Surfing Etiquette

If you’ve ever heard the term ‘kook’ then you would be well aware that you don’t want to be labelled one...

Everyone has their own meaning to the term ‘kook’ but for me it’s someone who has no awareness out in the line-up - which is different to being a terrible surfer. It wouldn’t bother me if you didn’t know how to surf, but actually knew how to handle yourself around other surfers. And, to be honest, I reckon a lot of people (including myself) would give you a lot of credit for being out there having a crack – as long as you were behaving yourself and following the proper etiquette.

However, in the off-chance you don’t know what to do when paddling out, here are a few tips.

Know where you’re surfing.

If you’re surfing at a new spot, respect the locals. It’s their home. They’ve grown up on that wave. Give it some time and get a feel for the pecking order. Once that has been established, you can start surfing and enjoying yourself.

Give priority to the surfer on the inside.

This one is a no brainer – especially if you’re surfing a point break. The rule of thumb is, whoever is closest to where the actual wave is breaking, they will ALWAYS have priority. Even if you’re surfing a beach break, where people might be spread out, you still need to establish the direction in which the wave is going towards and look to either side to see if someone is on your inside. If they are, don't do it - please.

Don’t drop in.

This is an extension of giving priority. The most hated person in the line-up is the one who drops in on people. You’re basically giving no respect to the other surfer, and essentially stealing their wave. Don’t be surprised if some choice words are directed at you, if you commit this cardinal surfing sin.

Don’t snake anyone.

Pretty much up there with dropping in on someone. Additionally, there is just something about snaking that always leaves a sour taste in your mouth. It’s basically disregarding someone on your inside and deciding to paddle around the back (or front) of them to position yourself on the inside, thus making it seem as if the other surfer has, in fact, dropped in on you. It’s just a sneaky thing to do that will probably result in a few friendly locals waiting to have a ‘chat’ in the car park.

Duck diving.

Not so much an etiquette thing, but more just common knowledge. When paddling back out after catching a wave and a set comes through and there just happens to be a surfer on the wave in front of you. Instead of paddling as fast as you can to get in front of the surfer – which is often how we think - paddle towards where they are, because by the time you get to that specific point, they will be well and truly down the wave. If you continue to paddle towards to gap you see in front of the surfer, by the time you get there, they will be there and it’s going to end in tears.

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It's up to you whether you follow these tips, but rest assured, if you do, you're going to have a pretty sweet time out in the surf.

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