Comments on: Surfing Etiquette

By: Norm

Norm — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 11:55:36 +0000

I think these ‘rules’ are, overall, excellent. I do have one reservation though with rule 4. Of course I agree we shouldn’t just throw our boards, but that might suggest to a beginner to never ditch at all. There are times, espec for beginners, like going over the falls on a powerful wave or getting caught in closeout, where holding onto your board can seriously injure you and you need to put some distance between you and your board. So, I could add – sure, don’t throw your board – but don’t try to hold on to it at all costs in dangerous situations either.

By: anonymus

anonymus — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 10:23:56 +0000

yea this article couldnt be much more correct. these are ALL important rules. If you do say sorry and you get verbal abuse, a dirty look, or no reply, don’t be too suprised. Dont worry though, if you accidentally break one of these rules don’t sweat, just dont do it again. Because thats when your’e in trouble. ENJOY SURFING!!

By: c.palmer

c.palmer — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 22:13:23 +0000

Thanks for the info. I surf in Hawaii where the localism is very heavy on certain beaches. The thing that irritates me the most is the locals who think they own the beach and feel the need to have EVERY wave… Then if you take one, they get all mad. (like they haven’t had a wave all day)

By: lokalsoul

lokalsoul — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 07:20:53 +0000

wow great info, and even greater illustration. i hope you guys don’t mind if I repost this on my blog and absolutely credit and link back to your site. thanks!

By: Chance

Chance — Sun, 16 May 2010 18:48:41 +0000

Howzit?!

Surfers of all levels need to be reminded about etiquette. You guys did an unreal job. We posted a logo link to the Surfing Handbook on our “FREE SURF CAMS AND LINKS” page at http://www.morewaves.com MUCHO ULTRA MAHALOS!!!!!

By: lookn0ver

lookn0ver — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 12:40:52 +0000

i sit on the way outside waiting for my peak which i sniffed out from the horizon letting all others go by. i know i am watched by the line up of shortboarders who naturally are more experienced at maneuvering and cutting and shredding and whatnot so what! my point is these intimidaters park themselves RIGHT in my path of execution like clockwork AND IF i get hit by a cleanup GUESS who i am going to get washed into…??? THIS happens more than i want to say. MY inexperience is none of everyone’s concern when i have gone to lengths to ensure i am out of everyone’s way in the very beginning . just because you(WHOMEVER YOU ARE!) can surf better does not automatically make you A GOD and the lesser surfer the dirty rascal . RESPECT IS A 2way STREET.
if i give it and i do not get in return …there will be a mishap and whatever happens out there will be on YOU not my inexperience. i fight to find my own spot and if i am followed and crowed by intimidation practices alot of you have acquired over the course of your short life there WILL be a mishap. and truly i have as much right as you to be there REGARDLESS of my level when i have gone to great lengths to give everyone their own space.
The line-up has a misplaced TUDE and i will never sit in one BASICALLY because there is not one thing gracious and human about it.THIS IS NOT OVER!

By: goatboater

goatboater — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 23:10:37 +0000

i was surfing my local breack (the same one i have done for about 3 years )and some holiday maker comes out on a minimal thinking he knows surf etiquette so hes about 10 meters to the left of me and the wave broke between us and we could have gone for a split by then i had already took of to run to the right down the face he was still paddleing and looked like he was about to fall of the back of the wave (wich he did) if he paddled a bit more he could of easly run a left down the clean peeling face. as i was paddleing back out he starts shouting and cursing saying how i need to go and study surf etiquette because he said i droped in on him !when it was him the failed to even get on the wave

By: Dyl

Dyl — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 16:42:32 +0000

Glad I’ve read this, recently got in to surfing and i’m off to Morocco next week. Although familar with most do’s and dont’s i’m a lot more clear after reading this.

Cheers

By: johnny

johnny — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 00:10:38 +0000

really enjoy your blog. I recently moved to SoCal and have been surfing a lot. This etiquette page is great for any new surfer. I tried to go by common sense and had some run ins with people (quick apology usually sufficed), but in general i learned the rules quickly by just being out there. I have met a lot of nice people out in the water, BUT, what i have learned, is that there will always be a couple of real DOUCHEBAGS at every break that think they run things. I try to move away from those people, because their attitude ruins my session, but given the type of break you may not be able to get too far.

Everyone just wants to go out and have fun, if everyone is being safe, there is no reason for people to be a dick. There will be more waves rolling right in behind the one you are arguing about.

By: Biff

Biff — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 17:12:41 +0000

Great rules. I’d add an important one: even if somebody breaks the rules, which they will, probably everytime you go out now, try not to be a dick. Inform them of what they did wrong, but don’t vibe them. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen guys give attitude to some newbie, then turn around and break a rule themselves. surfing could do without the righteousness!