Surfing Series: Surf Etiquette

Whenever you land in a beach town, and head down to the surf, you’ll notice a lineup of surfers in the water, sitting, waiting, wishing for the next wave to be theirs.

Surfing is as much about watching others rip on a wave as it is about you ‘perfecting’ your surfing. There are plenty of waves to go around, especially at Playa Guiones, so take your time out there and follow these simple surf etiquette tips to enjoy your days out in the surf.

Photo Credit: Boardcave.com

Safety

There’s good reason for order out in the waves. For one thing it’s about safety. When you first get to a new break, spend some time watching it. Watch the lineup, the ebb and flow of the waves and the movement of the surf. As you take it all in, notice how the wave breaks, and how gracefully surfers take to the waves.  

A Wave for your Level

Do your research or ask around. Surf in waves that are right for you and your ability level, to have the best time out there. If you’re a beginner surfer, we recommend taking a few surf lessons before you head out on your own.

Photo Credit: Daily Breeze & Laylan Connelly

Don’t Drop In on Someone’s Wave

It’s as simple as that, if you don’t drop in on someone else’s wave, you’ll be good to go. If you do, apologize like crazy.

Don’t Be a Hog

No one ever liked the kid who took all the toys away from their friends, so don’t be that person that takes all the waves from everyone else. Share the waves to show others you understand the culture of surfing as much as you care about catching a few good waves.

Photo Credit: Mysurfblog.com

Localism

Locals are very protective of their waves because they’ve been surfing that wave for ions and you just found out about it because someone posted to social media about a new ‘secret’ surf spot. Show them respect and you’ll soon be catching your own waves.

Surfing etiquette is about appreciating the lifestyle of it all. Surfers typically live laidback, peaceful lifestyles, and so the next time you’re out in the surf, add a little zen to your surf stance to be recognized as the surfer who loves the art of it just as much as the next guy.