Surfing

Featured Article: Surfing Etiquette - The Lowdown

Even though it is fair to say that there are no specific rules when it comes to surfing etiquette, there are a number of unspoken guidelines that (almost) all surfers follow. These guidelines are in place to ensure the safety of surfers as well as increase the enjoyment of the sport. They basically revolve around being well mannered when on the water and respecting your fellow surfers. Let's take a look at some of them and why they are in place.

Rule No1 - Don't Drop In

If you are the closest surfer to a wave it is yours to surf. If not, leave it. Dropping in on someone else's wave is incredibly inconsiderate and won't win you any friends. Not only is it inconsiderate but if another surfer has already started to ride a wave when you drop in it could cause a bad accident - if in doubt, leave the wave and wait for the next one to come along.

Rule No2 - Don't Snake

This rule is pretty similar to the one above. Snaking basically means paddling around another surfer in order to get to the front of the queue for the best wave. This again is very disrespectful and won't go down well with your fellow surfers. Imagine how you would feel if you'd been waiting for ages only to have someone else paddle around you and steal your wave. If you can see someone has been waiting for a while to catch a wave let them have it and wait your turn.

Rule No3 - Keep a Hold of Your Board

There may be times on the water when you feel the need to let go of your board however try and limit this as much as possible. Surf Boards are large and heavy and can easily seriously hurt someone when not kept under control. Try and be aware of your fellow surfers and don't do anything that could harm them in any way.

Rule No4 - Know Your Place

Whilst this doesn't sound very nice you should be mindful of the fact that experienced surfers are probably already in a tight-knit group and surf together regularly in a specific location. Whilst no-one is stopping you from surfing in the same strip of sea it is advisable to leave them alone unless invited to join them. If you are a beginner and new to the sport it's a good idea to practice in your own space, at least until you can adhere properly to surfing etiquette or of course receive an invitation.

Rule No5 - Be a Safe Surfer

Almost all of the guidelines here have safety in mind in one form or another but even if you are surfing on your own it's a good idea to think about safety constantly. Only ride a board that is suitable for you and your level of expertise and make sure you wax it regularly before surfing. Keep your environment in mind too - every stretch of sea is different and you should be fully aware of the dangers.

Rule No 6 - Have a Good Attitude

No-one likes a surfer with a bad attitude so keep it in mind when you are surfing among others. Share the waves with other surfers and be mindful not to wave hog all of the good waves. Try and keep your emotions in tact and prevent arguments from occurring. By following the surfing etiquette you should not have many problems though you may find other surfers are unaware of the rules. If this is the case try and explain it to them without flipping out. Surfing is supposed to be a care free sport so try and keep it that way.

Laura Ginn writes for Extreme Sports X, an extreme sports magazine that is updated daily with news, reviews and feature length articles on every extreme sport you can think of.

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