Surfers Code

Surfing images by Papparatzi

It doesn't matter where you surf as these rules are pretty much global. Respect other surfers in the lineup by not 'dropping in'.

The surfer who is nearest the white water or breaking part of a wave in either direction - left or right has priority on the wave .

If you take off on a wave when another surfer is already riding it, heading towards you, you're dropping in - don't do it!

When surfing with friends it doesn't matter so much, as long as they don't mind!

But 'dropping in' on strangers can result in verbal/physical abuse and generally bring a bad vibe to the water.

Sometimes it can be done by mistake especially when there are lots of surfers, all surfing the same peak and takeoffs are fast.

If this is done, make sure you 'kick out' (surf out over the back of the wave) as soon as possible and allow the surfer with priority to continue on their way.

A surfer taking off, may shout or whistle if they think you are going to go for a wave on which they have priority (the inside postion) i.e. they are sitting deeper and are therefore nearest the most critical, breaking part of the wave.

Surfer B on the left has 'dropped in' on Surfer A, who now has nowhere to go.

You'll sometimes encounter surfers who shout for every wave, no matter what! In this situation a bit of common sense will work wonders.

Just do your thing and paddle for the wave and by all means compete for the wave but the 'drop in' rule remains the same.

Snaking
'Snaking' is achieved when a surfer deliberately paddles inside of a surfer who would normally have priority. It's a thin line between paddling for position and deliberately snaking someone.

If a surfer for instance took off deeper on a longboard and was up and riding early and you then caught the wave further inside as it reformed and shouted him off then this would be considered 'snaking'.

You might also sit tight until the last second and then paddle across someone who is paddling for a wave and take off deeper thus claiming priority. These are all considered to be 'snaking'.

Interference
Do not paddle in front of a surfer who is up and riding or across their path which normally involves paddling for the shoulder or unbroken part of the wave.

This can not only ruin the surfers ride but also put both of you in danger. If you paddle for the shoulder and don't make it in time then you could end up being run over and injured by the fins or nose of the board.

If surfing reef, the surfer up and riding may have to take avasive action, putting their own life in danger by turning towards rocks on the inside to avoid you.

Most competent surfers will do their best to avoid you by cutting back or steering around you and ultimately the rider has responsibility and control over the situation.

The surfer paddling in the foreground below is in the wrong and should be paddling to the right, towards the white water as quickly as possible.

If you have plenty of time then head for the shoulder. You must not spoil the ride of the surfer on the wave.

There are a few choices, depending on the scenario:

• Stop and wait for the surfer riding to pass by you and then duckdive the white water. Don't stop, if it's going to be a close call as you may end up causing more of a disruption.

• Paddle towards the shore. It doesn't feel like the most natural thing in the world to do as we seem to spend our surfing lives trying to get out the back but it's a good way to avoid a collision.

The surfer already up and riding will be travelling at speed away from you so even if they fall off, it's unlikely they'll land on you.

• Paddle in the opposite direction to the rider as fast as you can and prepare to duckdive the breaking part of the wave. It is your duty as a surfer not to disrupt someone elses wave and to take any punishment that the wave dishes out.

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