Don't be a kook! Here are a few tips to not only keep you & everyone around you safe, and also keep the vibes mellow while in the lineup at your local surf break....and hopefully prevent your tires from getting slashed, your ass beat in the parking lot, or worse than physical violence...being called out on social media.
We break it out into two sections for Beach & Reef/Point breaks, but these rules/guidelines can be universally used for all wave types. So know them all.
Lineup Etiquette for Beach Breaks:
- When paddling out don't paddle in front of people that are already surfing down the line. If you are not going to make it around the corner in time then paddle for the white wash, and take the hit if need be. It's usually best to paddle out headed away from any groups or packs. Catch a couple waves, then slowly drift towards them if this is where the best of the peaks are. This is called "easing into the lineup." People will respect your more, for not sitting on top of them right when you paddle out.
- Depending on the size and wave-period intervals don't sit on the inside of the lineup where everyone else will be dropping in beause you will just end up either getting hit or causing someone to fall. Obviously this can be ignored if you are ripper and know what the F!#K you are doing, but is more of a guideline for the rest of us.
- If a wave is about to break on you while paddling out don't just ditch your board and let your leash do all the work. This is a great way to hit someone behind you, and don't forget that leashes can stretch pretty far.
- Don't paddle-hassle. If you see someone deeper than you paddling for the wave be sure to pull back, unless it is clearly obvious they won't be making it. This allows the person going focus on surfing the wave more, and not on some knuckle head squirming on the shoulder, wondering if he's about to get burned. Additionally, depending on the conditions, i.e. it's perfect or Epic (like our racks) the person on the shoulder squirming around might actually cause the wave to break early, and ruin a clearly nice smashable section, or cause the barrel to collapse, blowing the section for who is deeper.
- Last but certainly not least: Don't Drop In On People! EVER! If you're not familiar with this, here's a quick refresh: the surfer dropping in to the waves that is closest to the area of the wave that is breaking always has the right of way. Now we get it, stuff can happen fast out there, and sometimes you might not see someone, and you burn them by accident. If this ever happens, be sure to paddle over and genuinely apologize, and explain your F-up. This typically alleviates any tension moving forward, and shows respect. Just don't use this as a get out of jail free card.
Lineup Etiquette for Reef/Point Breaks:
- On your way out?: Always paddle into the channel!! This is off usually to the side of the main peak where no waves are breaking. This not only makes for an easier paddle-out, but keeps you out of the way.
- Just like a beach break there will be an inside section and an outside one. Be vigilant as to not get hit by outside sets or surfers.
- Don't back paddle! This is really a rule for every wave type, but we put it in the reef section because typically reefs break in the same spot. If a nice open face wave is seen out the back and you see a guy sitting where the wave is going to break, and that guy will likely have priority, don't rush over there to get 12"-18" deeper than him, just so you can "claim priority". This can be construed as paddle hassling (#4 above), but just be aware of this tactic. It's not cool man. It's just not cool.
- Know your limits. If you don't think you can make it out chances are you won't make it back in either. Don't pick the biggest the days to learn how to surf a reef break. Start small, keep it fun & playful.
Bonus Tips:
Don't vlog and/or give out GPS coordinates of a more localized or even non-localized but well known advanced wave. People need to know their limits. Let's say it again: Know. Your. Limits. Said another way: Know. Your. Ability. If you're a beginner, or even low end of intermediate it's likely you shouldn't be spreading the whereabouts of these locations let alone paddling out at them. Not trying to be salty about this, but with more people in the lineup than ever, it's important to keep it as safe as possible. Getting stitches because some kook didn't know what they were doing can and should be avoided.
Happy Paddling, and Good Vibes to All!
Have any other tips? Please share them in the comments section!