The proper etiquette on Surfing

Surfing is a very fun and exciting hobby and just as with many other sports, it has its very own set of rules and guidelines to follow as to not disturb other surfers around you, or even harm them, and yourself!

Especially if you are a beginner, you’d be better off knowing how to behave among other surfers. After all, we are all here for the same thing, to surf the waves and feel the magnificence and freedom of being above the waves!

In this guide, we’ll explain you more on surfer etiquette and how to behave in order to get the most out of your experience!

Observe the right of way

The first thing you’ll want to learn is who has the right of way; meaning who has the right to go first when a suitable wave makes its entrance. This is also called ‘wave priority’ and is a very serious topic for surfers. You’d not want to find a nice wave only for someone to pass by and steal it from you, do you? That’s the same they’d be thinking. After a heavy discussion with the other surfer afterwards, you’d then find out they were actually in the right, but why is that actually?
Is it your wave or my wave? Let us find out!

Basically, the thumb rule is that the surfer who is closest to the breaking point of the wave has the priority and right of way. The breaking point is where the wave breaks, or, in layman’s terms, where the curl hits the water.
However, if the one closest doesn’t get the wave, it is the one second closest that has the right of way, and so on.

So, when you see someone on a wave not getting it and you are next, congrats, the wave is all yours!

With this out of the way, let us look at the next etiquette.

Don’t be greedy

With the basics out of the way, you should know that stealing a wave is a big no and you can get in trouble with the locals for doing so. It is also not advised to use the same spot as other surfers. When you see someone at a certain spot, don’t tail them. Let them alone and let them enjoy their spot.

Also, if you keep taking the waves, without letting others get some, people will get annoyed by you and will try to attempt to ‘steal’ the waves from you. This in turn can result in chaos and ruin the experience for everyone. Remember, sharing is caring!

As in life in general, if you are in the wrong, you need to apologize. This alone can easily solve any issues and you may even find yourself befriending someone who you’ve had a heated argument with just moments before, simply because you apologized!

It is also advised to respect the locals. Don’t paddle into the path of other surfers throwing your board. Pick spots that suit your ability. Help other surfers whenever possible. It is also very important to respect the beach as such!

But the most important rule of them all is; have fun Surfing!