Wave etiquette!
Learning to surf is a lot like anything you want to learn. You need to understand the rules to play the game and enjoy the experience, however learning to surf, there are no written rules to follow only the surfers code. This is a code to make sure everyone stays safe in the water, surf lesson newbies know how to conduct themselves and there is peace and tranquillity throughout the land, well, water.
So how does this work and what should you do to stay in the right side of learning to surf and not end up injured or injuring others? Keep reading for your step by step rule book to learning to surf and surfing...
1) Always respect other surfers to gain respect in return. Be courteous in the water and make sure you share the waves. Especially if you are not from the local area as sometimes locals can not take nicely to those who do not follow this rule. (Read 'Bustin' down the Door' for examples)
2) Paddle out around the peak not through it. To enter the water to surf or learn to surf, you should look at where the waves are breaking and where the rips are to understand the line up. Paddling around the peak, through the rip if generally best practice as you will then not get in anyone's way. If you find yourself in the way when paddling out, don't try and paddle wide towards the shoulder (outside area) as you will generally be run over if there is a surfer on the wave, instead try to paddle into the breaking wave to avoid the surfer. They will give you more respect for this as you have let them surf the wave. If you can not duck dive, you quite possibly should learn this before going out any further than white water! (Join our Next Level Surf Coaching for full details!)
3) When catching a wave, the surfer closest to the peak (part of the wave that breaks first) has the right of way. If you are further out from the peak, wait your turn. Do not 'snake' people (paddle hard to get on their inside or outside to steal their wave) Do not 'drop in' either (take off on the wav when someone else if already on it)
4) Be verbal when catching a wave if you are in the right spot of you are paddling for an 'A' frame peak (wave that breaks left and right) Say 'my wave' or 'going right/ left' so other people know you are committed. There is nothing worse that someone looking like they are going to catch it and pulling back and not saying anything.
5) Have fun, be cool and don't litter. Respect the beach, each other and Mother Nature. If you follow this, the surf gods may reward you!
Any questions on this, please join our learn to surf lessons, surf tours or surf coaching clinics for a full understanding.
Stay safe and enjoy the surf.
