone to enjoy and we surf to escape the dramas, do not let an accident demotivate you, go catch another wave.
Respect the locals
This is an old school rule, it is about being respectful. Put yourself in a local’s shoes, you have been surfing this spot your whole life, it is your second home. It is getting busier, now you share those fun swells with fifty others. No one loves a crowded surf, be polite, you are in their garden.
Want to go deeper
Do not be put off. When you are a beginner people are forgiving and do not expect you to know everything. We have all been there, everyone occasionally and accidentally breaks the rules. When you encounter someone who ignores them, you realise why these guidelines matter. Be conscious of what is going on around you and the result will be better, safer, more stoke filled surfs.
Ready to practise in friendly conditions, join our Portugal surf trip or Morocco surf trip for warm water fun, or keep try a UK weekend like the Newquay Surfing Weekend.
Take etiquette classes!
Want to know more, sign up for focused coaching on our Surf Camp or build a foundation with private lessons. We go in depth on these points so you feel in control and confident in any line up.
