Always give right of way to the surfer closest to the peak of a breaking wave, or the surfer furthest out in lineup. However, if you are a longboarder, don’t be a “wave hog.” Be mindful and save some waves for the shortboarders.
Don’t Drop In
Don’t drop in on someone else’s wave. This means if someone is already riding, don’t paddle in and catch the wave in front of them. By dropping in on someone else, not only are you showing lack of respect and extreme ignorance, but you are also endangering yourself and the fellow surfer that you just “burned.”
Don’t Be a “Snake”
“Snaking” is when a surfer deliberately paddles around other surfers in the lineup in order to get the right of way for a wave – a rude and disrespectful act. It’s important to wait your turn and be patient when it comes to catching waves. Being rude or aggressive to other surfers will not earn you respect in the water. Even if you’re a local surfer, that doesn’t give you the right to be rude or disrespectful to visitors who are following surf etiquette. It’s important to be courteous and respectful to all surfers, regardless of their experience or location.
Paddling
Don’t get in the way. When paddling out to catch a wave, avoid going through the main break, or area where other surfers are already catching waves. Instead, find a less crowded spot, such as a channel or an area where the waves aren’t breaking. Be mindful of other surfers who are already up and riding. Avoid paddling in front of them, as this can be dangerous and disruptive. Instead, paddle behind them and take the whitewater hit or turtle roll/duck dive. If you find yourself in a bad spot and unable to paddle behind another surfer, it’s important to paddle as fast as you can to get out of their way. Failure to do so can result in a collision/injury. If you’re in a position that’s going to impede other surfers’ ability to catch a wave, you should move out of the way.
Don’t Ditch Your Stick
It’s crucial to always be aware of your board and to maintain control over it, especially when there are many surfers in the water. Surfboards can be large, heavy and hard, which makes them dangerous if not controlled properly. If you’re not careful, your board can cause injury if it accidentally hits someone. This means that when you’re paddling out and a wave is approaching, you should not just let go of your board and try to dive under the incoming wave. This action can lead to accidents, especially if someone is paddling behind you. This may be a difficult rule to follow, especially for beginners, but if you can learn to control your board, you will become a much better surfer in the long run.
Communicate
Communication is important in a surf lineup because it helps to establish a sense of order and respect among surfers. When surfers are communicating effectively in a lineup, they can avoid collisions and accidents, and they can also share information about wave conditions, currents, and other important factors. Effective communication in the lineup can also help to prevent conflicts and misunderstandings. For example, by communicating with other surfers, you can let them know which wave you are going to catch and which direction you are planning to take off in.
“Don’t Mess with Texas”
Respect the beach and ocean by leaving no trace behind. Do not litter or leave trash on the beach or in the water. Always pick up any trash or debris you see and dispose of it properly. Help to preserve the natural beauty of the beach and ocean for future generations to enjoy.
Be Humble
Be humble and apologize if you accidentally break any rules or cause any inconvenience to other surfers. We are all human and make mistakes, but it’s important to take responsibility for our actions and make amends when necessary. A true surfer not only follows the rules, but also takes responsibility for any mistakes and apologizes for them. Showing humility and respect for others will help to create a positive and harmonious surfing community.
