Attention Kite Boarders, Paddle Boarders, and Surfers: Etiquette Revisited!
By: Beachmonkey, posted by MickeyWeems October 5, 2012 5:33 pm in Social Life
Here is a great guide on surfing etiquette I got from wblifesurf.com. With the growing hurricane swells on the east coast, many people will be hitting the waves this week. Here are some things to remember:
Kite Boarders with Surfers
When riding in surf, add the following rules that apply in the surf zone:
1. The kiter, windsurfer, or surfer nearest to the peak has the wave, and all others should back off.
2. Never ride through a pack of surfers or spray them.
3. When leaving the beach, yield to any kiter, windsurfer, or surfer who is on a wave.
4. Only ride in the surf if you are surfing waves. Work your way back upwind outside of the waves.
When you meet another kiter, be courteous and position your kite in a way that allows the other rider to cross your path easily. If you are further upwind, hold your kite high. If you are downwind, bring your kite low. It’s as simple: don’t be a dick.
There are a lot of waves out there - the ocean is not going to run out. Be a courteous rider on the water and everyone will be much nicer back on the beach.
Paddle Boarders with Surfers
1. Just because you can doesn't mean you should.
Most SUP surfers have no problem getting their wave count. Don’t paddle out at the most popular surf spot, sit on the outside, and start catching every set wave. If there are other surfers in the lineup, let them know that you are watching out for them, and if they are in position then let them have the wave.
2. Get out of denial.
If you think the #1 rule (above) doesn’t apply, it probably does. No matter how cool you think you look catching every wave and riding it to the beach right past other surfers, realize that they have as much right to be out there as you do. Learn how to share.
3. Search.
These boards let you surf places you might not have otherwise surfed so take advantage of that. Oftentimes there are plenty of quality surf spots a short paddle from other popular spots. If you look from the beach and see a bunch of surfers sitting on one peak, paddle down the beach and find your own spot.
4. Know your ability and master your equipment.
Most surfers who try standup surfing consider themselves fairly advanced. But putting a paddle in your hands is a foreign experience. Best believe it is not easy! Until you are competent at staying on the board both paddling out and riding a wave, don't put yourself and others at risk by SUP surfing in a crowded lineup of other surfers or swimmers.
5. Sit and relax.
After catching a wave, instead of rushing out and catching the next set wave right away, sit down on your board and relax for a couple of minutes. The other surfers will appreciate it. See RULE #1.
6. Communicate.
Call out approaching sets. Use your vertical position as a benefit to others. If you see a set coming to the right where a group of surfers are sitting, let them know that they need to paddle out. You can also let others know if you see a shark, jellyfish, or other threatening marine life. It is all being an ambassador of this new sport, and letting other surfers know that you respect them and are looking out for them, not just hogging all of the waves.
Surfers with Surfers
Surfing Etiquette is the most important thing to learn before setting foot in the surf. These rules are not so much “rules” as they are a proper code of conduct designed to keep everyone in the water safe and happy. People who repeatedly break these rules are often given the stink-eye, a stern talking to, yelled at with obscenities, or just flat out beat up.
Don’t worry - if you accidentally drop in on someone, they aren’t going to beat you up. However, there are rules of the road out there and this is the real world. If you’re constantly stealing waves or not being respectful, you’re going to have a run-in.
With the growing popularity of surfing, the number of people in the water is on the rise and unfortunately surfing etiquette is gradually eroding away. The ocean is a dangerous place, and without proper thought to safety it can become deadly.
New surfers should memorize these rules, and even veterans should take a refresher course now and then.
1. Right of way - learn it and obey.
The surfer closest to the peak of the wave has the right of way. This means if you’re paddling for a right, and a surfer on your left is also paddling for it, you must yield to him or her. There are a couple variations to this rule:
If someone is up riding a wave, don’t attempt a late takeoff between the curl/whitewater and the surfer. If the surfer who’s riding the wave wants to make a cutback she’ll run right into you.
Just because the whitewater catches up to a surfer riding a wave doesn’t give you permission to take off down the line. Many talented surfers can outrun the section and get back to the face of the wave.
A-Frames or Split Peaks: If two surfers are on either side of the peak, they each have the right of way to take off on their respective sides. It’s not generally accepted to take off behind the peak unless there’s nobody on the other side. These surfers should split the peak and go opposite ways.
If a surfer riding a wave gets closed out with an impossible section or wipes out, the next surfer down the line can take off. If you’re a very new beginner, hold off on doing this anyway until you have a bit more experience.
If a wave is breaking towards itself (a closeout) and two surfers are taking off at each other, yes both have the right of way. But this is a perilous situation and it’s advisable to kick out early to avoid a collision.
2. Don’t drop in.
This is related to Rule #1. This is probably the most important part of surfing etiquette. Dropping in means that someone with the right of way is either about to take off on a wave or is already riding a wave, and you also take off on the same wave in front of him or her. This blocks his ride down the line, and is extremely annoying, not to mention dangerous. If you are tempted to drop in remember this: no matter how good the wave is, if you drop in on someone you’ll feel like crap, the other surfer will be pissed, and the wave will be ruined for everyone.
3. Paddling rules:some common sense surfing etiquette rules that people don’t seem to realize are important.
Don’t paddle straight through the heart of the lineup where people are surfing. Paddle out through the channel where the waves aren’t breaking and people aren’t surfing. Sometimes at spread-out beach breaks this is hard, but usually there is a less crowded area to paddle through.
When paddling back out, do NOT paddle in front of someone riding a wave unless you’re well, well in front of him. You must paddle behind those who are up and riding and take the whitewater hit or duckdive. You’ll appreciate this the next time you’re up on a wave.
Sometimes you’ll just end up in a bad spot and won’t be able to paddle behind a surfer. It’s your responsibility to speed paddle to get over the wave and out of his or her way. If you don’t do this, he or she might just run you over!
4. Don’t ditch your board.
This is important, especially when it gets crowded. Always try to maintain control and contact with your board. Surfboards are large, heavy, and hard. If you let your board go flying around, it is going to eventually clock someone in the head. This means if you’re paddling out and a wall of whitewater is coming, you don’t have permission to just throw your board away and dive under. If you throw your board and there is someone paddling out behind you, there is going to be carnage. This is a hard rule for beginners, but if you manage to avoid picking up the habit of throwing your board you will be a MUCH better surfer.
5. Snaking is kapu (forbidden).
"Snaking” is when a surfer paddles around another surfer in order position himself to get the right of way for a wave. He is effectively making a big “S” around a fellow surfer. While not immediately hazardous to your health, this is incredibly annoying. You can’t cut the lineup. Patiently wait your turn. Wave hogs don’t get respect in the water. Also, being a local doesn’t give you permission to ruthlessly snake visitors who are being polite. If they’re not being polite, well…
6. Beginners: don’t paddle out to the middle of a packed lineup.
This is kind of open to interpretation, but it still stands: if you’re a beginner, you should try to avoid paddling out into the middle of a pack of experienced veterans. Try to go out to a less crowded beginner break. You’ll know you’re in the wrong spot if you get the stink-eye!
7. Don’t be a wave hog.
Just because you can catch all the waves doesn’t mean you should. This generally applies to longboarders, kayakers, or stand up paddlers. Since it’s easier to catch waves on these watercraft, it becomes tempting to catch them all, leaving nothing for shortboarders on the inside. Give a wave, get a wave.
8. Respect the beach. Don’t litter.
Simple as that. Pick up your trash, and try to pick up a few pieces of trash before you leave even if it’s not yours.
9. Drive responsibly.
The locals who live in the residential areas near the beach deserve your respect. Don’t speed or drive recklessly.
10. If you mess up:
Nobody really mentions this in surfing etiquette lists, but if you mess up and accidentally drop in or mess up someone’s wave, a quick apology is appreciated, and goes a long way to reducing tension in crowded lineups. You don’t have to grovel at their feet (well, unless you did something horrible). Honestly, if you drop in on someone and then ignore them, it’s pretty stupid.
* * *
This might seem like a lot of stuff to remember, but in time it will become second nature. Most surfing etiquette rules are common sense anyway.
Have fun in the water!
Sources-Thesurfinghandbook.com, surf-station.com, thekiteboarder.com. wblivesurf.com
Kite Boarders with Surfers
When riding in surf, add the following rules that apply in the surf zone:
1. The kiter, windsurfer, or surfer nearest to the peak has the wave, and all others should back off.
2. Never ride through a pack of surfers or spray them.
3. When leaving the beach, yield to any kiter, windsurfer, or surfer who is on a wave.
4. Only ride in the surf if you are surfing waves. Work your way back upwind outside of the waves.
When you meet another kiter, be courteous and position your kite in a way that allows the other rider to cross your path easily. If you are further upwind, hold your kite high. If you are downwind, bring your kite low. It’s as simple: don’t be a dick.
There are a lot of waves out there - the ocean is not going to run out. Be a courteous rider on the water and everyone will be much nicer back on the beach.
Paddle Boarders with Surfers
1. Just because you can doesn't mean you should.
Most SUP surfers have no problem getting their wave count. Don’t paddle out at the most popular surf spot, sit on the outside, and start catching every set wave. If there are other surfers in the lineup, let them know that you are watching out for them, and if they are in position then let them have the wave.
2. Get out of denial.
If you think the #1 rule (above) doesn’t apply, it probably does. No matter how cool you think you look catching every wave and riding it to the beach right past other surfers, realize that they have as much right to be out there as you do. Learn how to share.
3. Search.
These boards let you surf places you might not have otherwise surfed so take advantage of that. Oftentimes there are plenty of quality surf spots a short paddle from other popular spots. If you look from the beach and see a bunch of surfers sitting on one peak, paddle down the beach and find your own spot.
4. Know your ability and master your equipment.
Most surfers who try standup surfing consider themselves fairly advanced. But putting a paddle in your hands is a foreign experience. Best believe it is not easy! Until you are competent at staying on the board both paddling out and riding a wave, don't put yourself and others at risk by SUP surfing in a crowded lineup of other surfers or swimmers.
5. Sit and relax.
After catching a wave, instead of rushing out and catching the next set wave right away, sit down on your board and relax for a couple of minutes. The other surfers will appreciate it. See RULE #1.
6. Communicate.
Call out approaching sets. Use your vertical position as a benefit to others. If you see a set coming to the right where a group of surfers are sitting, let them know that they need to paddle out. You can also let others know if you see a shark, jellyfish, or other threatening marine life. It is all being an ambassador of this new sport, and letting other surfers know that you respect them and are looking out for them, not just hogging all of the waves.
Surfers with Surfers
Surfing Etiquette is the most important thing to learn before setting foot in the surf. These rules are not so much “rules” as they are a proper code of conduct designed to keep everyone in the water safe and happy. People who repeatedly break these rules are often given the stink-eye, a stern talking to, yelled at with obscenities, or just flat out beat up.
Don’t worry - if you accidentally drop in on someone, they aren’t going to beat you up. However, there are rules of the road out there and this is the real world. If you’re constantly stealing waves or not being respectful, you’re going to have a run-in.
With the growing popularity of surfing, the number of people in the water is on the rise and unfortunately surfing etiquette is gradually eroding away. The ocean is a dangerous place, and without proper thought to safety it can become deadly.
New surfers should memorize these rules, and even veterans should take a refresher course now and then.
1. Right of way - learn it and obey.
The surfer closest to the peak of the wave has the right of way. This means if you’re paddling for a right, and a surfer on your left is also paddling for it, you must yield to him or her. There are a couple variations to this rule:
If someone is up riding a wave, don’t attempt a late takeoff between the curl/whitewater and the surfer. If the surfer who’s riding the wave wants to make a cutback she’ll run right into you.
Just because the whitewater catches up to a surfer riding a wave doesn’t give you permission to take off down the line. Many talented surfers can outrun the section and get back to the face of the wave.
A-Frames or Split Peaks: If two surfers are on either side of the peak, they each have the right of way to take off on their respective sides. It’s not generally accepted to take off behind the peak unless there’s nobody on the other side. These surfers should split the peak and go opposite ways.
If a surfer riding a wave gets closed out with an impossible section or wipes out, the next surfer down the line can take off. If you’re a very new beginner, hold off on doing this anyway until you have a bit more experience.
If a wave is breaking towards itself (a closeout) and two surfers are taking off at each other, yes both have the right of way. But this is a perilous situation and it’s advisable to kick out early to avoid a collision.
2. Don’t drop in.
This is related to Rule #1. This is probably the most important part of surfing etiquette. Dropping in means that someone with the right of way is either about to take off on a wave or is already riding a wave, and you also take off on the same wave in front of him or her. This blocks his ride down the line, and is extremely annoying, not to mention dangerous. If you are tempted to drop in remember this: no matter how good the wave is, if you drop in on someone you’ll feel like crap, the other surfer will be pissed, and the wave will be ruined for everyone.
3. Paddling rules:some common sense surfing etiquette rules that people don’t seem to realize are important.
Don’t paddle straight through the heart of the lineup where people are surfing. Paddle out through the channel where the waves aren’t breaking and people aren’t surfing. Sometimes at spread-out beach breaks this is hard, but usually there is a less crowded area to paddle through.
When paddling back out, do NOT paddle in front of someone riding a wave unless you’re well, well in front of him. You must paddle behind those who are up and riding and take the whitewater hit or duckdive. You’ll appreciate this the next time you’re up on a wave.
Sometimes you’ll just end up in a bad spot and won’t be able to paddle behind a surfer. It’s your responsibility to speed paddle to get over the wave and out of his or her way. If you don’t do this, he or she might just run you over!
4. Don’t ditch your board.
This is important, especially when it gets crowded. Always try to maintain control and contact with your board. Surfboards are large, heavy, and hard. If you let your board go flying around, it is going to eventually clock someone in the head. This means if you’re paddling out and a wall of whitewater is coming, you don’t have permission to just throw your board away and dive under. If you throw your board and there is someone paddling out behind you, there is going to be carnage. This is a hard rule for beginners, but if you manage to avoid picking up the habit of throwing your board you will be a MUCH better surfer.
5. Snaking is kapu (forbidden).
"Snaking” is when a surfer paddles around another surfer in order position himself to get the right of way for a wave. He is effectively making a big “S” around a fellow surfer. While not immediately hazardous to your health, this is incredibly annoying. You can’t cut the lineup. Patiently wait your turn. Wave hogs don’t get respect in the water. Also, being a local doesn’t give you permission to ruthlessly snake visitors who are being polite. If they’re not being polite, well…
6. Beginners: don’t paddle out to the middle of a packed lineup.
This is kind of open to interpretation, but it still stands: if you’re a beginner, you should try to avoid paddling out into the middle of a pack of experienced veterans. Try to go out to a less crowded beginner break. You’ll know you’re in the wrong spot if you get the stink-eye!
7. Don’t be a wave hog.
Just because you can catch all the waves doesn’t mean you should. This generally applies to longboarders, kayakers, or stand up paddlers. Since it’s easier to catch waves on these watercraft, it becomes tempting to catch them all, leaving nothing for shortboarders on the inside. Give a wave, get a wave.
8. Respect the beach. Don’t litter.
Simple as that. Pick up your trash, and try to pick up a few pieces of trash before you leave even if it’s not yours.
9. Drive responsibly.
The locals who live in the residential areas near the beach deserve your respect. Don’t speed or drive recklessly.
10. If you mess up:
Nobody really mentions this in surfing etiquette lists, but if you mess up and accidentally drop in or mess up someone’s wave, a quick apology is appreciated, and goes a long way to reducing tension in crowded lineups. You don’t have to grovel at their feet (well, unless you did something horrible). Honestly, if you drop in on someone and then ignore them, it’s pretty stupid.
* * *
This might seem like a lot of stuff to remember, but in time it will become second nature. Most surfing etiquette rules are common sense anyway.
Have fun in the water!
Sources-Thesurfinghandbook.com, surf-station.com, thekiteboarder.com. wblivesurf.com
