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Writing the Unwrittens: Surf Etiquette for Beginners

© Nathan Myers

The rules of surfing are eternally unwritten. They undulate from break to break like the surface of the water, but like the water, they adhere to the laws of nature - the delicate balance between gravity and surface tension.

There are no referees in the water. There are no cops, supervisors, principals or mommies to run to when things go wrong. Surfers conduct themselves by a loose set of principles, which get passed down through the generations the way a mother bird teaches its young to fly, by nudging them out of the nest.

I can only tell you enough so that you can venture into the water and begin learning for yourself. Feel the rules. In the line-up, the vibe will tell you what's going on. The breeze will tell whether it is a day for sharing waves, or every-man-for-himself. Close your eyes and you will know whether it is a day for solemn silence, or a day to hoot and shout. The vibe will tell you.
You'll know when you know. You will.
Until then, remember this...

RIGHT OF WAY belongs to the surfer closest to the peak of the wave. Never drop in when somebody else is dropping in or surfing closer than you to the breaking part of the wave.

WHEN PADDLING OUT, the surfer on the wave has the right of way. Get out of his way. You might ruin his ride, or you might get a skag in your melon. (Shredders, please don't try to hit or even spray people who are paddling out, no matter how lame they are.)

NO COMPLAINING. No bitching, moaning, whining, belly-aching, or crying about the waves, the other surfers, your boss, or whatever. Shut up. Nobody wants to hear it.

THE BEST SURFERS ride the most waves, just as the big fish eats the most food and the small fish must struggle to survive and get bigger themselves. Leave your credentials on the beach. The ONLY thing that matters in the line-up is surfing ability.

SURF HIERARCHY extends to breaks as well. The best surfers surf the best spots. Don't try to learn on a world-class wave, you won't even get a chance. If you feel intimidated in the water, go somewhere else. There's bound to be a better learner spot. On beach breaks, the good surfers will convene on the best sand-bar, but there are usually plenty of other sand-bars for beginners to practice getting sucked over the falls.

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