SURF ETIQUETTE

To maximise your enjoyment and time in the water these basic surf etiquettes listed below exist to act as simple code of conduct amongst surfers helping to maintain order, safety and most importantly ensuring everyone gets a wave and enjoys the ride!

See below for our top 10 do’s and don’ts explained in further detail

1. RIGHT OF WAY

The surfer closest to the peak or crest of the wave has the right of way or “priority”, and it’s safe to assume one wave, one surfer. The only instance this can be different is on a split peak, or A-frame wave where the peak peels to the left and right, in this case two surfers can take the wave from the peak in different directions along the wave (one left, and one right). The right of way acts as a sort of queuing system for the wave.

2. DON’T DROP IN!

This is related directly to right of way. Know who has the right of way on the wave to avoid “dropping in” on a fellow surfer, a cardinal sin of the surfing world. A drop in means that someone with the right of way is trying to catch a wave, or is already riding a one and you catch the wave in front of them. This blocks their wave, skips the queue and can be extremely hazardous for both surfers.

3. PADDLING OUT

When paddling out to the line up it’s important to make sure you are vigilant of other surfers in the water and avoiding getting in their way. The best way to do this is to take a moment to study the line up before getting in, then paddle out wide - not through the peak! Once you are out in the line up you can paddle across (i.e. parallel to the beach) to where you would like to be positioned for the waves.

If you are caught in a situation where you are paddling out and are faced by a surfer taking a wave along an open face towards you, then it’s your responsibility to take the whitewater hit, and paddle towards the white water section of the broken wave.

Remember, when paddling out, it’s your responsibility to stay out of the way of other surfers taking waves from the line up.

4. THROWING BOARD

Do not let go of your surfboard! Ditching your surfboard to an oncoming wave creates a hazard for yourself and unsuspecting surfers in the water around you - so at all costs, it’s best to avoid ditching your board. Pay attention to the other surfers around you!

The only time it can be acceptable to let go of your board is if there is no one around you and it’s the safest option for you.

5. Don’t dive head first

Avoid diving off your board head first into the water the ocean floor can still be hazardous be it sandy beach, rocks or a reef.

If you do fall off make sure you use your arms to cover your head.

6. SNAKING

Snaking is when a surfer paddles around another surfer towards the peak in order to take priority on a wave and skipping the queue. In some cases “snakers” will cut directly in-front of another surfer to take the priority and wave creating a hazardous situation for both surfers.

Essentially, snaking is just not cool and won’t make you any friends in the water.

7. COMMUNICATE

Don’t be afraid to communicate as this helps let other surfers know what you are doing in advance. For example, if you are sitting at the peak of an A-Frame wave, i.e. a wave which goes left and right, tell other surfers whether you intend to take the wave to the left, or right. Or, if you are on a wave and spot a surfer about to take the wave, you can also communicate to let them know you are on the wave and to be careful.

8. DON’t BE A WAVE HOG

Respect the rotation system and be gracious in letting other surfers also get their fair share of waves. No one likes a wave hog! ;)

9. KNOW YOUR LEVEL

This may seem simple but be aware of your surf ability and limits, what size waves you are, and aren't comfortable surfing in and don't try to challenge yourself too early. This keeps you as well as the other surfers, safe in the water.

10. RESPECT THE BEACH AND OCEAN

Lastly, respect your surfing environment, that means the ocean and the beach by leaving nothing but footprints behind. Why not go even further while you are there and participate in your own little 5 minute beach clean, or by taking away three pieces of litter as part of the ‘take 3 for the sea’ movement.