Surf Etiquette. The basic rules of surfing

What are the rules of Surfing?

Surfing is one of the oldest sports with its own set of rules that have been developed over time to avoid injuries and conflicts with other surfers. Let's dive into it.

Find the waves that matches you surf skill level

This is perhaps the most important safety rule. Not all beaches are the same. If you are a beginner, choose places with small and gentle waves. You can even start with broken waves and foam, perfect for beginners! There are places with powerful waves that are only suitable for advanced and professional surfers, and some places with waves so intense that you have to be a little crazy to surf there.

If you are in a new place, ask the locals or surf shops which beach you can choose according to your level. Once you are on the beach, take your time on the shore and observe the behaviour of the sea, other surfers, and detect the current, the channels, the series, and the size of the waves in each one. Everything depends on the forecast.

Check the right way and respect the preference

The fundamental rule in surfing is to respect preference. The surfer closest to the peak or the one who has been waiting the longest has priority. So, you have to be patient and not try to catch a wave until it's your turn. However, there are situations where two surfers can catch the same wave if they are on opposite sides of the peak or in an "A-Frame" type wave. In that case, communication is important, and you have to inform the direction with a simple: "I'm going to the right", "yooo left brah!".

Do not «Drop in»

Cutting the wave in front of other surfers who are up and riding is an easy way of getting yourself into trouble or injuring other surfers. Again - observe the right of way!

Do not «Snake»

Paddling around another surfer to get into the inside position on a wave is not what you have to do. Don't be a snake. Be patient and enjoy. There are waves for everyone.

Do not hog the waves

If you ride foam boards or longboards, for example, boards like these with higher volumes can catch waves that shortboards cannot because shortboards need faster waves. Technically, you can catch the waves first every time you reach the line up, but don't do it often. Share!

Do not throw your surfboard away

Your board could be a very traumatic weapon. If you do have to leave your board, make sure there’s nobody around you, and get control of the board as soon as possible. If you can, try to grab the leash with one hand at the base where it connects to the board.

Respect to the locals

If you're surfing in a place full of foreigners or you see any surf schools, there is no problem. But you have to keep in mind that the locals who are surfing every day have their special spots, and you have to give respect. Some of them can be aggressive and even get you out of the water if you don't show respect. It’s like that, nothing to do.

Just apologize if you messed up

We all make mistakes, and accidents just happen. If you drop in on someone, run over someone, or break a rule, just apologize. It's just good manners that can smooth things over.

Leave the beach better than you found it

It has nothing to do with riding waves, but it’s just a small reminder that we have to care about our nature. Don’t let trash go to the ocean, and let’s enjoy clean beaches together!

Credits: Athena, Lucas Andrade