You can find all sorts of lists that go on and on about surfing rules, but at its core it really just boils down to 3 things:
- Be aware.
- Be respectful.
- Use common sense.
That’s it – if you can do those 3 things, chances are you’re going to have a good time in the water no matter where you’re surfing.
For the Wave Arcade take on the rules of surfing and surf etiquette, here you go:
- Know Your Limits: Surfing in conditions that are way out of your experience and skill level will put yourself and others in danger.
- Respect the Right of Way: The surfer closest to the peak has priority. Get to know how a wave breaks and where you should be taking off. Communicate your intentions so others can split the peak if possible.
- Don’t drop in: If someone is deeper than you or already surfing the wave, don’t drop it.
- Don’t snake: Snaking is when you deliberately paddle deeper than another surfer who was in position and is already paddling for a wave and take off.
- Avoid paddling in front of a surfer’s line: When you’re paddling out, try to take a wide route to avoid going in front of a surfer on the wave. If the space doesn’t allow for that, paddle behind the surfer towards the whitewater rather that trying to beat them to get over the shoulder.
- Don’t ditch your board: Hold onto your board at all times. If you wipe out, get control of your board as quickly as possible.
- Don’t be a dick: Be respectful of others, share waves, and don’t be an asshole.
- Stay calm, have fun, and enjoy.