The Surfer’s Guide to Surfing Etiquette

From The Surfer's Guide - Sri Lanka

Dreaming of catching waves on your next vacation? While exotic destinations like Sri Lanka and Bali might beckon with their warm waters and epic breaks, it's important to remember that surfing is a shared experience with its own set of rules, also known as surf etiquette.

As surfing continues to grow in popularity, and waves around the world become more and more crowded, it’s more important than ever that everyone in the water follows these guidelines. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, it’s equally important that you do your part to ensure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable time in the water.

Here's a breakdown of key etiquette elements to keep in mind, no matter where you surf:

Know Your Limits: Choosing the Right Wave

Be honest about your skill level, and don’t paddle out to spots that are beyond your ability. Seriously. Charging headfirst on a rental board and cutting off experienced surfers is not only dangerous but disrespectful. It’s also important to remember that size matters–a big swell can make a spot you usually surf too dangerous, so pay attention to daily conditions.

Need some help determining your Surf Level? Check out our blog post on the subject.

Respect the Lineup

At almost every surf spot in the world, there’s a hierarchy in the lineup–top priority is given to locals, followed by the more advanced surfers. These surfers sit closest to the peak (the earliest point where the wave can be caught) and take the best set waves. Less confident surfers typically sit on the “shoulder” section, or more on the inside, and take waves that weren’t caught by the surfers with higher priority.

Generally speaking, priority is a term used to denote which surfer is next in the “queue”. There are two main criteria to consider: who is closest to the peak, and who has been waiting the longest? In a lineup of mixed skill levels, the more advanced surfers will always paddle to the peak and take priority–though it’s also their responsibility to share the waves. If you’re feeling overlooked, you’re likely sitting too far on the shoulder; try asking for help positioning and selecting a wave!

Don't Drop In!

Seriously, don’t do it! Unless you’re taking a party wave with friends, the general rule is one surfer per wave. It’s your responsibility to be aware of everyone around you in the water–look down the line before you paddle into a wave, and if someone is already riding it, pull out. Dropping in is extremely dangerous and disrespectful. If you do make this mistake, apologize as soon as you can, and consider giving that surfer the next wave as a sign of respect.

Control Your Board

Your surfboard is a great tool when it’s underneath you, but it will become a dangerous obstacle as soon as it slips away. That’s why controlling your board is a top priority. Don’t paddle out into the lineup if you can’t at least turtle roll to dodge set waves, and take care not to let go of your board, especially if there’s anyone behind you, or coming toward you on a wave.

Navigating Crowded Lineups

No one likes traffic, but it’s something we all have to deal with. It is crucial to navigate the lineup intelligently and keep certain “lanes” clear. As you paddle toward the peak, be aware of how the wave is breaking, and don’t paddle into the path of upright surfers. It’s best to paddle wide, around the path of the wave, so that you dodge both the surfers and the whitewash. Never paddle horizontally across the takeoff zone!

Of course, you’ll inevitably find yourself in the way of another surfer; maybe you paddled for a wave and didn’t make it, or you wiped out on one of the first few waves of a set. Try to recover quickly: get back on your board and analyze the situation. If someone is riding toward you on a wave, make eye contact with them and quickly move out of the way–it’s generally best to paddle toward the whitewash (if you don’t have enough time to paddle over the wave) so they can make it past safely. 

Spread the Aloha Spirit: Smile and Say Hello!

A friendly greeting and a simple "how's the surf?" can go a long way. Sharing a few words with fellow surfers fosters a positive vibe in the water. Complimenting a surfer on a good wave might sound cheesy, but it's another great way to build camaraderie. Similarly, a quick "you okay?" after a wipeout shows you care.

Leave the Bad Vibes at Home

Surfing etiquette transcends location. If your home break lacks courtesy, ditch the negativity when you travel. Embrace the opportunity to learn and have fun!

Remember, Locals Are Often Your Hosts

The friendly surfer shredding waves might also be the one who taught your friend to surf. They could even be the chef at your favorite restaurant, finally enjoying some well-deserved time in the water. Treat them with respect.

Localism Isn't Always a Bad Thing

"Localism" gets a bad rap, but sometimes it serves a purpose. Locals might advise you against a certain spot for safety reasons. Respect their knowledge and understand they might be looking out for you. Always show locals priority in the lineup!

---

Surfing Etiquette: A Shared Responsibility

Surfing in Sri Lanka, or anywhere else, thrives on mutual respect. Be kind, follow the rules, and prioritize having fun. If unsure, remember the words of surfing legend Duke Kahanamoku:

"Just take your time—wave comes. Let the other guys go, catch another one."

By following these tips, you'll contribute to a positive surfing environment for everyone in the water. Now get out there and catch some waves!