The Boardshop Guide To Surf Etiquette

What do we mean by surfing etiquette?

Whether you are new to surfing or you are ripping like a pro, it is important to ensure you respect others and stay safe out in the water. With more and more people now taking up surfing, and with line ups more crowded than ever; ensuring that you are following Surf Etiquette is more important than ever to ensure that everyone stays safe and enjoys their time out in the surf. 

The illustration and guide that we have created below are intended to help you learn the rules of the sport. Surf Etiquette is a list of dos and don’ts that beginner, intermediate and advanced surfers should keep in mind whilst they are in the water - they apply to everyone regardless of their ability and where they are surfing in the world.

If you repeatedly drop in on fellow surfers or throw your board into them; this is not only dangerous for both you and the other surfers, but this could also land you in some unpleasant situations – especially if you aren’t surfing your home break.

Ultimately, no-one wants to look like a kook and end up recreating that Point Break scene where Utah ends up with a broken board (if only he had read this guide; he might still have his surfboard). We all just want to catch as many waves as possible and share the stoke.

Read on to learn more about Surf Etiquette and how to respect your fellow surfers below.    

It’s a good idea to join an official surfing organisation like Surf England; you get heaps of benefits and importantly insurance.

1. Right of Way

The fundamental rule in surfing is that the surfer closest to the peak always gets priority. In other words, if you are paddling for a wave and are planning to go right (right-hand wave), and a fellow surfer is on your left, then you must give priority to them.

2. Don't Drop In

In surfing, the general rule of thumb is one surfer per wave. If someone is paddling closer to the peak and takes off, then they have priority. If you get up and riding on the same wave ahead of that surfer, you are dropping in. This is the ultimate crime in surfing, don’t do it!

3. Don't Snake

Snaking is when a surfer paddles around one or more surfers to get closer to the peak and gain priority on the next wave. This is a no no; wait your turn!

4. Paddling out…Don't Get in The Way

When you paddle out to where the waves are breaking you should paddle wide of the peak, not through it. If someone is up and riding and you are on the inside of the breaking waves, stay put or paddle in the direction the surfer is coming from so that you end up behind and not in front of them. Once they have passed, carry on paddling out.

5. The Furthest Out Gets Priority

Although some longboarders may not use this rule wisely, they should leave some waves to shortboarders, in theory, they hold priority. Sense and sensibility tell us to avoid calling priority in all waves.

6. Do Not Throw Your Board

Surfboards are dangerous weapons, not only for yourself but to others around you. Always wear a leash and avoid ditching your board. If you kick out, fall, or wipe out, try to control your board.

7. Communicate What Will You Do

In case two surfers are sitting in the middle of the peak, and the wave opens to both sides in an A-frame wave, they should tell each other whether they're going right or left.

8. Give Respect to Gain Respect

Interact with other surfers in a civilized way, even if a minority is still learning good manners. If you're surfing in a place you don't know, respect the locals. And whenever an outsider visits your home break, treat him or her with respect and share a few waves.

Now you’re ready to go get some waves! We hope the illustration and guide that we have created help you to stay safe and have fun whilst you are out surfing.

If you have any questions about Surf Etiquette, or anything surfing related, we are always more than happy to offer advice… just give us a call on 01243 674250.

Banner image shot by Emma at Shutterbug. Instagram @shutterbuguk

Illustration drawn by Yasmin Edney.