Surf Etiquette Explained: Respecting the Lineup and Fellow Surfers

Don’t be the surfer nobody wants to share a lineup with. Here are the golden rules of surf etiquette, explained.

The surf lineup is a sacred place. A place of focus, dedication, and meditation. But when people forget the code, it can become a war zone. There are few things worse than paddling out and getting screamed at, waved off, or even knocked off your board by an unhappy local.

It doesn’t have to be like that. With some common courtesy and shared respect, we can all have a blast in the waves while keeping the lineup friendly.

What’s in this surf etiquette article?

Why surf etiquette is a big deal
Golden rules every surfer should know
How to read the lineup like a boss
Common beginner mistakes that ruin lineups

Why Surf Etiquette Is More Important Than You Might Think

Surf etiquette is not something to ignore. It’s not for “mallrats”, city surfers, or casual longboarders.

It’s the difference between people having fun in the waves or slamming into one another, getting injured, or having ragers in the lineup. Surfing has rules and customs for a reason.

How many of you have wondered if surfing is dangerous? It depends on if surfers know what they are doing and have respect for other surfers, the waves, and the oceans. Studies and experts agree that obeying surf etiquette can keep the sport safe for everyone.

According to available data, 6.6 injuries occur per 1000 surf sessions. A large majority of 55% of surf injuries involve the surfer’s board shooting off in all directions during wipeouts. The best way to reduce the incidence of both? Following surf etiquette is non-negotiable.

Sources and surf instructors from schools know the importance of etiquette, as it’s taught from day 1 right alongside paddling, popping up, and other basic techniques. The more experienced a surf instructor is, the more they understand that any newquay surfing lessons, or wherever you’re located must include the code of the lineup, not just the technical details of surfing.

The Golden Rules Every Surfer Needs to Know

There are a few core rules to know before paddling out. Here’s a quick summary of what every surfer should know:

Right of way rule – the surfer closest to the peak has priority

This is the most important rule of all. It doesn’t matter if someone drops in, goes late, or slices up your wave. If you are up and going first, you have right of way.

Dropping in on another surfer in the lineup is the fastest way to make new enemies. The pecking order in a lineup is real, and disrespecting it is asking for trouble. You will be yelled at, pushed off your board, or worse.

Do not snake

Snaking is sneaky and sneaky moves put all surfers around you in danger. Snaking is paddling around other surfers to move closer to the peak and steal their priority. Experienced surfers catch this and disapprove.

If there is someone paddling in front of you on the shoulder (next to the peak), wait your turn. The waves aren’t going anywhere, even if a wave opportunity comes along now and then.

Paddle wide

The other big beginner error is paddling right through the impact zone of the waves instead of around it.

When paddling out after riding a wave, surfers should always paddle wide around the breaking parts of the wave, not through the impact zone. This is because a surfer paddling through the impact zone places themselves directly in the path of surfers on the wave.

In other words, the surfer paddling through the impact zone becomes a hazard to everyone else. Paddling wide might take more time, but it’s less tiring than having to bail on a wave after your path is blocked.

Call your direction in the lineup

Surfing is a full-contact sport, and collisions are common. There are ways to minimize the risk and danger.

If a wave breaks to the left and the right (aka A-frame), someone should call their direction (going left/right). A basic, clear shout-out is an easy way to avoid mid-wave collisions and missing out on waves.

The big exception is at smaller beach breaks. For example, if a wave breaks to the left and the right but is not big enough to rip to both directions, it’s not an A-frame. Experienced surfers will know the difference.

Control your equipment

A loose board is a hazard and a surfer who ditches their board is a danger to other people in the water.

The mantra? Control your equipment. This includes your surfboard, leash, paddle, wetsuit, fins, swim goggles, and towels. Dropping your board when a wave smashes into you makes your surfboard a dangerous projectile.

Never let go of your board when you wipe out. It can cause major injuries to the surfers around you. Instead, hold on tight and deal with it once you reach the outside. If your leash breaks or snaps, get the hell out of the water ASAP and fix the problem.

Read the lineup before paddling out

The lineup is an ever-changing thing. What happens in the water minute to minute can be different from how it looks on the beach.

Before paddling out, it’s wise to spend at least 10-15 minutes watching the lineup from the beach.

Ask yourself questions like: where are all the good surfers sitting? How big are the sets? Are there lots of people in the water or is it super crowded? Is it a friendly vibe or territorial? What are the wave patterns? Can you spot a left and a right on every wave?

Don’t think about this as a waste of time, when in fact, it’s setting yourself up for success. Plus, by showing you are taking an interest, you are showing respect to the lineup.

Beginner surf mistakes you make

On the flip side, let’s have a look at what NOT to do in a lineup…

Paddling straight to the peak

We all want the best wave position possible. But barging straight for the inside line on the peak is seen as disrespectful in most lineups.

Advanced surfers and local regulars have earned the right to be at the peak. As a beginner, it is highly recommended that you sit on the shoulder when paddling out and make your way in gradually.

Wave hogging

A wave hog is someone who takes every single wave. In longboarding and surfing SUPs, this is especially egregious due to the wave-catching ability of these boards.

Learn to take turns with other surfers in the water. Wave hogging gets lineups hostile and causes bad confrontations.

Surfing outside of your ability

This is both a selfish and dangerous move. The key here is to understand when conditions are beyond your ability.

Sometimes this is obvious, like when the surf is clearly too big. But what about when the waves are small but super sketchy? A good way to spot this is if all the advanced surfers are sitting out.

Crowded lineups need extra care

Crowded lineups and packed peaks are challenging for everyone.

The more people in the water the more etiquette is needed. Be extra vigilant, actively communicate your intentions, ready to kick out when packed, and demonstrate patience. There are simply fewer waves to go around.

Lineups are not always fun, especially when it’s packed. Surfing elsewhere might be a better decision.

Showing respect to local surfers is key

Don’t like it when people stare at you on your board? Or yell at you as they paddle by?

Surfers that spend years at a break are going to have the power to make other surfers feel uncomfortable.

Local surfers and regulars at a break have been there for years. These people should be respected for the time and energy they have put into a place. Not blocked or disrespected.

Tips to show respect to the local surfers: